District of Columbia Rabies Vaccination Laws for Dogs and Cats

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

District of Columbia rabies vaccine rules at a glance

Question	Answer
Animals covered	Dogs and cats
First vaccination	Over 4 months
Also required	Distemper vaccine for dogs
Free clinic	At least once a year
Statute	D.C. Code 8-1803

What District of Columbia law says

D.C. Code 8-1803 requires rabies and distemper vaccination for dogs over 4 months.
Cats over 4 months need rabies vaccination under the Mayor's rules.
Licensing requires proof of vaccination (8-1804).
Impounded animals are not released without rabies vaccination, except those under 4 months (8-1805(g)).

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 over 4 months are covered in the District, so indoor cats need rabies shots too.

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

Sources

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.