California Rabies Vaccination Laws for Dogs and Cats

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

California rabies vaccine rules at a glance

What California law says

• Health & Safety Code 121690 requires rabies vaccination of dogs from 3 months of age.
• Revaccination follows California Department of Public Health guidance.
• A local health officer may exempt a dog based on an annual veterinary determination.
• Proof of vaccination is required to license a dog.

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

California's state statute covers dogs only. Cats are not required by state law to get rabies shots, but some cities require it and vets recommend it.

Rabies vaccination is also tied to licensing in many places; see California 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: California dog laws
2. California Health and Safety Code 121690
3. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Table of state rabies vaccination laws
4. dvm360: New rabies recommendations for dogs and cats (Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control)
5. AAHA: 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines, core and noncore vaccines