Scenario #3
The pet is 9 years old and was given a primary vaccination for rabies at 3 months of age and was microchipped at the same time. The pet has received 4 rabies vaccinations (1 primary + 3 3-yr boosters) and has rabies certificates for all vaccinations. However, there was a lapse in coverage between the 2nd and 3rd boosters.
EU/UK Rabies Rules:
- The pet does meet this rule: Primary rabies must be given to the pet after or on the same date as the microchip implant (or the date of the microchip scan).
- The pet does meet this rule: Pet must not travel until 21 days have passed following the primary rabies vaccination.
- The pet does NOT meet this rule: Pet must be able to prove that it has not had a lapse between vaccinations
Since there was a lapse between the rabies vaccination, the 3rd booster given does not qualify as a “booster.” Any vaccination given after a lapse is considered a “primary” and is only good for 1 year. However, since the rabies certificate will list the validity date range as 3 years, the 3rd booster can not be used for the pet to travel.
What to do:
The pet must be revaccinated, and the new vaccination will need to be listed as a primary vaccination with a 1-year validity date range on the rabies certificate and the international health certificate (the validity date ranges must match on the rabies certificate and the health certificate). The 21-day wait period will apply to the new vaccination, so the vaccination must be administered no less than 21 days before travel.
Download the PDF with the complete set of scenarios here.