How often do you have to get your dogs vaccinated for rabies?

Question

I have called many vets and they say that rabies booster is every 3 years. My vet says every 2 years. Do they even have a 2 year vaccine or is my vet wrong and trying to take me for a ride?

That's exactly what I thought! It's every 3 years. I just received a reminder that one of my dogs is due for her booster and it's been not quite 2 years ago.

Thanks!!!!!!

Just so there is no misunderstandings - Yes, I know rabies vaccinations is the LAW. My dogs are and always have been vaccinated against rabies and DHLPP. (which DHLPP is not manditory, by the way)

My dogs are 5 years old, so age is not a factor as far as the first initial vaccinations.

Answer 1

Your vet is trying to take you for a ride. Most states/counties/cities accept the booster as being good for 3 years, but some places still require you to get it every year (it is the same shot, either way)...

So, since the other vets are saying 3 years, then your vet is trying to get you to over vaccinate your pet to fund his house, car, etc...

I'd find a new vet!


Add: Here is a good place to get info on what shots your dog actually needs...

These are the guidelines issued to all VETS! Most just choose to ignore them...

http://www.aahanet.org/About_aaha/About_Guidelines_Canine06.html

Answer 2

Don't make hasty assumptions here. While it is true that there is a 3 year vaccine, it cannot be safely given to dogs who are less than 2 years of age. Puppies are given a 1 year vaccine for their first rabies shot. Then the following year, the dog may be given a 3 year vaccine if it has no history of allergies or poor health--otherwise a careful vet will give another 1 year vaccine and then begin using the 3 year vaccine after that. Yes, there is a 2 year vaccine but the 3 year is more commonly used.

However, you must also realize that the 3 year vaccine does not mean a 3 year license with animal control. In most communities even when you give the 3 year vaccine, you register the dog annually with the county for its tags.

Just remember that the age and health of the dog does make a difference as to the dose of the vaccine (1, 2, or 3). Also remember that no matter which vaccine is used, your county still requires annual licensing for tags. If you get annual rabies vaccines, the tags are given at the same time--otherwise you will need to visit your vet or the county to renew the license yearly even though you will not be getting a rabies shot because the dog has had a multi year vaccine.

Answer 3

My city requires a rabies vaccination every year, however my vet and my dogs breeder recommend doing the vaccine only every three years. The rabies vaccine is very powerful and can drain an animal for several days after it has been administered. It is also works for many years, not just one or three. Right now, there is research going into just how long the vaccine is active in dogs to determine what kind of regimin dogs should be on. There is also a blood test available from your vet that can test if your dog's vaccine is still working or if another needs to be administered. Results from this test can be presented to my city so that he doesn't need to be given a rabies vaccine annually to be licensed if the vaccine is still active.

Please help stop the over vaccination of our pets.

Answer 4

When your pup is 3 months old it can have it first rabie shot, which will only be good for one year. After that your pet will need to have its rabie shot every 3 yrs. You may need to ask though, most are 3 yr vaccines. There are some vets that use the 2 year vaccine. We have one in the next town over that uses 2 yr and 3 yr.

Answer 5

Depends on what you local ordinances specify. Most are every 3 years but some require rabies every year. Most also require that the vaccination be given by a Vet's office so records of the shot are kept.

Answer 6

There are two kinds of rabies vaccine now - the annual and a 3 year.
Florida allows the 3 year, but not every state does, so, if you travel with your dog where vaccinations will be looked at (RV resort in some populated areas, etc.) you will be better doing the annual. If not, the 3 year is fine.

Answer 7

When I took my dog in they put the expired date right on the vaccine paper. It says good for 1 year. I thought it was odd I thought they last for a couple. I wonder if there are different types. I bet some may last longer than others. I would call your vet and see if there are different types of rabies shots. If so he probably is telling the truth. I would go off of what they told you.

Answer 8

It used to be every 2 years. I believe that changed a couple of years back. It is now 3 years. Your vet may still be using the other vaccine that is only good for 2 years. Mine were on that up until 2 1/2 years ago. They were then switched to the 3 year vaccine.

Answer 9

It goes by state.

Most states after the first year booster goes to three years.

Call your county shelter to find out the law. Rabies is a legally required vaccine.

Answer 10

2 years is not necessary at all. The vaccine for Rabies is made to last AT LEAST 3 years and it is only required by law every 3 years. Get a new vet, yours is full of it.


Edit: I am shocked that everybody is saying 1 year. The manufacturers of the vaccine have a guaranteed immunity for THREE YEARS! If you do it every year it puts a strain on the immune system and that's not healthy at all. Pets should only be immunized according to manufacturers directions. The only ones required annually are the bordetella, distemper, etc., rabies is only every 3 years.