Connecticut Rabies Vaccination Laws for Dogs and Cats

Updated October 13, 2026 · 1 min read · 4 sources

Short answer

Connecticut requires dogs and cats to get their first rabies shot at 12 to 14 weeks of age, a booster one year later, and then at least every 3 years (C.G.S. 22-339b). A vaccination certificate is required (22-339c). The State Veterinarian can grant a one-year medical exemption.

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

Connecticut rabies vaccine rules at a glance

Question Answer
Animals covered Dogs and cats
First vaccination 12 to 14 weeks of age
Boosters 1 year later, then at least every 3 years
Exemption One year, by the State Veterinarian
Statute C.G.S. 22-339b

What Connecticut law says

  • C.G.S. 22-339b sets the dog and cat vaccination schedule.
  • Veterinarians issue a certificate (22-339c).
  • Violations are infractions.
  • Licensing requires the rabies certificate (22-338(b)).

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

Cats are covered by Connecticut law on the same schedule as dogs.

Rabies vaccination is also tied to licensing in many places; see Connecticut 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: Connecticut 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 Connecticut

Popular cities: Waterbury

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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