mike: is stuff like that even enforced though? as far as i know, the only time rabies becomes an issue is if your dog bites someone.

i just found out yesterday i broke the law when i moved to indiana. my wife's cats - and perhaps our rats and birds - were all supposed to have certificates of health from a vet examination before they could enter the state. been here two years, and just found out yesterday, because i'm trying to make sure my dogs can't be destroyed because they lack vaccinations/registration.

*shrugs*

Good news! I got an email from the puppy class trainer and she said the vaccination decision is up to me, and then got an email from the breeder saying the classes are optional in my case. So the ball is in my court!


Does anyone vaccinate for adenovirus (canine hepatitis) though? I hear it can be fatal...

 Quote: Mike Sanchez

Cindy, I agree with you 100%. My dog is 4yrs old now and has never been stuck with a needle. But how do you work this around the law? Let's say you've got an adult dog that someone purchases from you. Don't they require written documentation of certain vaccinations before they board a plane? And not just on planes, but anywhere you take your dogs that might require this.

the only vaccine that is legally required in this country is rabies. If you fly a dog over a certain age, proof of rabies is required. Proof is a piece of paper, right? In my opinion, if someone is purchasing an adult dog from me, it becomes their decision whether to vaccinate that dog so it can fly to them. I have been able to get our vet to write a rabies exemption for dogs in the past, so they can fly vaccine free.

I have traveled all over the country with my dogs, and into Canada several times and never had any health records checked. I am sure some people have had different experiences, but it's not been a problem for me so far.

 Quote: Jamie Fraser

mike: is stuff like that even enforced though? as far as i know, the only time rabies becomes an issue is if your dog bites someone.

i just found out yesterday i broke the law when i moved to indiana. my wife's cats - and perhaps our rats and birds - were all supposed to have certificates of health from a vet examination before they could enter the state. been here two years, and just found out yesterday, because i'm trying to make sure my dogs can't be destroyed because they lack vaccinations/registration.

*shrugs*

As far as rabies shots go.... I think it's important to understand the specific regulations in the county/city where you live. For us (Will County, IL) keeping rabies shots current is not strictly about our dogs *biting* someone else. If you accidentally get bit by your own dog in your own yard for any reason (and this can easily happen through stupid handler beginner error if you're training for SchH sport, as we are), or in any number of pet situations. I'm not talking about one of my dogs ripping off body parts, I'm talking about flinching at the last moment while my dog is coming for the toy.

If you accidentally (through your own mistake) end up with a canine in your thumb, and it's deep enough to require medical treatment, there can be issues if your own dog's rabies aren't up to date. I only put this out there suggesting that it's not ONLY about the possibility of your dog biting someone else.

I was glad to learn here that a 3 year vacc is available in IL (same dose as 1 year vacc). And according to the holistic vet I recently saw, there is apparently movement afoot in IL to try to get a 7 year rabies vacc approved (same dose as 1 & 3 year).

Everything depends on local laws and jurisdiction, but IMO it's worth figuring out what laws apply in your area, and figuring out the PIA (pain in A$$) factor that might apply to you, even if you're the one who accidentally gets bit and has to go to a doctor.

Just food for thought.... (and let the stupid handler comments fly!!)

Beth