West Virginia Rabies Vaccination Laws for Dogs and Cats

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

Short answer

West Virginia requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies by 6 months of age, with a three-year vaccine (W. Va. Code 19-20A-2). The booster is due one year after the first dose, then every third year. A licensed veterinarian or assistant gives the vaccine, and dogs over 6 months entering the state must already be vaccinated.

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

West Virginia rabies vaccine rules at a glance

Question Answer
Animals covered Dogs and cats
First vaccination By 6 months (not required before 3 months)
Boosters 1 year later, then every 3 years
Who can vaccinate Licensed vet or assistant
Statute W. Va. Code 19-20A-2

What West Virginia law says

  • 19-20A-2 requires vaccination with a three-year vaccine.
  • Records and tags are covered in 19-20A-3 and 19-20A-4.

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 are covered by West Virginia law on the same schedule as dogs.

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

Popular cities: Inwood

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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