This past week I went to the vet to have sutures removed. If I went to my vet at Marty Goldstein’s practice I would have had to rent a car and it would have been an hour driving each way. That’s a pain in the butt. For such a simple procedure, all of that effort seemed to be overkill. When went to the neighborhood vet, the woman at the desk and the vet tech were very insistent about vaccinating (particularly regarding rabies). “It’s the law,” they stated with expressions of disdain. I clarified that there are waivers for that law, but the vet tech condescendingly insisted that I was ill-informed about the subject and that dogs without their scheduled rabies vaccinations are required to be quarantined until they given the toxic serum. The vet tech also warned me that a dog could be put down because of those laws for refusing to vaccinate. I told him that the law he was referring to was NOT applicable to New York. I told him that different states have different laws, but it was a futile effort.
Most conventional vets don’t provide the option to give titer tests which tests the presence of antibodies in the blood. It is easier and MUCH more profitable to just administer a rabies vaccine. In fact, give your vet a call and ask the receptionist how much a rabies vaccine will cost. The answer will likely answer immediately. If you ask for the cost of a titer test, they will probably put you on hold to find out what a titer test, whether or not they provide the test, and then find out how much it would cost. There are very simple in-office tests available, but the vaccine is so profitable that most conventional vets won’t even tell you about it. This is a very deliberate way to keep dog owners in the dark. Vaccines cause a plethora of illness and disease. The vets just let the money pour on in. To become better versed with regard to vaccines, read my article, Are Dog Vaccines Really Safe? in which I break it down for you the dangers of over-vaccinating. You may watch a video of the leading veterinary immunologist explain it all.
Another worthwhile article you should check out is 2020 Rabies Vaccine Study – How Long Does the Shot REALLY Last??? The study is performed by leading veterinary immunologists/vaccinologists
I strongly recommend you read those articles. It could save your dog’s life.
To detox from vaccines, you can administer homeopathic remedies. There are various products for vaccine detox. It is important to clear out those toxins that have been unscrupulously administered to you dog for the purpose of cashing in at the expense of destroying the immune system, injecting known carcinogens, causing allergies, lumps & bumps, cancer, and a multitude of other disorders. Three products that I would recommend include:
- Vaccine Detox
- Vaccine Detox Advanced Kit
- Vaccine Detox Optimal Kit – I used this one for my dogs
Getting back to the exemptions:
THE 18 STATES WITH RABIES MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS: Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin
Each state requires its own procedures and protocols in obtaining and maintaining the exemption status.
(1) ALABAMA
About the Code: Alabama Code Title 3 Section 7A-2
What the code states:
(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.
(2) CALIFORNIA
About the Code: Health and Safety Code Section 121690
What the code states:
(2) A request for an exemption from the requirements of this subdivision shall be submitted on an approved form developed by the department and shall include a signed statement by the veterinarian explaining the inadvisability of the vaccination and a signed statement by the dog owner affirming that the owner understands the consequences and accepts all liability associated with owning a dog that has not received the canine anti-rabies vaccine. The request shall be submitted to the local health officer, who may issue an exemption from the canine anti-rabies vaccine.
(3) The local health officer shall report exemptions issued pursuant to this subdivision to the department.
(4) A dog that is exempt from the vaccination requirements of this section shall be considered unvaccinated.
(5) A dog that is exempt from the vaccination requirements of this section shall, at the discretion of the local public health officer or the officer’s designee, be confined to the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer and, when off the premises, shall be on a leash the length of which shall not exceed six feet and shall be under the direct physical control of an adult. A dog that is exempt from the provisions of this section shall not have contact with a dog or cat that is not currently vaccinated against rabies.
(3) COLORADO:
About the Code: Title 25, Article 4, Part 6
What the code states:
A veterinarian licensed in Colorado may issue a written waiver as provided in this section exempting an animal from a rabies vaccination order if the veterinarian, in his or her professional opinion, determines the rabies inoculation is contraindicated due to the animal’s medical condition. The terms “waiver” and “exemption” as used in this section are interchangeable. A veterinarian may issue a waiver if:
1. The animal to be exempted has a medical condition defined as “a disease, illness, or other pathological state” for which, in the opinion of the exempting veterinarian, a rabies inoculation is contraindicated;
6. The exemption issued is limited to the anticipated duration of the animal’s medical condition that precludes inoculation; and
C. A waiver may not exceed a period of three years from the date of issuance. If the medical condition persists beyond a three year period and, in the professional opinion of a veterinarian licensed in the State of Colorado the exemption continues to be appropriate, a new waiver may be issued.
(4) CONNECTICUT:
About the Code: Public Act No. 06-105
What the code states:
(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. 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.
(5) DELAWARE:
Amendment to code Amend § 8204 Title 3 of House Bill 238
What the code states:
This Act enables licensed veterinarian’s to exempt an animal from the mandated rabies vaccination, if the veterinarian determines the vaccine would endanger the animal’s health and a titer test has been administered to assist in determining the necessity of the vaccine. Additionally the bill requires that a license veterinarian complete a Vaccine Risk Assessment Form provided by the department and to review the form with the pet owner. The form must be developed and distributed to licensed veterinarians by the Department of Health and Social Services
(5) FLORIDA
About the Code: Chapter 828.30
What the code states:
(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.
(6) ILLINOIS
About the Code: (510 ILCS 5/8) (from Ch. 8, par. 358) Section 8
What the code states:
If a licensed veterinarian determines in writing that a rabies inoculation would compromise an animal’s health, then the animal shall be exempt from the rabies shot requirement, but the owner must still be responsible for the fees.
(7) MAINE
About the Code: Chapter 260
What the code states:
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.
(8) MARYLAND
About the Code: 10.06.02.10
What the code states:
(3) The Public Health Veterinarian may delay temporarily or indefinitely the rabies vaccination requirement for certain dogs, cats, or ferrets in the interest of public safety or for medical determinations or research.
(9) MASSACHUSETTS
About the Code: Section 137 & 145B
What the code states:
A dog licensing official may grant an exemption from the provisions of section one hundred and forty-five B for any dog which has not yet attained the age of six months, any dog which the local board of health, for a specified period of time, declared exempt upon presentation of a veterinarian’s certificate stating that because of an infirmity, other physical condition or regimen of therapy, that inoculation is thereby deemed inadvisable, or any dog in transit, or dog brought into the commonwealth, temporarily, for the sole purpose of showing in dog shows or exhibition.
(10) NEVADA
About the Code: NAC 441A.435
What the code states:
4. A licensed veterinarian may exempt a dog, cat or ferret from vaccination for health reasons. The veterinarian shall record the reasons for the exemption and a specific description of the dog, cat or ferret, including the name, age, sex, breed and color on a rabies vaccination certificate which must bear the owner’s name and address. The veterinarian shall record whether the reason for the exemption is permanent and, if it is not, the date the exemption expires.
(11) NEW HAMPSHIRE
About the Code: Section 446:100
What the code states:
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.
(12) NEW JERSEY
About the Code: Section 419-15.2a
What the code states:
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.
New Jersey provides a Medical Exemption Form to be completed by a vet.
(13) NEW YORK
About the Code: Article 21, Title 4: Section 2146
What the code states:
Exemptions The vaccination requirements shall not apply to any dog, cat, domesticated ferret if …. a licensed veterinarian has determined that the vaccination will adversely affect the animal’s health….
New York provides a Medical Exemption Form to be completed by a vet.
(14) OREGON
About the Code: 333-019-0017
What the code states:
(1) Except where specifically exempt, all dogs at least three months old shall be immunized against rabies by the age of six months.
(b) Dogs for which rabies immunization is contraindicated for health reasons, as determined by a licensed veterinarian subsequent to an examination. The reasons for the exemption and a specific description of the dog, including name, age, sex, breed, and color, shall be recorded by the examining veterinarian on a Rabies Vaccination Certificate, which shall bear the owner’s name and address. The veterinarian shall also record whether the exemption is permanent, and if it is not, the date the exemption ends…
(15) PENNSYLVANIA
About the Code: Senate Bill 155
What the code states:
(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 required information by the state order to be valid. There are several limitations and requirements of this exemption which must be satisfied to in order to maintain the exempt status.
(16) VERMONT
About the Code: Rabies Control Manual
What the code states:
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.
(17) VIRGINIA
About the Code: Chapter 182
What the code states:
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.
(18) WISCONSIN
About the Code: Chapter 95
What the code states:
(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 provide a new letter for each year in which the owner seeks an exemption under this paragraph.
Sources:
| “States with Medical Exemptions in Lieu of Rabies Vaccination – Rabies Challenge Fund.” States with Medical Exemptions in Lieu of Rabies Vaccination – Rabies Challenge Fund. The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust, 20 July 2014. Web. 5 Nov. 2014.
<https://www.rabieschallengefund.org/states-with-medical-exemptions>.The official government website for each state was referred to in order to confirm the accuracy of the information provided in this article. The links following “About the Code” lead directly to the applicable information cited in each description of the exemption and waiver information. |
7 thoughts on “About Medical Exemptions for the Rabies Vaccine”
Thanks for putting this all together. Very helpful!!!
Hi there-
Thank you so much for visiting my website.
It is so sad that many people (including vets) don’t know about these exemptions. Due to the lack of awareness, I am sure that many lives are needlessly stricken with unnecessary consequences and heartache. Think about how many vets who DO know about this over vaccinate despite the dangers and then don’t own up to the illnesses that follow as a result. Not all vets are so unethical, but an enormous percentage of conventional vets are not educated enough with regard to the law or immunology. Please read my article Are Vaccines REALLY Safe? and you will be shocked about what goes on.
Please spread the word on social media. I want other to become informed about important issues that I address in my website.
i have an interesting question. I live in PA and our vet has given my 6 pound toy poodle exemption from future rabies vaccine. After complying for many years and getting it, when my dog turned 13 years old, I said enough! My vet agreed. My dog and I are in the process of getting certified to be a therapy team, and one of the requirements for him is either proof of recent vaccination or proof of titer. Getting a titer is very expensive and I’m wondering if the exemption certificate should be enough for the therapy dog organization. Thank you!
Hi Debra-
Thank you for visiting my website and for commenting. I am not positive, but I highly doubt that the exemption itself will be acceptable. Older dogs should NOT be vaccinated. It is very likely that your dog already has acceptable protection. By messing around with a vaccine, you are messing around with your dog’s health and might regret it later on. The price might be high, but in the long run you would be better off. Please read my article Are Dog Vaccines Really Safe? and please watch the video in its entirety. It’s long and somewhat boring, but it is critical).
All the best
Janie
since i was a kid, little boy 7 year old i understood, (60 years back) once was enough for a dog to be immunized against rabies. I was recently order to pay against; having #1 no lic, #2 no rabies shots, and #3 loud continues barking, I was also cited for having my son’s dog because due to covis19 they had to move out of their rental and of course I’m caring for the dog. $600 in fines 21 letters from neighbors stating the dogs are not a nuisance. papers proving before and subsequently rabies shots ( only to be told the ticket was issued in between shots) Now I ask how did animal control figure That I had No rabies shots? At the time a purchased the dogs, covis was just starting up. Soon no animal control or other vaccines available. Is this a for $profit ripoff or what? I need a lawyer, or a hearing officer not dependent on the city for their salary.
Hi Will-
Thank you for visiting my blog.
What a nightmare! That type of behavior is likely due to the vaccine because your dog wasn’t like that before. Dr. Robb is a great vet who has been on the frontline trying to change the laws.
I’m wondering if by chance a homeopathic anti-vaccinosis remedy would help. Here is a link to one of my affiliates HomeoAnimal. They have a few different anti-vaccinosis remedy kits.
It helps clear out metals and other toxins from a dog’s system. I wonder if by doing that type of cleanse if you might be able to get some positive results for his behavior.
I’m not a vet, and I am not prescribing these remedies to you. I am just sharing my experience with them because I have used those products. Although my dogs never had issues like yours, I am wondering if it might be a healthy option to try.
If you give it a try, please let me know how things go.
Warmly,
Janie
Hi Will-
Thank you for stopping by and visiting my website. Your question is a good one and it all comes down to education. Unfortunately, conventional vets have no training in biologically appropriate diet as such training would be a conflict because programs are typically supported by commercial and pharmaceutical manufacturers which are big business. Holistic vets receive additional training that focuses on getting to the root of the problem as opposed to covering it up with a bandaid. With that being said, the commercial veterinary practices do not know how to safely use herbs or food to heal.
Garlic is another herb that is not understood by conventional vets. Garlic is an excellent antioxidant and it repels ticks and fleas. I have and internal powder that is added to the diet that repels ticks and fleas that I describe in an article of mine.
It is critical to be aware of the dosing of any herb that you use. It’s best to work with a holistic vet who is properly trained. You can read further about the use of cayenne in the articles in my sources. Dogs Naturally Magazine is an EXCELLENT source for everything holistic.
Warmly,
Janie