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My dog's rabies vaccine lot expired. Is it still valid for travel?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 4.4 lbs

My dog has been vaccinated for rabies and it says his vaccination expires in February 2022. However on the sticker from the vaccine itself it says the lot expired in 2019. It was administered before the lot expiry date, but I just want to make sure I won't be getting in any sort of trouble when traveling considering the vaccine lot expired in 2019 and we are now in 2020. Am I correct in assuming the lot expiry date only means the latest it can be administered?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 17th, 2020

Hello, yes indeed. The immune response to the vaccine can create enough antibodies to last 3 years. The vaccine is only recommended to be administered prior to the lot expiry date, however the vaccine once administered does not expire within he body as it only serves to create antibodies which again, will likely last all years that the certificate is good for.

You should not have any problems when traveling with Axel. Hope this helps and best of luck.
Vote Icon3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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