Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by State law to be vaccinated against rabies. 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• • a licensed veterinarian.
  • a registered veterinary technician who is working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. This should be interpreted to mean that the licensed veterinarian is physically present (on-site) in the facility at the time the rabies vaccine is administered.
  • a Certified Rabies Vaccinator (CVR): in North Carolina, a CVR is an individual appointed by the State Public Health Veterinarian to administer rabies vaccine in counties where access to a licensed veterinarian is limited. An individual who is recommended for appointment must satisfactorily complete a 4-hour training program (webinar) and complete hands-on training by a licensed veterinarian in order to receive the appointment from the State Public Health Veterinarian.

How long must a copy of the signed rabies certificate be maintained by the practice?

• Medical records pertaining to the rabies vaccination of individual animals should be maintained for at least 3 years following the last dose administered.

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in North Carolina*?

• • MINIMUM Age: 12 weeks of age

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: 4 months of age

Following administration of the initial dose of rabies vaccine, when is an animal considered to be "currently vaccinated"?

• 28 days following administration of the initial dose of rabies vaccine.  This applies regardless of the animal’s age at the time the initial dose is administered and regardless of the vaccine administered (1-Year or 3-Year).

What criteria constitute "currently vaccinated" against rabies?

• The term “currently vaccinated” is commonly used within the context of state laws relating to rabies vaccination and control. Within the US, an animal that is “currently vaccinated” must meet EACH of the following criteria.

  The animal must be vaccinated:

  • ...with a USDA licensed rabies vaccine.

  • ...with a vaccine that is within the labeled expiration date.

  • ...by an individual who is authorized to administer rabies vaccine.
    (NOTE: see FAQ #2 regarding authorization requirements in North Carolina).

  • ...at the appropriate age, interval, and dose (i.e., the FULL dose, as stipulated on the manufacturer’s label, must be administered). 

Is there an extended-duration (beyond 3 years) rabies vaccine available today? (see also Question #10)

• NO. 

  USDA licensed rabies vaccines available for administration to animals residing with the US are only 1-Year or 3-Year labeled vaccines. 4-YEAR labeled rabies vaccines have been discontinued and are no longer recognized in the US. 

  In North Carolina, a veterinarian has the discretion to administer a 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine as THE INITIAL DOSE.  However…re-vaccination (booster) is required 1 year following the initial dose…regardless of the animal’s age and regardless of the vaccine administered (ie, 1-Year or 3-Year).

  RE-VACCINATION of DOGS and CATS:  When re-vaccinating (booster) against rabies, the duration that a dog or cat is considered “currently vaccinated” is strictly determined by the product label of the last vaccine administered (ie, either 1 year or 3 years). 

  VACCINATION of FERRETS:  rabies vaccine approved for use in ferrets is currently limited to administration of the 3-Year labeled IMRAB® 3 or IMRAB® 3TF (Boehringer-Ingelheim) which must be administered annually for the ferret to be considered currently vaccinated.   Always verify that the rabies vaccine selected for administration to a ferret is approved by the manufacturer. 

What are the rabies vaccination requirements for a dog/cat imported from another state or country?

• • A Health Certificate is required.
  • If the pet is > 4 months of age, proof of a current rabies vaccination is required.
  • For animals imported from outside the US and arriving in North Carolina, proof that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entering the State is required. (NOTE:  as of August 2024, dogs younger than 6 months of age are not permitted entry into the US).

Can a 3-year labeled rabies vaccine be substituted for a 1-year labeled rabies vaccine when administering the initial dose?

• Yes.  In North Carolina, administration of either a 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine is authorized when administering the initial dose of rabies vaccine....or when administering a booster dose.

  Regardless of the animal’s age at the time the initial rabies vaccine is administered and regardless of the vaccine labeling (ie, either 1-Year or 3-Year), a booster dose is required within 1 year.

What are the re-vaccination requirements for a pet that is overdue for a required rabies booster? (4 parts)

• When is an animal considered to be "overdue" for a rabies booster?

  • Duration of immunity for rabies vaccine administered to a dog or cat is strictly determined by the product label, ie:  either 1-Year or 3-Year.  A pet that is overdue for a required booster, even if by just 1 day, is no longer considered to be currently vaccinated.

    The exception to this rule is that a booster dose of rabies vaccine is required 1 year following the initial dose of rabies vaccine, regardless of the product label used at the time the initial dose was administered.  If a booster dose of rabies is not administered within 1 year following the initial dose, the animal is overdue and will be considered not currently vaccinated. 

    Ferrets are required to be vaccinated annually with a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine (IMRAB® 3 or IMRAB® 3TF;  Boehringer-Ingelheim is approved for administration to ferrets).  Beyond 1 year, ferrets are considered overdue and not currently vaccinated.

• Following re-vaccination of an "overdue" animal, when is the animal considered to be "currently vaccinated"?

  • In North Carolina, a dog, cat or ferret that is overdue for a rabies vaccine is considered “immediately currently vaccinated” at the time the animal is re-vaccinated.

    This rule applies despite the time that has lapsed since administration of the previous dose of rabies vaccine. 

• When re-vaccinating the “overdue” patient, which vaccine must be used (1-Year or 3-Year labeled vaccine)?

  • Veterinarians in North Carolina have discretion to re-vaccinate the overdue dog or cat with either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine.

    Ferrets must be vaccinated annually with a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine (either IMRAB® 3 or IMRAB® 3TF;  Boehringer-Ingelheim).

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The time for the next booster dose is determined by the product used, i.e., either 1 year or 3 years.  Ferrets are the exception as they are required to be vaccinated with an appropriate (3-Year) vaccine against rabies annually.

Can a "positive" rabies antibody titer substitute for a required booster dose?

• Within the United States, a “positive” rabies antibody titer is NOT recognized as an index of immunity (or protection) in lieu of vaccination and therefore does NOT substitute for a required vaccination.

• NOTE: A “positive” rabies titer from a certified laboratory only means that the animal (at the time of travel) has been “adequately vaccinated” against rabies and meets the rabies vaccination requirement of that country/region at the time of importation.

  For a current list of importation requirements by country see: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel or Search: APHIS Pet Travel 

What constitutes rabies "exposure" in a pet?

• The determination of rabies “exposure” in a pet will (specifically) be determined by the Local Health Director (county level). These cases will be assessed on an individual basis and with consideration of the various factors leading to the potential exposure.

Who has the authority to determine if a pet has been exposed to rabies?

• The determination of rabies “exposure” in a pet will (specifically) be determined by the Local Health Director (county). The veterinarian that examined the animal in question may advise on this issue, but does not make the final determination.

What are the consequences of rabies "exposure" in a pet that is "currently vaccinated"? (see also FAQ #6 and #13)

• A currently vaccinated (documentation is required) dog, cat, or ferret that has been determined by the Local Health Director (or Animal Health delegate) to be exposed to rabies virus is subject to a 45-day home observation.  Medical treatment for the injury should be provided as indicated.  Quarantine in a designated facility is not required.

  North Carolina adheres to the recommendations and guidelines for rabies post-exposure management specified by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians in the most current edition of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control (2016).

  [SECTION 1. GS 130A-197]

What are the consequences of rabies "exposure" in a pet that is not "currently vaccinated"? (see also FAQ #6 and #13)

• North Carolina adheres to the recommendations and guidelines for rabies post-exposure management specified by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians in the most current edition of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control (2016).

  [SECTION 1. GS 130A-197]

• Three variations must be considered in determining management of the exposed animal.

• • Unvaccinated (ie, has NEVER been vaccinated against rabies):

    • If a pet has no history or documentation of prior rabies vaccination at the time of exposure, the animal should be immediately and humanely euthanized.  The head (brain and brainstem) should be submitted to a designated public health laboratory for testing. 

      If the owner is unwilling to accept euthanasia, a 4-month strict quarantine, in a designated facility and at the owner’s expense, may be permitted by the local health director.

  • Is OVERDUE for a booster, and has documentation of prior vaccination:

    • A single booster dose of rabies vaccine should be administered (within 96 hours [4 days]) of the exposure after which a 45-day home observation may be imposed.  If the pet is NOT re-vaccinated within 96 hours, local health authorities may impose an extended quarantine period (for up to 4 months) conducted in a location determined by the Local Health Director and at the owner’s expense. 

  • Is OVERDUE for a booster, but DOES NOT HAVE documentation of vaccination:

    • For a domestic dog, cat, or ferret that is determined to be exposed to rabies (by the Local Health Director), and the owner “claims” the animal has previously been vaccinated against rabies, but is unable to provide appropriate documentation, two (2) options are available in North Carolina:

      • The exposed dog or cat will be re-vaccinated with a single dose of rabies vaccine (within 96 hours of the exposure) and subjected to strict, 4-month quarantine), or….
      • The exposed dog or cat, with permission of the local public health authorities or State Public Health Veterinarian, may be allowed to undergo Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM).  (see FAQ #16 below).  If testing is authorized and results are positive, the animal will be subjected to a 45-day home observation.

Does North Carolina* recognize the results of Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) as valid documentation that a dog/cat has been previously vaccinated against rabies?

• Yes, but only following review of the case by and with the approval of the Local Health Director. 

  Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) is a defined testing protocol specifically indicated for use in dogs & cats (ONLY) that have been determined (by public health or rabies control authorities) to be “exposed” to rabies (See also FAQs #12 and #13 in this section) yet, the owner is unable to provide valid documentation of recent rabies vaccination.  

  NOTE: the PSM testing protocol and submission requirements are strictly defined and must be adhered to. The PSM testing protocol is available at: http://www.nasphv.org/Documents/NASPHVSerologicMonitoring2016.pdf 

  Indications for PSM: Applies ONLY to dogs and cats. 

  WHERE PSM is ALLOWED BY THE STATE or LOCAL JURISDICTION, all the following criteria must apply:

  • the dog/cat has been exposed to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal (as determined by public health or designated rabies control authorities); and,

  • the owner cannot provide valid documentation of previous vaccination (with a USDA Licensed vaccine); and,

  • the owner of the dog/cat that is determined to have been “exposed” to rabies (see questions #12 and #13) wants to avoid euthanasia or the expense of strict quarantine (usually 4 months or 6 months, depending on the state); and,

  • the animal can be managed by a veterinarian who is able to conduct the PSM protocol.

• NOTE: Please check the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians website at www.nasphv.org for the most current guidance on the testing protocol prior to any sample collection. 

  NOTE: properly labelled, paired specimens are required. Do not send samples separately. Both serum samples should be received by the laboratory at the same time. 

What action is required if an animal that is "currently vaccinated" bites a person? (see also FAQ #6)

• In accordance with North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS 130A-196):    “… All dogs and cats that bite a person shall be immediately confined for 10 days in a place designated by the local health director.”

  DO NOT VACCINATE the animal prior to beginning the 10-day confinement.  

  REASON: an adverse reaction to the vaccine could be confused with early signs of rabies and could result in a decision to euthanize and test. 

• In North Carolina, bite wound injuries to a person caused by a domestic dog, cat, or ferret are to be immediately reported to the local health director (http://www.ncalhd.org/directors).

  NOTE: This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated. See FAQ #18.  

What action is required if an animal that is "not currently vaccinated" bites a person? (see also FAQ #6)

• In accordance with North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS 130A-196):    “… All dogs and cats that bite a person shall be immediately confined for 10 days in a place designated by the local health director.” 

  DO NOT VACCINATE the animal prior to beginning the 10-day confinement.  REASON:  an adverse reaction to the vaccine could be confused with early signs of rabies and could result in a decision to euthanize and test.

  In North Carolina, bite wound injuries to a person caused by a domestic dog, cat, or ferret are to be immediately reported to the local health director (http://www.ncalhd.org/directors).

  This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated.  See also FAQ #17.

As a licensed veterinarian, do you have the authority to exempt an animal from the legal requirement to be vaccinated against rabies? (eg., for medical reasons)

• No. Neither exemptions nor waivers for rabies vaccination are authorized in North Carolina.

At what age is it no longer necessary to vaccinate an animal against rabies?

• Within states that require rabies vaccine be administered, re-vaccination is required throughout life at the appropriate interval for the species as required by State or local laws/regulations.  Exemption is not authorized on the basis of age.

Is rabies vaccination of a hybrid or exotic pet allowed or recognized?

• Vaccination of hybrid animals against rabies does NOT constitute immunization and is not authorized in North Carolina. Hybrid dogs and cats are considered “wild animals” in the event of exposure or in the event a person is bitten by a hybrid pet.  REASON:  no rabies vaccines are currently licensed for administration to, and have never been tested in, wild or non-domestic animals, including hybrid dogs/cats.

  If a hybrid pet is considered to be ‘exposed’ to rabies or bites a person, quarantine is NOT an option in North Carolina. The animal will be euthanized and may be tested for rabies.

At the State level, what authority does the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control carry?

• The Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control is published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc.  Recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Compendium serve as a basis for animal rabies prevention and control programs throughout the United States and facilitate standardization of procedures among jurisdictions.  As published, the Compendium is not a statutory document.

  NOTE:   Currently, North Carolina rabies laws/regulations adhere to recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Rabies Compendium (2016) and published recommendations do serve as the legal basis for patient management decisions made in practice as they concern rabies and rabies vaccination.