Iowa Rabies Vaccination Laws for Dogs and Cats

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

Iowa rabies vaccine rules at a glance

What Iowa law says

• Iowa Code 351.33 makes it unlawful to own an unvaccinated dog 6 months or older.
• Exemptions: kennel dogs not running at large, dogs in the state under 30 days for transit or exhibition, research dogs (351.42).
• Violations are simple misdemeanors (351.43).

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

Iowa's state law covers dogs only. Cats are not required by state law to get rabies shots, but local ordinances may require it.

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