Canine Rabies Vaccination Exemption Requests

To request an exemption from your dog’s rabies vaccination, two (2) forms are required:

1. State of California Rabies Vaccination Exemption Form
2. LA County, Long Beach Specific Supplemental Form

These forms help ensure rabies stays eradicated in LA and Orange Counties. The additional information allows County veterinarians to properly review and approve exemption requests based on medical need, while also helping track and monitor public health risks.

Your dog’s medical records support the exemption request and help verify the medical condition that prevents vaccination. Because many dogs are imported into the area each year, strict review helps protect both pets and people from potential rabies exposure. Our goal is to make every effort to protect public health.

There is no specific list of approved medical conditions for rabies vaccination exemptions. Veterinarians use their professional judgment to balance the risks of vaccination with a dog’s health status.

Examples of serious conditions that may qualify include:

• Immune-mediated diseases (such as IMHA)
• Ongoing cancer treatment
• Severe adverse reactions to a previous rabies vaccine

Conditions that do not qualify include:

• Old age
• Mild vaccine reactions (such as facial swelling)
• Reactions to non-rabies vaccines
• Positive rabies antibody (titer) results

The State, local animal control agency, and the veterinarian who submitted the request will be notified of the decision.

The requesting veterinarian will give you a copy of the approved or denied exemption certificate and will keep one for your dog’s medical record. They can also discuss any health or safety concerns related to your dog not receiving the rabies vaccine.

An approved exemption is valid for up to one year. If your dog’s medical condition still prevents vaccination after that time, a new exemption request must be submitted each year.

A rabies vaccination exemption only applies to licensing. It does not protect your dog if they’re exposed to rabies.

If an unvaccinated dog is exposed to a rabid or possibly rabid animal (like a bat, skunk, fox, raccoon, coyote, or opossum), they are subject to the same rules as any unvaccinated dog under California law.

Typically:

• Vaccinated dogs are quarantined for 30 days.
• Unvaccinated dogs may face a quarantine of six (6) months and/or euthanasia.

Dogs with an approved exemption must be kept on the property listed on the forms or on a 6-foot leash under the direct control of an adult when off the property. Additionally, they cannot have contact with any animals that are not up to date on their rabies vaccinations.