New Mexico Rabies Vaccination Laws for Dogs and Cats

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

Short answer

New Mexico requires dogs and cats over 3 months old to be vaccinated against rabies by or under a licensed veterinarian (NMSA 77-1-3), who issues a numbered certificate and tag. Animals brought into the state must be vaccinated within one week unless an out-of-state certificate qualifies. Keeping an unvaccinated pet is a misdemeanor.

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

New Mexico rabies vaccine rules at a glance

Question Answer
Animals covered Dogs and cats
First vaccination Over 3 months
New arrivals Within one week
Who can vaccinate Licensed vet or under supervision
Statute NMSA 77-1-3

What New Mexico law says

  • NMSA 77-1-3 requires vaccination of dogs and cats over 3 months.
  • Vaccination follows state health department regulations.
  • Keeping an unvaccinated dog or cat is a misdemeanor (77-1-10, 77-1-13).

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 New Mexico law.

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

Popular cities: Las Cruces · Santa Fe · Albuquerque · Hobbs · Rio Rancho · Silver City · Los Lunas · Anthony · Clovis · Farmington · Carlsbad · Ruidoso

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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