Question 1

Are Yearly Vaccines Really Necessary for Dogs?

Accepted Answer

Not every vaccine needs to be given every year. Rabies schedules depend on state law, the vaccine used, and the expiration date listed on your dog’s vaccination certificate. Many states require a booster one year after the first rabies vaccine, followed by boosters every three years when a three-year vaccine is used.

Other vaccines follow schedules based on your dog’s age, health, lifestyle, and exposure risks. Your veterinarian can tell you which vaccines are due, rather than automatically repeating every shot annually.

Question 2

In What States is it Illegal not to Vaccinate Your Dog?

Accepted Answer

In most states, it’s illegal not to vaccinate your dog for rabies. Otherwise, it’s not illegal not to vaccinate your dogs, but it’s highly recommended that they get the core vaccinations listed above.

Question 3

What Happens if I Never Vaccinate My Dog?

Accepted Answer

A dog not vaccinated for rabies could violate state or local law. Possible consequences include fines, denial of a dog license, stricter quarantine after a bite, extended confinement after rabies exposure, or euthanasia in serious exposure cases.

Your dog will also remain vulnerable to preventable diseases such as rabies, distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus. Rabies is especially serious because it is fatal once symptoms begin and can spread to people.

Question 4

Why Are Strongly Recommended Vaccines Important?

Accepted Answer

Strongly recommended vaccines protect dogs from serious, contagious diseases that may not be covered by state law. Distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza vaccines are commonly recommended, while leptospirosis and Lyme vaccines may be appropriate based on your dog’s location and exposure risks. Ask your veterinarian which vaccines and schedule are best for your dog.

Question 5

Can I Vaccinate My Dog Myself?

Accepted Answer

Some nonrabies vaccines are available for owners, breeders, and kennel operators to administer when permitted by law. Follow the product’s storage, handling, preparation, age, and dosing instructions carefully. The USDA veterinary biologics database provides information about licensed animal vaccine products.

Administering a vaccine yourself does not guarantee that the record will satisfy a boarding facility, a licensing agency, a travel authority, or another organization. Rabies vaccines generally must be administered by a veterinarian or under authorized veterinary supervision in accordance with state and local law. Ask the organization requesting proof which forms of documentation it accepts before administering a vaccine yourself.

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