PA Rabies Law: What you NEED to know

Rabies: It threatens all mammals, including humans. This deadly virus is most commonly transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, often via bite or scratch wounds.
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The bad news: Rabies is 100% fatal.
​The good news: Rabies is 100% preventable.

Protecting pets and people is the top priority here, and that's why vaccination is required by PA State Law. Recent amendments to the law may affect you as a pet owner, so we're sharing some key points:

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The following is adapted from the PA Rabies Prevention and Control in Domestic Animals and Wildlife Act.
​The full text is available here.

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PET OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES

• All dogs and cats 12 weeks of age and older must have a current Rabies vaccine.
• Rabies vaccines are only recognized as valid if administered by a licensed veterinarian.
• The Rabies Certificate is considered proof of vaccination (not a receipt, collar tag, or general vaccine certificate)
• Pets must be revaccinated every 1 to 3 years (determined by the vaccine manufacturer's schedule).

Note: Dogs receiving a 1-year Rabies vaccine must have their booster on or before the next due date to receive a 3-year vaccine. If even one day late, we are required by law to give another 1-year vaccination.​

VACCINE EXEMPTIONS
​Recent updates to the law allow acceptance of exemption certificates in lieu of vaccinations.

• Exemptions may be issued for pets that have a history of a life-threatening vaccine reaction or those with a medical condition (such as an autoimmune disease or chemotherapy treatment) that would prevent immunization.
• Exemption certificates must be issued by a veterinarian and renewed annually.
• 3 signed copies must be made: one on file in the pet's medical record, one retained by the pet owner, and one submitted the PA Dept. of Agriculture.

BOARDING KENNELS
Boarding and daycare facilities must now keep copies of each pet's Rabies Certificate on file.

• A hard copy of the Rabies Certificate must be presented prior to or upon arrival to the facility and will be kept for at least 7 days after the pet's departure.
• In the event of an incident, the Rabies information for all pets involved shall be made available to all owners of pets involved in the incident.

Note: Misplaced your pet's Rabies Certificate? We can print you a new copy or fax it to your kennel.

DOGS IMPORTED FROM OUT-OF-STATE

• Dogs coming into PA from out-of-state must have a Health Certificate issued by a veterinarian licensed in the state the dog is coming from.
• Health certificates must be issued within 10 days prior to travel, stating that the dog is free of infectious disease and is not originating from a rabies quarantine area.
• This applies to dogs received by shelters, rescues, and individual adopters or buyers.

VIOLATIONS

• Pet owners that are unable to provide valid proof of vaccination within 48 hours of request by local or state police or animal control officers are subject to a $300 fine per unvaccinated pet (there are regular door-to-door neighborhood checks for compliance).

Preventing the spread of Rabies virus is a matter of public safety. Even indoor-only cats can be at risk, most commonly from bats entering the home - they're an irresistible prey for any feline!

And please know that if your pet's Rabies vaccine has lapsed...even by months or years, please don't be embarrassed to come in and get it updated. We understand that life happens, and sometimes things fall through the cracks. We're just happy that you're here to let us help keep your pet (and you!) protected.