North Dakota Legal + Public Health Guide

North Dakota Rabies Laws: Vaccination, Bite Reporting & Animal Control Rules

Pet Vaccination Requirements and Bite Response in North Dakota

North Dakota law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies and mandates reporting of animal bites to local authorities. Skunks are the primary rabies vector in North Dakota, with foxes and bats also posing risks to unvaccinated pets.

Quick Summary

Vaccination required: Dogs and cats
First vaccine: By 4 months of age
Booster: Per vaccine label (1-year or 3-year)
Bite reporting: To local authorities or county health unit
Quarantine: 10-day observation period

Quick Answer

North Dakota law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies and mandates reporting of animal bites to local authorities.

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

North Dakota Century Code §36-01-28 requires reporting bites to state 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

Import or Entry Rules

This state may apply import or entry controls for some animals. Check official state guidance and verify current requirements with your veterinarian and local/state officials before transport.

Overview

North Dakota Century Code § 23-36 establishes the framework for rabies prevention in the state. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated, and animal bites must be reported to facilitate public health follow-up.

Skunk rabies is a significant concern in North Dakota, particularly in rural areas. Keeping pets vaccinated and reporting wildlife contacts immediately are the two most important prevention steps.

Vaccination Requirements

Dogs and cats must receive a rabies vaccine from a licensed veterinarian. The initial dose should be given by 4 months of age, with boosters following the licensed schedule.

Vaccination certificates must be maintained and may be requested by animal control, law enforcement, or health officials.

Dogs and cats must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian.
Booster intervals follow the vaccine label (1-year or 3-year).
Retain vaccination certificates as proof of compliance.

Bite Reporting and Quarantine

Animal bites must be reported to the county health unit or local law enforcement. A domestic dog or cat that bites a person is subject to a 10-day observation period.

Exposure to wildlife (especially skunks and bats) should be reported immediately. Post-exposure prophylaxis decisions are made in consultation with the ND Department of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cats required to have rabies shots in North Dakota?+

Yes. Both dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies in North Dakota.

What is the quarantine period for a biting dog in North Dakota?+

The biting animal is subject to a 10-day observation period to check for signs of rabies.

What should I do if a skunk bites my pet in North Dakota?+

Contact your veterinarian immediately for a rabies booster and report the exposure to your county health unit. Even vaccinated animals should receive a booster after wildlife exposure.

What should I do immediately after a possible rabies exposure in North Dakota?+

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.

North Dakota health & animal control contacts

Verify rules and report exposures with the relevant North Dakota 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.

North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services – Communicable Disease Control
www.health.nd.gov/Phone: (701) 328-2378

County and municipal health departments often have stricter or more detailed bite-reporting workflows than the state. Always check your county first.

Sources for North Dakota rabies law guidance

The summaries on this page are compiled from North Dakota statutes and the public guidance published by the agencies below. Statutes change; always confirm with the primary source for legal decisions.

North Dakota Century Code §36-01-28 — North Dakota Legislature

Last reviewed: 2025-01-20.

Compare rabies legal requirements across states:

Start with Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota. 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.