Virginia Rabies Vaccination Laws for Dogs and Cats

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

Short answer

Virginia requires dogs and cats 4 months and older to be kept currently vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian or a licensed technician under a vet's supervision (Va. Code 3.2-6521). Localities must hold a rabies clinic at least once every two years. The Board of Health can grant medical exemptions.

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

Virginia rabies vaccine rules at a glance

Question Answer
Animals covered Dogs and cats
First vaccination 4 months
Who can vaccinate Licensed vet or supervised licensed tech
Rabies clinics At least every two years
Statute Va. Code 3.2-6521

What Virginia law says

  • Va. Code 3.2-6521 requires current rabies vaccination of dogs and cats.
  • Medical exemptions are handled under 12VAC5-105-30 (MSU).

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 4 months and older are covered by Virginia law.

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

Popular cities: Roanoke · Herndon · Lynchburg · Winchester · Forest · McLean · Hampton

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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