Rabies Law
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department Of Agriculture
2301 North Cameron St.
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408
Pennsylvania’s Rabies Vaccination Law Protects You and Your Pets
Since February 13, 1987, Pennsylvanians who own or keep dogs and household cats over three months of age must have them vaccinated against rabies.
Vaccinations are mandated by the Rabies Prevention and Control in Domestic Animals and Wildlife Act that was signed into law by former Governor Dick Thornburgh on December 15, 1986.
People who violate the law could be fined up to $300. This information is provided to help citizens comply with the rabies law that was passed to prevent the spread of a disease that kills animals and humans.
Why this Law?
Rabies threatens the lives of humans and animals and has been spreading across Pennsylvania for more than a decade. In Pennsylvania, rabies has been found in raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes, cats, dogs and other animal species. In raccoons and skunks, the rabies outbreak is an epidemic.
Unvaccinated dogs and cats are a threat to spread the disease to humans. Dogs and cats have frequent contact with humans and with wild animals that could be infected with rabies.
Vaccinations for dogs and cats to protect the pets, their owners and the public against rabies have always been good common sense. Since 1987, these vaccinations are also required by law.
Vaccinations and Certificates
Rabies vaccinations are required for dogs and house cats over three months of age. Inoculations must be administered or supervised by a licensed veterinarian. For each animal vaccinated, the veterinarian must provide the animal’s owner or keeper with a vaccination certificate. If requested, the vaccination certificate must be presented to enforcement officers as proof of compliance.
Rabies Vaccination Clinics
The Department of Agriculture will assist municipalities, civic groups and others in establishing clinics and publicize the clinics. The clinics will provide technical advice and information about vaccine and veterinary services that may be available through the private sector. It also will help publicize clinics scheduled. Clinic sponsors should contact the Department for assistance.
The inoculations can be obtained from licensed veterinarians as well as at clinics. It should be noted that dogs and cats must be vaccinated, whether or not clinics are available to their owners.
ONCE RABIES DEVELOPS IT IS NEARLY ALWAYS FATAL
Booster Vaccinations
Animals under one year of age at the time of the original vaccination must have a booster vaccination one year later and then at least every three years thereafter. Animals older than one year must have boosters at least every three years after the original vaccination.
Kennel Owners
State licensed kennel owners may administer rabies vaccine to animals they own if they are certified as qualified to do so by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Until they are certified, kennel owners must have their animals inoculated by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Enforcement of the Law
Police, state dog wardens and municipal animal control officers are charged with enforcement. Those convicted of violating the law can be fined up to $300 for each day they are in violation.
Shelter Hours
Mon-Thurs-Fri 12 pm to 7 pm.
Tues-Wed-Sat 12 to 6 pm
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