Maine Rabies Vaccination Laws for Dogs and Cats

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

Maine rabies vaccine rules at a glance

Question	Answer
Animals covered	Dogs, cats and wolf hybrids
First vaccination	Dogs within 30 days after 3 months; cats over 3 months
Boosters	1 year after the first, then per national guidance
Exemption	Signed vet statement
Statute	7 M.R.S. 3916

What Maine law says

7 M.R.S. 3916(1-A) sets the dog schedule; 3916(1) covers cats.
Vets send dog vaccination certificates to the state within 30 days (3916(2-A)).
Animal control and law enforcement may ask for proof of vaccination (3916(3)).

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 3 months are covered by Maine law.

Rabies vaccination is also tied to licensing in many places; see Maine 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.