Rabies Vaccination Rules According to the EU
"Primary" Rabies Vaccination:
- The first rabies vaccination your pet gets after its microchip or after any lapse in coverage is a "primary/initial" rabies vaccination.
- A "primary/initial" rabies vaccination is only valid for 1 year.
- If your pet does not receive another rabies vaccination within 1 year of the "primary/initial" rabies vaccination, it means the vaccination coverage lapsed. The next rabies vaccination is again considered a "primary" rabies vaccination, and it is only valid for 1 year.
"Booster" Rabies Vaccination:
- If your pet does get its next rabies vaccination within 1 year of a "primary/initial" rabies vaccination, this "booster" rabies vaccination can be valid for 1-3 years.
- If a booster is used for travel, you must provide all relevant vaccination certificates to prove there was no lapse in coverage since the "primary/initial" rabies vaccination.
21-Day Waiting Period
- After any "primary/initial" rabies vaccination, your pet must wait 21 days before traveling to the EU.
- Your pet can travel to the EU less than 21 days after a "booster" rabies vaccination, but then the previous rabies vaccination must also be included on the health certificate.
Wanting to simplify your paperwork?
If timing allows, administer a 1-year rabies vaccination (after scanning the microchip) between 21 days and 1 year before travel to the EU. This will only require 1 vaccinating certificate, saving time and ensuring quicker review and endorsement by the USDA.