Do Pets Legally Have to Be Vaccinated in Texas?

Having a pet is about more than belly rubs and treats, it comes with real, and sometimes legal, responsibilities. In Texas, pet owners are required by law to ensure their animals receive proper medical care, including mandatory vaccinations.

Under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 826.021, all dog and cat owners must have their pets vaccinated against rabies by the time they are four months old, and ensure regular vaccination at intervals set by the department.

What Happens If You Don’t Vaccinate?

Failing to comply with the rabies vaccination law is considered a Class C misdemeanor in Texas, and can result in a fine of up to $500.

While enforcement typically follows incidents, such as animal bites or stray reports, noncompliance still carries legal and health risks. Businesses such as pet groomers, boarders, and trainers often require proof of up-to-date vaccinations regardless of legal enforcement.

Why Rabies Vaccination Matters

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies in North America is most commonly found in bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and mongoose. Domesticated animals, including dogs and cats, can also be infected, particularly when left unvaccinated and exposed to wildlife.

Although human cases of rabies in the U.S. are rare, the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention through vaccination critical.

Vaccination: A Legal and Public Health Priority

While some pet owners have expressed personal beliefs against vaccinations, Texas law does not provide exemptions for rabies vaccines outside of specific medical exceptions set by health authorities. Experts emphasize that vaccination is not just a matter of pet health but of public safety.