Rabies Vaccine in Texas

TDH News Release
February 27, 2003



Rabies Vaccination Frequency Changed

The Texas Board of Health today approved rules that will permit dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies every three years instead of annually.

Under the new requirements, dogs and cats should be vaccinated at 4 months of age, receive a booster vaccination 12 months later and every three years thereafter.

Pet owners and their veterinarians may choose more frequent vaccinations.

TDH officials stressed that the change from annual to triennial does not lessen the importance of having pets vaccinated against rabies.

The new statewide rules become effective next month.