Every state in the United States has its own laws regarding dog ownership and dog vaccines. Many states require that certain vaccines be obtained before the dog can be registered with the state or county. The most important dog vaccine requirements are those that pertain to the rabies vaccination, as rabies is communicable and can be harmful to humans.
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Basic Law
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Under the law of the Texas Department of Public Health, all pets have to be vaccinated by the time they reach 4 months of age. One year later, they are required to receive their vaccinations again. After your dog receives its one-year vaccinations, further vaccinations are required by law every three years in order to maintain the proper licensure. There are a number of immunizations that your dog can receive during this time, but the one that is the most important is the rabies vaccination, which is why it is required by Texas law.
Transport Laws
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All dogs over the age of 3 months and being transported into the state of Texas are required to have been vaccinated against rabies. In order for an animal to be considered vaccinated on a current basis, a period of at least 30 days must have elapsed between the travel date and the date of the initial vaccination. The rabies vaccination may last 12 months or 36 months depending on which vaccination is used.
Dog Bites
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If a dog has bitten another animal or a person, the owner must be able to provide paperwork showing that the dog has received a rabies vaccination within 12 months or 36 months depending on what vaccination was used. If the vaccination paperwork cannot be provided, or if the vaccination schedule is no longer current, Texas has specific protocols for vaccination and isolation that need to be followed. In the case of a dog not currently vaccinated, three rabies vaccinations must be administered, and strict isolation must be enforced for a period of 90 days.
Rabies Vaccination
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The recommended schedule for rabies begins with an initial vaccination at the age of 16 weeks or 4 months. The first annual rabies vaccination should occur one year later. Effective in March 2003, Texas requires that a dog be vaccinated for rabies once every three years past this point.
Distemper and Parvovirus Vaccination
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Although the distemper vaccination is not required by Texas law, it is still recommended that dogs receive it at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks. Another Distemper vaccination is required at 1 year of age, and then never again as this vaccination provides lifetime immunity. The Parvovirus vaccination is also recommended at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks of age, and the first annual vaccination following puppy shots will provide the dog with lifetime immunity to the virus. Both of these viruses can be deadly without the proper vaccination.
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