State Exemptions for Rabies Vaccine
Aug 26, 2019 Tracey Aston Vaccinations
Veterinarians, shelters and most rescues will push yearly
vaccines for pets, but not all pets can safely have yearly vaccines. Pets with
passed negative reactions to either the vaccine itself or the mercury or
chemicals within it can't be revaccinated. As it states on all vaccines, they
are to only be given to healthy pets. Pets going through treatment for diseases
or pets with autoimmune disorders can also not be safely vaccinated. The
biggest issue for these pets is the state requires a rabies vaccination. So
what is a pet parent to do?
In 2013, Pennsylvania became one of 18 states to unanimously
pass a rabies medical exemption bill, SB 155.
The
Rabies Prevention and Control in Domestic Animals and Wildlife Act Section 8
Subsection (f) :
(f) Exemption.--
(1) An exemption from vaccination against rabies for a dog
or cat under subsection (a) may be granted if a licensed veterinarian examines
the dog or cat and determines that it would be medically contraindicated to
vaccinate.
(2) An exemption statement must be completed and signed by
the veterinarian and dog or cat owner and must contain the following information
in order to be valid:
(i) the signature of the veterinarian and the veterinarian's
license number; (ii) the date; (iii) the name and address of the veterinary
practice, office or clinic; (iv) an explanation of the medical reason
contraindicating vaccination against rabies; and (v) a description of the dog
or cat that includes: (A) breed; (B) sex; (C) age; (D) color and markings; (E)
whether the dog or cat is intact, neutered or spayed; and (F) the current
license number of the dog that includes any permanent identification, if
applicable. (vi) The signature of the owner of the dog or cat and the address
of the owner. If there is more than one owner, and the owners are living at
separate locations where the dog or cat may be housed, the signature and
address of both owners is required.
(3) An exemption from vaccination against rabies is valid
for a period of up to one calendar year, after which the dog or cat shall be
reexamined. At the reexamination, the dog or cat shall either be vaccinated
against rabies or, if exemption status still applies, a new certificate of
exemption shall be issued.cat under subsection (a) may be granted if a licensed
veterinarian examines the dog or cat and determines that it would be medically
contraindicated to vaccinate.
All of that legalese basically means, you and your pet are
lucky to leave in a state that allows for exemptions of the rabies vaccination
and your pet won't be put at risk. A
rabies exemption can be given by a veterinarian to an ill, immunocompromised pet
or a pet that has adverse reactions to the vaccine.
A copy of the exemption letter must be sent to
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture,
Office of Dog Law Enforcement,
2301 North Cameron Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17110
