Florida law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies.
The Florida Legislature mandates that all dogs, cats and ferrets be kept vaccinated against rabies to protect the public health. Rabies is a fatal viral disease of the central nervous system that can be transmitted between or among different species of mammals. Rabies laws are implemented to decrease the prevalence and transmission of this deadly disease, which is constantly present in Florida wildlife populations.
Animals Affected
By law, rabies vaccines must be administered by a licensed veterinarian to all domesticated dogs, cats and ferrets over 4 months old. Your pet is not required to be vaccinated against rabies if a veterinarian has declared in writing that the vaccine could jeopardized your pet's health.
Vaccine Requirements
Animals must be vaccinated with a rabies vaccine that is approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The dog, cat or ferret receive an additional rabies vaccination 12 months after a first vaccination, and must be vaccinated afterward according to the manufacturer's instructions. This generally is once a year.
Responsibilities of Pet Owners
Pets must have their vaccinations kept current. It is the owner's obligation to pay for their pet to be vaccinated at the required intervals. Your pet is not required to wear a rabies tag, but you must possess the required documentation. Failure to comply with vaccination laws is considered a violation of Florida civil law.
Required Documentation
Rabies vaccination certificates must be given to both the owner of the animal and Animal Control by the vaccinating veterinarian. The form used must be the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians' Form 51, "Rabies Vaccination Certificate," unless the county government approves of another form that contains the required information.
Revaccination Mandates
Re-vaccination may be required if the dog, cat or ferret has been exposed to rabies. If your pet is bitten by a wild or non-vaccinated animal, Florida law requires that it be monitored for any behavioral changes or sickness either in your home or at a veterinarian's office for 45 days after the bite.
County or Local Ordinances
County or local rabies vaccination laws, when used in place of state laws, must be equivalent to or stricter than state rabies vaccination laws. However, county and local re-vaccination requirements may be no stricter than the state law.
Pet Importation
If you plan to bring your dog, cat or ferret into Florida from another state, its rabies vaccination must be current, and you must have documentation. Certain areas in the state are considered to be free of rabies. If you bring your pet into one of these areas, the animal might be required to have a blood test to confirm the presence of rabies antibodies.
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