MDFA - Bureau of Animal Health


Division of Animal Health and Dairy Services Animal Health home Animal Imports/Exports Animal Inspectors in Massachusetts Towns Equine Activities Pet Shops Rabies Reportable Diseases Legal Resources Laws Regulations	Bureau of Animal Health Rabies FAQ What kind of vaccinations are required for my kitten or puppy? Initial vaccination should be by the time the animal is six months old. The second vaccination should occur betwen 9-12 months after the first one. Are booster shots necessary for rabies, and if they are, how often should my dog or cat obtain them? The manufacturer of the vaccine determines how often boosters are needed. Get a schedule from your vet. I bought an older dog or cat, but was not given a certificate of vaccination. What should I do? Take the animal to a vet within 30 days of acquisition to have it vaccinated. A dog or cat bit my child. What should I do? Contact an Animal Inspector, who will begin the process of determining whether your child has been exposed to the rabies virus. A cat scratched my child. Can rabies be spread from just a scratch? Yes, so contact an Animal Inspector as you would if your child had been bitten. If my animal has to be tested for rabies, is the cost of the testing funded by the State? No, the owner is responsble for the costs. If my animal has been quarantined, it's the State's responsibility to pay for it, right? Wrong. The owner bears all costs associated with the quarantine.

Rabies FAQ