Rabies vaccination and licensing laws in the US may or may not contain a medical exemption for dogs too ill to be vaccinated safely. Does your state have a medical exemption? See the highlighted sections below. If your dog has any health problem, even an allergic attack, inquire about delaying vaccination. According to vaccine manufacturers' own rabies vaccine labels, only healthy dogs should be vaccinated. 

If your dog has had a reaction to the rabies vaccine (or other vaccines), make sure the symptoms are documented in your dog's veterinary file and get a copy of the file. You will need documentation to ask for a medical exemption. Read Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & Vaccine Failure to understand why vaccinating unhealthy animals is a problem.

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1. ALABAMA RABIES LAWS -- (WITH medical exemption) Alabama Code Alabama Code Title 3 Section 7A-2 http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ACASLogin.asp

Dogs, cats, and ferrets to be immunized; sale, etc., of vaccine; vaccination exemptions.
(a) Every owner of a dog, cat, or ferret required to be immunized for rabies as defined in this chapter, shall cause the animal to be immunized by the rabies officer, his or her authorized representative, or any duly licensed veterinarian, when the animal reaches three months of age and subsequently in accordance with the intervals specified in the vaccine's license. Notwithstanding the above, the State Board of Health may establish by rule vaccine intervals or specific vaccines, or both, to be used in public rabies vaccination clinics, based on considerations such as county specific prevalence of animal rabies or risk of animal rabies and the vaccination rates of dogs, cats, and ferrets in a county. Evidence of immunization shall consist of a printed certificate furnished by the Alabama Department of Public Health, upon which shall be legibly inscribed: A description of the animal; its age, color, sex, breed, and tattoo identification, if any; the name and address of the owner; the lot number and type of vaccine used (modified live virus, inactivated virus); the name of the manufacturer, the amount of vaccine injected, and the date after which the animal is no longer considered vaccinated; and a serially numbered tag bearing the same number and year as that of the certificate. The certificate shall be dated and signed by the person authorized to administer the vaccine. Certificates not complying with the provisions of this section, or certificates issued by those persons unauthorized to administer rabies vaccine, shall not be valid. In lieu of printed certificates, licensed veterinarians may elect to utilize electronically generated and maintained certificates if the certificates contain substantially the same information as required above. A signed paper copy of the certificate prescribed herein shall be delivered to the owner of the animal immunized. A paper copy or electronic copy or evidence thereof shall be maintained by the licensed veterinarian for a period of one year past the expiration date of a certificate. An additional paper copy or electronic copy or listing shall be provided to the local rabies enforcement authority upon request by the authority and in the manner as so requested.

(b) It shall be unlawful and in violation of the provisions of this chapter for any person to import, receive, sell, offer for sale, barter, or exchange animal rabies vaccine, other than antirabies vaccine intended for human use, to anyone except a duly licensed veterinarian.

(c)(1) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, the State Board of Health by rule may establish procedures and qualifications for an exemption from the requirement for a vaccination for an animal if a rabies vaccination would be injurious to the animal's health.

(2) An animal exempted under subdivision (1) shall be considered unvaccinated by the State Board of Health in the event of the animal's exposure to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal.

(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, §2; Act 2009-636, §1.)

2. ALASKA RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) – Alaska Administrative Code Title 7 (7 AAC 27.020) Control of animal diseases transmissible to humans http://www.touchngo.com/lglcntr/akstats/aac/title07/chapter027/section020.htm 
(b) Rabies Vaccination. The standards for animal rabies vaccination are the following:
(1) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2002, prepared by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. as amended from time to time is adopted by reference to govern the use of animal rabies vaccines

3. ARIZONA RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- Arizona Revised Statutes Annotated Title 11, Chapter 7 Article 6 Animal Control 11-1010 http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/11/01010.htm&Title=11&DocType=ARS 
11-1010. Anti-rabies vaccination; vaccination and license stations
A. Before a license is issued for any dog, the owner or a veterinarian must present a paper or electronic copy or telefacsimile of the vaccination certificate signed by a veterinarian stating the owner's name and address, and giving the dog's description, date of vaccination, manufacturer and serial number of the vaccine used and date revaccination is due.

4. ARKANSAS RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/aboutADH/RulesRegs/RabiesRule.pdf 
SECTION II. VACCINATION
A. Initial Vaccination: The owner of every dog or cat four (4) months of age or older shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies. ......

B. Revaccination: The owner of every dog or cat shall have the animal revaccinated during the twelfth (12) month after initial vaccination. Thereafter, the interval between revaccinations should conform to the Compendium of Animal Rabies and Control, 2008, Part III: Rabies Vaccines Licensed and Marketed in the U.S., published by the Naitonal Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. (Appendix A)

5. CALIFORNIA RABIES LAWS -- California Department of Public Health Compendium of U.S. Licensed Animal Rabies Vaccines -- 2008, and Their Application in Animals Under the California Rabies Control Program http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Documents/2008_CA_rabies_vaccine_compendium.pdf

Note: there is a bill in the legislature to allow medical exemptions: see www.dogs4dogs.com/alerts

Division 14 FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL CODE
SECTION 30801-30807 http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=fac&group=30001-31000&file=30801-30807

30801.(d) In addition to the authority provided in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), a license may be issued, as provided by this section, by a board of supervisors for a period not to exceed three years for dogs that have attained the age of 12 months, or older, and who have been vaccinated against rabies. The person to whom the license is to be issued pursuant to this subdivision may choose a license period as established by the board of supervisors of up to one, two, or three years. However, when issuing a license pursuant to this subdivision, the license period shall not extend beyond the remaining period of validity for the current rabies vaccination.
 

6. COLORADO RABIES LAWS (WITH medical exemption) -- Colorado Rabies Control Law Title 25, Article 4, Part 6 http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/rabies/rabiesstatute.PDF

Section 25-4-607 Order of board of health requiring inoculation of animals.
......"no board of health of an organized health department or county board of health shall order the inoculation of animals against rabies any more frequently than is recommended in the "Compendium of Animal Rabies Control" as promulgated by the national association of state public health veterinarians."
2008 Compendium of Animal Rabies Control http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5702a1.htm 

http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/rabies/Colorado%20Revised%20Statute.pdf  "(2) A veterinarian, with the written consent of an animal's owner, may issue a written waiver pursuant to the rules of the health department, exempting an animal from a rabies vaccination order if the veterinarian, in his or her professional opinion, determines that the rabies inoculation is contraindicated due to the animal's medical condition."

7. CONNECTICUT RABIES LAWS (WITH medical exemption)-- Connecticut Rabies Law Title 22 Section 338 http://cga.ct.gov/2007/pub/Chap435.htm#Sec22-338.htm

Sec. 22-339b. Rabies vaccination required for dogs and cats. Exemption from rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccination exemption certificate. Veterinarian appeal. Penalty. (a) Any owner or keeper of a dog or cat of the age of three months or older shall have such dog or cat vaccinated against rabies. Any animal vaccinated prior to one year of age or receiving a primary rabies vaccine at any age shall be considered protected for only one year and shall be given a booster vaccination one year after the initial vaccination and shall be vaccinated at least every three years thereafter. Those animals revaccinated after one year of age shall be given booster vaccinations at least every three years thereafter. Proof of vaccination shall be a certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in accordance with subsection (a) of section 22-339c.

(b) The State Veterinarian or the Commissioner of Agriculture, or the commissioner's designee, may grant an exemption from vaccination against rabies for a dog or cat if a licensed veterinarian has examined such animal and determined that a rabies vaccination would endanger the animal's life due to disease or other medical considerations. Such exemption may be granted for an individual animal only after the veterinarian has consulted with the State Veterinarian, the Commissioner of Agriculture, or the commissioner's designee, and completed and submitted to the department an application for exemption from rabies vaccination on a form approved by the Department of Agriculture. After approval of such exemption, the department shall issue a rabies vaccination exemption certificate, copies of which shall be provided to the veterinarian, the owner of the dog or cat exempted from rabies vaccination and the animal control officer of the municipality in which the owner of the dog or cat resides. Certification that a dog or cat is exempt from rabies vaccination shall be valid for one year, after which time the animal shall be vaccinated against rabies or the application for exemption shall be renewed.

(c) Any veterinarian aggrieved by a denial of a request for an exemption from rabies vaccination by the State Veterinarian, the Commissioner of Agriculture or the commissioner's designee may appeal such denial as provided in the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, sections 4-166 to 4-189, inclusive.

(d) Any violation of this section shall be an infraction.


8. DELAWARE RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) – Title 3 Chapter 82 Subchapter I § 8204. Rabies vaccination required for dogs and cats; antirabies clinics. http://delcode.delaware.gov/title3/c082/sc01/index.shtml 
(a) Vaccination of dogs. --
(1) Any person owning a dog 6 months of age or older in this State shall have that dog vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian. The owner of the dog will receive a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate legibly signed by the veterinarian. The owner of the dog will be responsible for keeping a valid rabies vaccination certificate in his possession for inspection by an animal control officer, the Department of Agriculture or the Division of Public Health, if deemed necessary.

9. FLORIDA RABIES LAWS (WITH medical exemption) -- http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=vaccine&URL=Ch0828/Sec30.HTM 

Title XLVI Chapter 828 Florida Statutes
828.30 Rabies vaccination of dogs, cats, and ferrets.--
(1) All dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months of age or older must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian against rabies with a vaccine that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture for use in those species. The owner of every dog, cat, and ferret shall have the animal revaccinated 12 months after the initial vaccination. Thereafter, the interval between vaccinations shall conform to the vaccine manufacturer's directions. The cost of vaccination must be borne by the animal's owner. Evidence of circulating rabies virus neutralizing antibodies shall not be used as a substitute for current vaccination in managing rabies exposure or determining the need for booster vaccinations.
(2) A dog, cat, or ferret is exempt from vaccination against rabies if a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and has certified in writing that at the time vaccination would endanger the animal's health because of its age, infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations. An exempt animal must be vaccinated against rabies as soon as its health permits.
(3) Upon vaccination against rabies, the licensed veterinarian shall provide the animal's owner and the animal control authority with a rabies vaccination certificate. Each animal control authority and veterinarian shall use the "Rabies Vaccination Certificate" of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) or an equivalent form approved by the local government that contains all the information required by the NASPHV Rabies Vaccination Certificate. The veterinarian who administers the rabies vaccine to an animal as required under this section may affix his or her signature stamp in lieu of an actual signature.
(4) Each ferret vaccinated according to this section must be quarantined, when necessary, according to rules of the Department of Health.
(5) An animal owner's name, street address, phone number, and animal tag number contained in a rabies vaccination certificate provided to the animal control authority is exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. However, any person who has been bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed to a zoonotic disease or the physician of such person; a veterinarian who is treating an animal that has been bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed to a zoonotic disease; or the owner of an animal that has been bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed to a zoonotic disease shall be provided with any information contained in a rabies vaccination certificate but only with respect to the particular animal biting, scratching, or otherwise causing exposure. Any person with an animal tag number may receive vaccination certificate information with regard to that animal. Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies; other animal control authorities; emergency and medical response and disease control agencies; or other governmental health agencies shall be provided information contained in the rabies vaccination certificate for the purpose of controlling the transmission of rabies; however, the receiving agencies and authorities must not release the exempt information.
(6) Violation of this section is a civil infraction, punishable as provided in s. 828.27(2).
(7) This section does not prohibit or limit municipalities or counties from establishing requirements similar to or more stringent than the provisions of this section for the implementation and enforcement of rabies-control ordinances. However, local governments shall not mandate revaccination of currently vaccinated animals except in instances involving postexposure treatment for rabies.

10. GEORGIA RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- http://www.health.state.ga.us/pdfs/epi/zvbd/Rabies%20Manual%202007%20Final%20with%20Cover.pdf  which states as follows:

All dogs, cats, and ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated in accordance with the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control (see page 58) or as described on the vaccine label.

11. HAWAII RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- Chapter 7 Licensing http://www.hawaii-county.com/hihs/HIHS07.html
Article 3. Dog License fees. Section 4-13.

Since rabies is not present on the island, a rabies vaccination is not a prerequisite to licensing (such a requirement is common in most areas of the United States). However, there is a quarantine for imported dogs and cats http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/aqsbrochure.pdf .

12. IDAHO RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- Idaho Department of Agriculture http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Animals/importExport/importdogcat.php

All dogs require a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. All dogs 3 months (12 weeks) of age or older require a current Rabies vaccination. This age is determined by the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control*.

Department of Health and Welfare Idaho Rabies Protocol, Protocol for Animal Isolation, Animal Bites and Rabies Post-exposure Prophylaxis 2007 http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Portals/0/Health/Disease/RabiesProtocol2007[1].pdf

"Rabies vaccination for cats and dogs, although not mandated by the State of Idaho, may be required by local rabies ordinances ..."

"Regardless of the age of the animal at the time of primary immunization, a booster one year later and then regularly as indicated by the manufacturer is indicated. Annual or triennial administration is standard; however, certain vaccines are licensed for boosting every four years. The administration schedule is based on the particular product being administerd: when in doubt, consult the tables in the Rabies Compendium."

13. ILLINOIS RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- http://www.agr.state.il.us/Laws/Regs/AnimalActReg.pdf
 
Illinois Title 8 Part 30 Animal Control Act
Section 30.90 Recognized Immunity Period of Animal Rabies Vaccines

(c) .......Thus, when an animal rabies vaccine recognized as conveying a 3-year immunity is administered to a dog which is at least 1 year of age at the time of vaccination, that vaccination shall be recognized for a period of 3 years.

14. INDIANA RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- Indiana Code IC 15-17-6 Chapter 6 Rabies http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title15/ar17/ch6.pdf
IC 15-17-6-1 (2)(a) The vaccinated animal must be identified as vaccinated according to rules adopted by the board. (See State Board of Animal Health Rule below pertaining to rabies immunization.)

Indiana State Board of Animal Health Rule 5 Rabies Immunization, 345 IAC 1-5-1 Rabies Vaccination http://www.in.gov/boah/files/rabiesrule20061.pdf 
http://www.in.gov/boah/2337.htm
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect humans, pets, livestock and wildlife. Preventing the disease in animals provides the best means of protection to humans.
Under Indiana law, all dogs, cats and ferrets older than 3 months of age must be vaccinated against the rabies virus. State law allows the use of 1-year and 3-year vaccines according to approved label directions. (NOTE: Some localities throughout the state may have stricter local laws.) The vaccine must be administered by a licensed and accredited veterinarian only.

15. IOWA RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- Iowa Code Title 9, Subtitle 1 Chapter 351 Dogs and Other Animals Section 351.33 Rabies Vaccination http://search.legis.state.ia.us/nxt/gateway.dll/ar/iac?f=templates&fn=default.htm

351.33 Rabies vaccination.
Every owner of a dog shall obtain a rabies vaccination for such animal. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or have a dog in the person's possession, six months of age or over, which has not been vaccinated against rabies. Dogs kept in kennels and not allowed to run at large shall not be subject to these vaccination requirements.

Iowa Department of Agriculture http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalIndustry/dogAndCatAdmissionRegs.asp
Animal Industry Bureau Health Requirements Governing the Admission of Animals DOGS
"All dogs four months of age and older must have a current rabies vaccination, with vaccine and by the procedure recommended by the Compendium, etc..."

16. KANSAS RABIES LAWS -- Kansas no specific statute, so it is assumed it is left to municipalities. Kansas Department of Health cites CDC 2008 Rabies Compendium http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/download/Rabies_Compendium_2008.pdf

K.A.R. 28-1-13 and 18-1-14 http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/download/28-1-13.pdf
28-1-13. Rabies Control; isolation of mammals causing exposure to rabies for observation and examination, quarantine of mammals exposed to rabies.
(3) Dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, cattle, and sheep which have an owner, are wanted by that owner, and for which the owner produces rabies vaccination certificates containing the following shall be immediately re-vaccinated and kept under the owner's control and observed for 45 days:
(A) the expiration date of the rabies vaccination;

17. KENTUCKY RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- Kentucky 902 KAR 2:070. Rabies control. http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/902/002/070.htm
Section 2. Vaccination Schedule. The vaccination schedule for all dogs, cats, and ferrets shall be as follows:
(1) All dogs, cats, and ferrets four (4) months of age and older shall be vaccinated against rabies.
(2) Dogs, cats, and ferrets initially vaccinated shall be revaccinated one (1) year after the initial vaccination regardless of the type of vaccine used or age of the animal at the time of vaccination.
(3) Thereafter the period of time required for revaccination shall be dependent upon the type of vaccine administered. The date of expiration shall be indicated on the vaccination certificate. The current revaccination recommendations of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. may be utilized in determining expiration dates of vaccines.
The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2008 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5702a1.htm

18. LOUISIANA RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- LOUISIANA Administrative Code Title 51 Part III Chapter 1, Section 103 The Control of Rabies and Other Zoonotice Diseases http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/lac/51v01/51.doc 

"Every ower of a dog, cat, or ferret shall cause said animal to be vaccinated initially with a series of two vaccinations, the first to be administered at three months of age, the second to be administered one ear after the initial vaccination.... Subsequent booster vaccines shall be administered one year after administration of a vaccine that confers one year of immunity and three years after the administration of a vaccine that confers three years of immunity."

19. MAINE RABIES LAWS (WITH medical exemption) -- Department of Health & Human Services Chapter 260 Rabies Immunization Requirements for Dog Licensure http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/10/144/144c260.doc 

2. ... the only valid certificate of immunization shall be the certificate of immunization specified by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians in effect at the time the dog is subject to licensure or renewal of license, and authenticated by a licensed veterinarian..... and the date a booster vaccination is due (expiration date), in accordance wih the manufacturer's label for the vaccine used. Only vaccines licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration shall be used.

5 A. A letter of exemption from vaccination may be submitted for licensure, if a medical reason exists that precludes the vaccination of the dog. Qualifying letters must be in the form of a written statement, signed by a licensed veterinarian, that includes a description of the dog, and the medical reason that precludes vaccination. If the medical reason is temporary, the letter shall indicate a time of expiration of the exemption.

B. A dog exempted under the provisions of paragraph 5 A, above, shall be considered unvaccinated, for the purposes of 10-144 C.M.R. Ch.251, Section 7(B)(1), (Rules Governing Rabies Management) in the case of said dog's exposure to a confirmed or suspect rabid animal.

20. MARYLAND (NO medical exemption) -- Maryland Code Health -- § 18-318 http://mlis.state.md.us/asp/web_statutes.asp?ghg&18-318
"(a) Each person who owns or keeps a dog, cat, or ferret that is 4 months old or older shall have the dog, cat, or ferret vaccinated adequately against rabies.

General § 18-319. http://mlis.state.md.us/asp/web_statutes.asp?ghg&18-319
(2) Shall administer the vaccine in a manner that is consistent with the recommendations of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians;

21. MASSACHUSETTS RABIES LAWS (WITH medical exemption) -- http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/140-145b.htm The General Laws of Massachusetts Chapter 140: Section 145B. Vaccination against rabies; certificate; tag; proof of vaccination; penalty Section 145B. Whoever is the owner or keeper of a dog or cat in the commonwealth six months of age or older shall cause such dog or cat to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian using a licensed vaccine according to the manufacturer’s directions, and shall cause such dog or cat to be revaccinated at intervals recommended by the manufacturer.

In order for a dog or cat to be accepted at an animal hospital, veterinarian's office or boarding facility an owner or keeper of such animal shall show proof of current vaccination against rabies; provided however, that if a dog or cat has not been so vaccinated or such owner or keeper fails to show such proof the animal shall be vaccinated against rabies prior to being discharged if the animal's medical condition permits.

http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/cdc/rabies/immunization_program.pdf  Massachusetts Rabies Immunization Program for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets
Chapter 141, Section 145B of the Massachuetts General Laws and 105 Code of Massachusetts (CMR) 330 require that all dogs and cats in Masschusetts be vaccinated against rabies. Provisions of the law include vaccination of all dogs and cats by six months of age, use of a USDA-licensed rabies vaccine, use of a uniform vaccination certificate, National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) form #51, and a rabies tag provided by the vaccinating veterinarian.

Pending legislation:  
 

22. MICHIGAN RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- Michigan http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(jdmubd45yvxn4cavzix3v03r))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-287-266&queryid=4590976&highlight=rabies 

(1) The owner of a dog that is 4 or more months old shall apply to the treasurer of the county,.....for a license for each dog owned or kept by him or her.
(ii) The last day of the month of the dog's current rabies vaccination, every third year.

23. MINNESOTA RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- Minnesota Rabies Law http://www.bah.state.mn.us/diseases/rabies/files/rabies-rules.pdf and http://www.bah.state.mn.us/diseases/rabies/rabies_rules.pdf

Subp.7. Vaccinated. "Vaccinated" means an animal immunized for rabies by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian with a vaccine licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture and used in accordance with the label approved by the USDA taking into consideration the duration period of immunity set forth for the vaccine. The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians annually publishes the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control which lists all vaccines approved and licensed by the USDA and the duration of immunity for each vaccine. The board shall maintain current editions of this compendium which are available to the public upon request.

24. MISSISSIPPI RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption)-- Mississippi Rabies Laws http://www.mbah.state.ms.us/disease_programs/rabies/ms_rabies_laws.htm

41-53-1 ....Every person in the state of Mississippi who owns, or has in his or her possession, any dog or cat of the age of three (3) months or over shall have said dog or cat inoculated (vaccinated) against rabies as provided herein with the recommended dosage of an anti-rabic virus (vaccine) approved by the State Board of Health ....
Vaccine Selection The current Compendium lists vaccines licensed for use in the United States. Only licensed vaccines shall be used. Vaccines selected for immunizing dogs and cats shall be licensed as providing 3 year immunity.

25. MISSOURI RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- Missouri Rabies Law http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C300-399/3220000010.HTM

(3) "Immunized", immunized against rabies at the expense of the owner or custodian by the administration of antirabic virus by a licensed veterinarian;

http://www.dhss.missouri.gov/Rabies/ 
Vaccination of Animals -- Effective rabies vaccines are available for dogs, cats, ferrets, sheep, cattle, and horses. Vaccination of cats and dogs is crucial, since vaccinated pets are a protective barrier between the people who own and interact with them and rabid wild animals with which the pets might have contact. Dogs and cats whose owners consider them to be “indoor animals” should also be vaccinated because these pets often have exposures to other animals, either by the dog or cat being unintentionally released to the outdoors, or by wild animals such as bats getting into the house. Vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Primary and booster vaccinations should be obtained in accordance with recommendations from licensed veterinarians and in accordance with local animal control ordinances. There is no postexposure treatment available for animals as there is for humans. Information pertaining to animal rabies vaccines as well as the prevention and control of rabies in animals is available in the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2005². http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5403a1.htm

 MISSOURI RABIES EXEMPTION ACTION ALERT

26. MONTANA RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- Montana Administrative Rules Rule: 32.3.213 http://mtrules.org/gateway/ruleno.asp?RN=32%2E3%2E213

32.3.213 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS AND CATS
(b) have been officially vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian against rabies in accordance with procedures recommended in the latest version of the U.S. Public Health Compendium for rabies vaccine, and are identified on the health certificate by the date of rabies vaccination and the serial number of the rabies vaccine and tag. Rabies vaccination requirements do not apply to puppies and kittens under three months of age.

27. NEBRASKA (NO medical exemption) -- Nebraska Revised Statute 71-4401 http://www.legislature.ne.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=71-4401
(2) Vaccination against rabies means the inoculation of a domestic or hybrid animal with a rabies vaccine as approved by the rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the department. Such vaccination shall be performed by a veterinarian duly licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Nebraska;
(3) Compendium means the compendium of animal rabies vaccine as provided by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians;

28. NEVADA RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 571 Section 571.080 http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NAC/NAC-571.html#NAC571Sec080

NAC 571.080 Dogs and cats. (NRS 571.120, 571.210) A person shall not ship, transport or otherwise move a dog or cat into Nevada unless:
2. A dog or cat that is 3 months of age or older is vaccinated against rabies pursuant to the Annual National Compendium of Animal Rabies Control which is hereby adopted by reference. The compendium is available without charge from the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Dr. Kathy Smith, Secretary, Ohio Department of Health, 246 North High Street, P.O. Box 118, Columbus, Ohio 43266-0118, telephone number (614) 466-0283.
[Dep’t of Agriculture Reg., 55, eff. 9-1-64; A 7-15-71; 10-1-71; 4-1-77]—(NAC A by St. Quarantine Officer, 7-8-92)
Nevada Department of Agriculture http://agri.state.nv.us/Animal2_Rabies.htm
In Nevada, dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies 3 months of age and older. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine that is designated to provide protection from rabies for 3 years.

29. NEW HAMPSHIRE RABIES LAWS (WITH medical exemption & isolation) -- State of New Hampshire Rabies Law Title XL, Chapter 436 Rabies Control Section 436:100 http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xl/436/436-100.htm
436:100 Rabies Vaccination Required; Exemption. –
I. Except as provided in paragraph II, every dog, cat, and ferret 3 months of age and older shall be vaccinated against rabies. Young dogs, cats, and ferrets shall be vaccinated within 30 days after they have reached 3 months of age. Unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets acquired or moved into the state shall be vaccinated within 30 days after purchase or arrival, unless under 3 months of age, as specified above. Every dog, cat, and ferret shall be revaccinated at such intervals and with such vaccines as the commissioner shall specify from time to time. In rabies infected areas, dogs, cats, and ferrets recently vaccinated shall be kept under control for at least 30 days before being allowed to run free.
II. A rabies immunization exemption may be issued, where illness or a veterinary medical condition warrants, by the local rabies control authority upon the written recommendation of a veterinarian licensed under RSA 332-B. The recommendation shall also be signed by an American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine diplomate and the state veterinarian. The exempted animal shall be maintained in strict rabies isolation, under conditions that are at the discretion of the local rabies control authority, until such time as the medical condition has been resolved and the animal can be immunized against rabies. Exempted animals shall not be allowed outdoors without being on a leash and shall be under the direct physical control of an adult owner at all times. In addition, when the animal is outdoors, it shall be muzzled in a manner approved by the local rabies control authority.
Source. 1985, 72:1. 1992, 250:3. 1995, 202:4, eff. June 12, 1995. 2007, 79:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.

30. NEW JERSEY RABIES LAWS (WITH medical exemption) -- http://www.state.nj.us/health/animalwelfare/law.shtml  4:19-15.2a. Evidence of inoculation with rabies vaccine or certification of exemption; requirement for license
4:19-15.2a Evidence of inoculation with rabies vaccine or certification of exemption; requirement for license
No municipal clerk or other official designated by the governing body of any municipality to license dogs therein shall grant any such license and official metal registration tag for any dog unless the owner thereof provides evidence that the dog to be licensed and registered has been inoculated with a rabies vaccine of a type approved by and administered in accordance with the recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, or has been certified exempt as provided by regulations of the State Department of Health. Such vaccination shall be repeated at intervals as provided by regulations of the State Department of Health, and shall be administered by a duly licensed veterinarian or by such other veterinarian permitted by law to do the same. The State Department of Health shall promulgate regulations providing for the recognized duration of immunity, interval of inoculation, certificate of vaccination, certificate of exemption, and such other matters related to this act.
NJ Department of Health Policies and Guidelines for Animal Rabies Vaccination http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/ravacpolicy.doc 

31. NEW MEXICO RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- New Mexico Code Title 7 Chapter 4 Part 2 http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/nmac/parts/title07/07.004.0002.htm 
7.4.2.8 VACCINATION OF DOGS AND CATS REQUIRED:
A. Dogs and cats over the age of three months shall be vaccinated against rabies. The animal shall receive a booster within the 12-month interval following the initial vaccination. Every domestic dog and cat shall be revaccinated against rabies within 12 months if a 1-year vaccine is administered or within 36 months if a 3-year vaccine is administered with a rabies vaccine licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered according to label recommendations. The “compendium of animal rabies control (CARC),” published by the national association of public health veterinarians, Inc., shall be the reference for the route of inoculation and the type of vaccine. Copies are available upon request from the department.
 

32. NEW YORK (WITH medical exemption form & in Health Department fact sheet, but not written into law) -- New York Laws Chapter 69 Of the Consolidated Laws. Article 7. Licensing, Identification and Control of Dogs. http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/LAWSSEAF.cgiQUERYTYPE=LAWS+&QUERYDATA=$$AGM109$$@TXAGM0109+&LIST=SEA8+&BROWSER=EXPLORER+&TOKEN=51155217+&TARGET=VIEW 

§ 109. Licensing of dogs; rabies vaccination requirement. 1. Licensing of dogs. (a) The owner of any dog reaching the age of four months shall immediately make application for a dog license. No license shall be required for any dog which is under the age of four months and which is not at large. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, a license shall be issued or renewed for a period of one year, provided, that at the option of the governing board of the municipality, a license may be issued or renewed for a period of one, two or three years, and provided further, that no license shall be issued for a period expiring after the last day of the eleventh month following the expiration date of the current rabies certificate for the dog being licensed.

http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/docs/pet_owners_fact_sheet.pdf  

Exemptions The vaccination requirements hall not apply to any dog, cat, domesticated ferret if .... a licensed veterinarian has determined that the vaccination will adversely affect the animal's health....

NY Medical exemption form http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AI/vetpage/Rabies%20Exempt%20Form.pdf

33. NORTH CAROLINA RABIES LAWS -- Dr. Thomas Morris, North Carolina's Public Health Veterinarian's office on call for Dr. Carl Williams, Public Health Veterinarian (919) 707-5900.
I spoke with Dr. Morris and he said the state accepts any licensed rabies vaccine and that there are 1 and 3 year rabies vaccine approved and licensed by the USDA and North Carolina accepts those.
North Carolina General Statutes
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_130A/GS_130A-185.html
§ 130A 185. Vaccination of all dogs and cats.
(a) The owner of every dog and cat over four months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies. The time or times of vaccination shall be established by the Commission. Rabies vaccine shall be administered only by a licensed veterinarian or by a certified rabies vaccinator.
(b) Only animal rabies vaccine licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture and approved by the Commission shall be used on animals in this State. (1935, c. 122, s. 1; 1941, c. 259, s. 2; 1953, c. 876, s. 2; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

34. NORTH DAKOTA -- No Medical Exemption. North Dakota Century Code Title 23 Chapter 23-26 Rabies Control 23-36-01 http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t23c36.pdf

11. "Vaccinated animal" means an animal that has been vaccinated in compliance with the compendium of animal rabies control issued by the national association of state public health veterinarians.

35. OHIO RABIES LAWS -- The Ohio Department of Health (614-752-1029) said there is no "state law" on rabies immunization -- it is determined by the counties.

36. OKLAHOMA -- No medical exemption. OKLAHOMA Rabies Law http://www.oar.state.ok.us/viewhtml/310_599-3-9.1.htm 
Title 310 Chapter 599 Subchapter 3 -- Rabies Control
310:599-3-9.1. Required immunization of dogs, cats, and ferrets
(a) The owner or custodian of a domestic dog, cat, or ferret shall cause the animal to be vaccinated against rabies by the time the animal is four months of age and at regular intervals thereafter according to the label directions of an approved rabies vaccine for use in that species, or as prescribed by ordinances or rules adopted by a municipality within whose jurisdiction the animal owner resides.
(b) A veterinarian who administers or supervises the rabies vaccination of a dog, cat, or ferret shall issue to the animal's owner/custodian a vaccination certificate that meets the minimum standards set forth in OAC 310:599-3-7. Animal identification including, but not limited to species, gender, age, and predominant breed and coloring must be indicated on the vaccination certificate.

37. OREGON RABIES LAWS (WITH medical exemption) -- Oregon Administrative Rules Division19 §333-019-0017 http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARs_300/OAR_333/333_019.html 

Rabies Vaccination for Animals
(1) Except where specifically exempt, all dogs at least three months old shall be immunized against rabies by the age of six months.
(3) To be considered immunized against rabies, dogs and cats must be vaccinated according to guidelines published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Compendium of animal rabies prevention and control, 2005 MMWR 2005; 54 (No. RR-3).

"The following are exempt: (b) Dogs forwhich rabies immunization is contraindicated for health reasons, as determined by a licensed veterinarian subsequent to an examination....."

38. PENNSYLVANIA RABIES LAWS -- http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/007/chapter16/chap16toc.html  Chapter 16 Rabies Prevention and Control Subchapter C§ 16.43. Revaccination.
A dog or cat over 3 months of age shall be vaccinated to maintain immunity against rabies by the administration of a USDA licensed vaccine, including vaccines producing immunity lasting 3 years, in accordance with instructions prescribed by the manufacturer.
(1) A dog or cat vaccinated when under 1 year of age shall be revaccinated no later than 1 year later.
(2) A dog or cat vaccinated when over 1 year of age with a vaccine producing immunity lasting 3 years shall be revaccinated no later than 3 years later and at least every 3 years thereafter.
 

39. RHODE ISLAND RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption -- see below)  http://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/regdocs/released/pdf/DEM/5997.pdf  6.00 RABIES VACCINATION PROTOCOL 6.01 Vaccine Administration For animals to be considered Currently Vaccinated, rabies vaccinations shall be administered by or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. All rabies vaccine must be stored, handled, and administered in strict accordance with the vaccine manufacturer's labeled directions.

RI does NOT have a rabies medical exemption, even though the Rabies Control Board had voted to put one into law.

40. SOUTH CAROLINA RABIES LAWS -- SOUTH CAROLINA Rabies Control Title 47 http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t47c005.htm  South Carolina State Veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Cox 803-898-4042
SECTION 47-5-60. Inoculation of pets; certificates and tags.
A pet owner must have his pet inoculated against rabies at a frequency to provide continuous protection of the pet from rabies using a vaccine approved by the department and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Evidence of rabies inoculation is a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian.

41. SOUTH DAKOTA RABIES LAWS -- South Dakota Administrative Rules http://legis.state.sd.us/rules/DisplayRule.aspx?Rule=12:68:06:09

12:68:06:09. Additional information to be contained in health certificate for imported cats and dogs. Any cat or dog imported into South Dakota must be accompanied by a health certificate as described in SDCL 40-14-2 issued by a state or federal government veterinary official of the originating state or by a licensed veterinarian. The certificate must state that the animal has not been exposed to rabies, that it is free from signs of any contagious or communicable disease, that it has been currently vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian, the date of vaccination, the type of vaccine used, and the date the animal is due for boostering for rabies immunization.

South Dakota Department of Health Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease and Injury Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2004 Part II Rabies http://doh.sd.gov/documents/AnimalsPublicSettings.pdf 
"In high incidence areas, it is particularly critical that all mammals in situtations where public contact could occur (e.g., fairs) be current on rabies immunization.

42. TENNESSEE RABIES LAWS -- Title 68 Chapter 8 http://www.tennessee.gov/sos/acts/103/pub/pc0765.pdf

Tennessee’s state anti-rabies law, Title 68 Chapter 8 Section 103 (i) declares that “Nothing in this section shall be construed to require more frequent rabies vaccinations or a greater number of rabies vaccinations than are required by the rabies compendium,” and defines the “compendium” under Section 102 (3) as “the most recent issue of the national ‘Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control’ published by the Association of State Public Health Veterinarians..”

43. TEXAS RABIES LAWS -- Title 10 Chapter 826 Subchapter A http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/HS/content/pdf/hs.010.00.000826.00.pdf

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/zoonosis/education/training/aco/manual/information/826law.pdf

Texas Administrative Code Title 25 Part 1 Chapter 169 Subchapter A Rule 169.29 http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=25&pt=1&ch=169&rl=29

(a) The custodian (excluding animal shelters as defined in the Texas Health and Safety Code, §823.001) of each dog or cat shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies by 16 weeks of age. The animal must be vaccinated by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian with rabies vaccine licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture for that animal species at or after the minimum age requirement and using the recommended route of administration for the vaccine. The attending veterinarian has discretion as to when the subsequent vaccination will be scheduled as long as the revaccination due date does not exceed the recommended interval for booster vaccination as established by the manufacturer or vaccination requirements instituted by local ordinance.

44. UTAH RABIES LAWS -- Title 26 Chapter 6 Sections 11-15 http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE26/26_06.htm

No cited rabies vaccine requirement.

Import Requirements http://ag.utah.gov/divisions/animal/health/entry.html#pets
Cats, Dogs and Ferrets
All dogs, cats and ferrets over four months of age shall be accompanied by an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (Health Certificate), showing a current vaccination against rabies. The date of vaccination, name of product used, and expiration date must be given.
Dr. Bruce L. King, State Veterinarian Department of Agriculture phone: (801) 538-7162 fax: (801) 538-7169

45. VERMONT RABIES LAWS -- (WITH medical exemption) Vermont Department of Health Final Rules Vaccination of Domestic Pets, Wolf/Hybrids and Livestock Against Rabies
 http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/rabies/documents/RabiesControlManual_vaccination.pdf

2. Administration and Use of Rabies Vaccinations:

C. Rabies vaccinations shall be administered as follows:

(1) To dometic pet: in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.

2.C.4.D. Rabies vaccination must be administered to domestic pets and wolf/hybrids prior to the age of 4 months unless in the judgment of the veterinarian the animal's medical condition would prevent the development of adequate immunity to rabies.  Animals so exempted must be inoculated against rabies as soon as their medical condition permits.

46. VIRGINIA (WITH medical exemption) -- VIRGINIA CODE Title 3.2 Section 3.2-6521
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+CHAP0182  § 3.2-6521  (enacted March 29, 2010) Rabies inoculation of dogs and domesticated cats; availability of certificate; rabies clinics.

A. The owner or custodian of all dogs and domesticated cats four months of age and older shall have them currently vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician who is under the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises. The supervising veterinarian on the premises shall provide the owner of the dog or the custodian of the domesticated cat with a certificate of vaccination. The owner of the dog or the custodian of the domesticated cat shall furnish within a reasonable period of time, upon the request of an animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, State Veterinarian's representative, or official of the Department of Health, the certificate of vaccination for such dog or cat. The vaccine used shall be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for use in that species.

D. The Board of Health shall, by regulation, provide an exemption to the requirements of subsection A if an animal suffers from an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to vaccination and such exemption would not risk public health and safety. For the purposes of § 3.2-6522, such exemption shall mean that the animal is considered not currently vaccinated for rabies. For the purposes of §§ 3.2-5902, 3.2-6526, and 3.2-6527, such exemption shall be considered in place of a current certificate of vaccination.

47. WASHINGTON STATE RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- WAC 246-100-196 Rabies Preliminary Draft February 22, 2010 http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/draft246-100-196.pdf
(3) An owner of a dog, cat, or ferret shall have it vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated following veterinary and vaccine manufacture instructions. This requirement does not apply to animal shelters.

Chapter 16-54 WAC Animal Importation 16-54-068 Restrictions. http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?dispo=true&cite=16-54&full=true

(4) Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be accompanied by an entry permit and proof of current rabies vaccination if they originate from a rabies quarantined area or an area where the state or country of origin has designated terrestrial rabies as endemic.

48. WEST VIRGINIA RABIES LAWS (NO medical exemption) -- http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2010_SESSIONS/RS/Bills/HB4407%20SUB%20ENR.htm  effective June 6, 2010

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That §19-20A-2 and §19-20A-5 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended and reenacted, all to read as follows:
ARTICLE 20A. VACCINATION OF DOGS AND CATS FOR RABIES.
§19-20A-2. Vaccination of dogs and cats.
(a) A person who owns, obtains or possesses a dog or cat within the State of West Virginia shall have the dog or cat properly vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine capable of producing immunity for three years, boostered one year after initial vaccination and every third year thereafter. Dogs and cats need not be vaccinated before the age of three months, but must be vaccinated by the age of six months.

49. WISCONSIN RABIES LAWS (WITH medical exemption) -- Wisconsin Statutes §95.21 Rabies control program. http://nxt.legis.state.wi.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&d=stats&jd=§95.21

95.21(2) (2) Rabies vaccination required for dogs.
(a) Requirement for vaccination. Except as provided in s. 174.054 or sub. (9) (d), the owner of a dog shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian or, if a veterinarian is physically present at the location the vaccine is administered, by a veterinary technician, pursuant to s. 453.05 (2) (d), at no later than 5 months of age and revaccinated within one year after the initial vaccination. If the owner obtains the dog or brings the dog into this state after the dog has reached 5 months of age, the owner shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies within 30 days after the dog is obtained or brought into the state unless the dog has been vaccinated as evidenced by a current certificate of rabies vaccination from this state or another state. The owner of a dog shall have the dog revaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian or, if a veterinarian is physically present at the location the vaccine is administered, by a veterinary technician, pursuant to s. 453.05 (2) (d), before the date that the immunization expires as stated on the certificate of vaccination or, if no date is specified, within 3 years after the previous vaccination.

http://www.legis.state.wi.us/statutes/Stat0095.pdf 
(d) A city, village, or town may exempt the owner of a dog from the requirement to have the dog vaccinated against rabies for a year based on a letter from a veterinarian stating that vaccination
is inadvisable because of a reaction to a previous vaccination, a physical condition, or a regimen of therapy that the dog is undergoing. The city, village, or town shall require the owner to providea new letter for each year in which the owner seeks an exemption under this paragraph.

50. WYOMING RABIES LAWS -- Wyoming Statutes Title 11 Chapter 31 Section 11-31-212 http://legisweb.state.wy.us/statutes/statutes.aspx?file=titles/Title11/Title11.htm
11-31-212. Rabies control districts; establishment; notice.
(a) The board of county commissioners of any county may establish a rabies control district by resolution when in the judgment of the board and the county health officer a district is necessary. The resolution shall designate the boundaries of the district, which may include any incorporated city or town, and shall identify the district by name.
11-31-213. Registration; vaccination certificate required.
The board of county commissioners may require the registration of all dogs and cats within a rabies control district and may require the owner or person having the right to possession of any dog or cat in the district three (3) months of age or older, to present a valid rabies vaccination certificate showing the dog or cat has been vaccinated for immunization against rabies by a licensed veterinarian as a condition for registration. The vaccination certificate shall indicate the date of vaccination, the type of vaccine used and the period of immunization.