New Hampshire Rabies Laws: Vaccine Rules, Bite Reporting & Owner Duties
Vaccination Rules, Bite Reporting, and Exposure Steps for NH Pet Owners
New Hampshire law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies, with enforcement at the local and state level. Raccoons, bats, and foxes are the primary wildlife carriers in New England, making up-to-date pet vaccination essential.
Quick Summary
- Vaccination required
- Dogs, cats, and ferrets
- First vaccine
- By 3 months of age
- Booster
- 1-year vaccine first; then per label (up to 3 years)
- Bite reporting
- To local health officer or animal control within 24 hours
- Quarantine
- 10-day observation for domestic biting animals
Quick Answer
New Hampshire law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies, with enforcement at the local and state level.
Vaccination Rules
Booster within 12 months; then per vaccine label.
Licensed veterinarians administer rabies vaccine.
If requirements vary by county or city, confirm local compliance with animal control, your local health department, or a licensed veterinarian.
Bite / Scratch / Exposure Rules
New Hampshire Revised Statute §437:15 requires reporting bites to local health officer within 24 hours.
After any bite, scratch, or saliva exposure, promptly wash wounds and contact medical and veterinary professionals for guidance.
Quarantine / Observation
10-day observation for animals that bite humans.
10-day observation
New Hampshire Rabies Law Overview
RSA 436:100–107 governs rabies vaccination requirements in New Hampshire. Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian and carry current proof of vaccination.
Raccoons are the leading rabies vector in New Hampshire, with bats, foxes, and groundhogs also documented carriers. Wildlife-to-pet transmission is the most common exposure pathway.
Vaccination Requirements
Pets must receive an initial rabies vaccine no later than 3 months of age, followed by a booster one year later. Subsequent boosters follow the licensed interval of the vaccine used (1-year or 3-year products are both approved).
A licensed veterinarian must administer the vaccine and issue a certificate. Tags may be required by the municipality for dog licensing.
- Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated.
- Initial dose by 3 months; 1-year booster; then per label.
- Vaccination certificate required — keep it accessible.
Animal Bites and Exposure Response
Bites from animals must be reported to the local health officer within 24 hours. The biting animal (if a domestic dog, cat, or ferret) is subject to a 10-day confinement and observation period.
For exposures involving wildlife or unvaccinated animals, the local health officer and NH DHHS will advise on whether post-exposure prophylaxis (rabies shots) is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Hampshire require rabies vaccination for cats?+
Yes. Cats, dogs, and ferrets are all required to be vaccinated against rabies under RSA 436.
What is the fine for not vaccinating my dog in New Hampshire?+
Violations of the rabies vaccination law are a misdemeanor. Fines and enforcement vary by municipality. Contact your local health officer for specifics.
What happens after an animal bite in New Hampshire?+
Report the bite to your local health officer within 24 hours. The biting animal will be observed for 10 days. If rabies cannot be ruled out, post-exposure prophylaxis may be recommended.
What should I do immediately after a possible rabies exposure in New Hampshire?+
Wash wounds right away and contact a medical provider, your veterinarian, and local public-health or animal-control officials for case-specific guidance.
Related Guidance
Use these resources for next-step care, prevention details, and symptom guidance:
What to Do Next
- Confirm your pet's current rabies vaccination status and keep proof available.
- Review your local bite-reporting process before an emergency happens.
- Use the links above for post-exposure care, symptoms, vaccines, and risk assessment.
- Call local animal control or the local health department if an exposure occurs.
Verify locally: county and city rabies rules can differ from statewide guidance.
New Hampshire health & animal control contacts
Verify rules and report exposures with the relevant New Hampshire agency. If you have an active animal bite or potential rabies exposure, contact your nearest emergency room first, then file the bite report with the health authority below.
- New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services – Communicable Disease Sectionwww.dhhs.nh.gov/Phone: (603) 271-4496
County and municipal health departments often have stricter or more detailed bite-reporting workflows than the state. Always check your county first.
Sources for New Hampshire rabies law guidance
The summaries on this page are compiled from New Hampshire statutes and the public guidance published by the agencies below. Statutes change; always confirm with the primary source for legal decisions.
- New Hampshire Revised Statute §437:15 — New Hampshire Legislature
Last reviewed: 2025-01-20.
Related State Pages
Compare rabies legal requirements across states:
Start with Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. For prevention and response context, review rabies prevention for humans, symptoms guidance, WHO & CDC resources, and clinic finder support.
Trust and Medical Disclaimer
This is a practical summary, not legal advice, and rabies statutes and local ordinances can change. Always confirm current requirements with the official sources cited above or your state or local health department. For active exposure events, contact your local health department, veterinarian, or emergency clinician immediately.