Alabama Rabies Vaccination Laws for Dogs and Cats

Updated October 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 4 sources

Short answer

Alabama requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies by 3 months of age and revaccinated on the schedule set by the State Board of Health (Ala. Code 3-7A-2). The vaccine is given by a rabies officer, an authorized representative or a licensed veterinarian, and dogs must wear the rabies tag.

Alabama requires rabies vaccination by state law. Here is who must be vaccinated, when, and how the rules are enforced.

Alabama rabies vaccine rules at a glance

Question Answer
Animals covered Dogs, cats and ferrets
First vaccination By 3 months of age
Boosters As set by the State Board of Health
Who can vaccinate Rabies officer, authorized representative or licensed vet
Statute Ala. Code 3-7A-2; Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-4-4-.08

What Alabama law says

  • Ala. Code 3-7A-2(a) requires immunization at 3 months of age and then at intervals set by the vaccine license and State Board of Health.
  • The certificate and tag are issued at vaccination, and the tag must be on the collar or harness at all times (3-7A-4).
  • A veterinarian can grant a medical exemption (MSU table).
  • Violations of the rabies chapter are Class C misdemeanors (3-7A-12).

How rabies boosters work

The first rabies vaccine is treated as good for one year, no matter which product is used. After the one-year booster, vaccines labeled for three years are generally accepted as protecting for three years, if state and local law allow it (Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control). Your rabies certificate shows the exact due date, and that date is what animal control and licensing offices go by. More detail: how long a rabies shot is good for.

Cats and other pets

Alabama's rabies rule covers cats and ferrets as well as dogs, so indoor cats need the vaccine too.

Rabies vaccination is also tied to licensing in many places; see Alabama dog license requirements. Your local veterinarian or a low-cost vaccine clinic can give the shot and issue the certificate and tag.

Sources

  1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Alabama dog laws
  2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Table of state rabies vaccination laws
  3. dvm360: New rabies recommendations for dogs and cats (Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control)
  4. AAHA: 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines, core and noncore vaccines

Find help near you in Alabama

Popular cities: Dothan · Opelika · Prattville · Spanish Fort · Daphne · Auburn · Foley · Huntsville · Montgomery · Theodore · Enterprise

This page summarizes state statutes for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and cities and counties often add their own rules; check the current statute and your local ordinance, or ask a licensed attorney about your situation.

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