California rabies laws are in place to control the disease in the state.
Rabies vaccinations for pets in the state of California are given in accordance with annual rabies laws and regulations set in place by the California Department of Public Health. The law also stipulates that in addition to having the vaccinations provided by licensed veterinary clinics, local and state agencies must provide rabies clinics to the public. California pet licenses cannot be provided to animals that do not show proof of a current rabies vaccination.
Dog and Cat Vaccination Requirements
Pets that have not been vaccinated for rabies can be impounded.
Dogs owned by California residents that are older than four months need to be vaccinated against rabies at intervals set into law by the state. According to California Rabies Laws and Regulations 121690 item b, rabies vaccinations may be required on an annual basis. At present, California rabies vaccine protocol calls for an initial approved rabies vaccine at four months of age and then one rabies vaccine administered within a 12-month period. Follow up vaccines are then given at three-year intervals. Any dog that gets the initial vaccine when it is older than 1 will begin the three-year cycle after the first administered vaccination. The vaccination requirements for cats is the same.
The rabies vaccine must be given by a licensed veterinarian in a manner stipulated by the California Department of Public Health. Dogs that are not properly vaccinated are typically impounded by local authorities.
Puppy and Kitten Requirements
Puppies under the age of four months are too young to be vaccinated.
In accordance with California Rabies Laws and Regulations, 121690 item c, all puppies that are younger than four months must be restricted to the owner's premises, or kept under physical restraint by their owner until they are old enough to be vaccinated for rabies. The rabies law is the same for kittens. There is no portion of the law that specifically addresses puppies or kittens that are sold or transported while under the age of four months.
Criminal Considerations
Punishment for harboring a subject animal may result in fines or prison.
If it is found that a person has harbored or withheld information regarding an animal known to carry rabies, or that has bitten a person without benefit of a current rabies vaccination, that person can be charged with a misdemeanor in the state. Owners that do not turn over animals in violation of vaccine laws may face prison time or fines. Fines can range from $100 to $1,000 per day.
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