Every state in the United States has its own laws governing requirements for pet owners. When it comes to vaccination requirements, the states mandate only one vaccine: rabies.
In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control announced that the United States was officially canine-rabies free. A dog can get rabies, however, if bitten by an infected mammal. The dog can then spread rabies into the human population through its saliva. Due to this risk, states mandate that the dog's vaccine is kept current.
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State Vaccine Requirements
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All states regulate the administration of rabies vaccines to dogs. The vaccines must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
Frequency of Vaccinations
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The frequency of the vaccine administration varies, with most states requiring one every three years (when the veterinarian is using a vaccine that lasts three years) or in accordance with the recommendations of the vaccine manufacturer. Washington D.C. and Vermont, however, require annual rabies boosters regardless of the manufacturer.
Failure to Vaccinate
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If a dog owner doesn't vaccinate his dog, or is unable to prove a vaccination occurred, he will be fined. If the dog bites a person and the rabies vaccine cannot be verified, the dog will remain in quarantine for 10 days.
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