Although not required by state law, there are many other diseases for which your pet should be immunized annually. He/she can explain the pros and cons to you pertaining to which vaccine to use with your pet. However, your veterinarian may prefer to use a 1-year vaccine. Thereafter, the animal must be vaccinated at intervals of no longer than 36 months if a 3-year vaccine is used. Under the new rule, how many rabies shots will my cat need…and how often will we have to visit my veterinarian to get them?Ī: Dogs and cats in Texas must be vaccinated by a veterinarian by the time the animal is four months of age, then given a booster 12 months after the initial vaccination. At that time, you can discuss your dog's vaccination status and any other health issues with your veterinarian.

Your best course of action would be to make an appointment with your veterinarian to have your dog's health status assessed.

Immediately if he was given a 1-year vaccine.

in 22 months if he was given a 3-year vaccine.

If the vaccination given 14 months ago was your dog's SECOND rabies vaccination, your dog should have his next rabies vaccination I know I'm a little late for his yearly rabies shot, but can I wait a couple of years to get his next rabies shot?Ī: If the vaccination given 14 months ago was your dog's FIRST rabies vaccination, I have a 5-year old dog, and his last rabies shot was given about 14 months ago. By protecting your pet against rabies, you are also protecting yourself and your family, as your pet will be less likely to bring rabies into your house. A rabies vaccination is a lot like an 'insurance policy' for your pet - you don't necessarily want it, but it comes in really handy when you need it. For example, in 2002 there were 1,049 cases of rabies in animals. Since Texas is going from a one-year to a three-year rabies vaccination schedule, does that mean rabies is no longer a public health threat in our state?Ī: No! Each year many cases of rabies occur in Texas wildlife and domestic animals. Is Texas the only state with a 3-year rabies vaccination law?Ī: Currently, 32 other states require vaccination in accordance with the 3-year rabies vaccination law. Contact your city or county animal control agency for information on local rabies ordinances. If your city or county requires animals to be vaccinated against rabies on an annual basis, area pet owners must comply with that requirement. 826, Health and Safety Code) empowers local jurisdictions to establish more stringent rabies vaccination intervals than those outlined in the amendments to the Rabies Control and Eradication state law. I heard a rumor that my city can require dogs and cats in my area to be vaccinated against the rabies virus every year. Related Topics: Oral Rabies Vaccine Programsīelow are some commonly asked questions and answers concerning the recent change to Texas law concerning rabies vaccination intervals:

Do it yourself dog shots