My dog needs a rabies shot for licensing. Is it safe to get it early?

It's great that you're being conscientious about her vaccines! From an immunologic perspective, nothing significant is changing in Lola's immune system between now and Saturday, so getting the booster done then will be fine. From a legal perspective, the rabies vaccine expires exactly 1 year from the initial booster, so she will be considered "unvaccinated" for a couple days. I wouldn't be too worried about you boostering her a couple days late - but to be on the safe side, just limit her exposure to strangers or other dogs for those few days until she's vaccinated again, to avoid the rare chance of someone getting bitten and inquiring about her rabies status. Hope this helps.

I'm not sure why this would be - I can't think of any reason that you would be required to wait, and this is not our policy at my clinic. I would suggest asking your vet why he/she recommends waiting, as this isn't common practice in my experience.

That partially depends on the state laws and where you live. Generally most vets will give the vaccine if the expiration date is within 6 weeks. If live in a state that allows 3 year rabies vaccines and you pet has already had one and is due for another 3 year vaccine, the vet may give that 6 months before the actual due date if it is more convenient for the owner. It does all however depend upon the doctor. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry about your husband! I hope you are doing better. Blueboy will be fine! He can get his rabies and restart his distemper combo series. He'll likely get 2 of them 3 weeks apart. Once he finishes those vaccines he'll be protected for the next year. I hope this helps and I wish you well!

Hi there. Do you mean, he had his rabies vaccine a little early - since it wasn't actually due until Nov. 15th? That won't cause any issues at all, and shouldn't be anything to worry about. It's very common to give vaccines a few months early in some cases, if that works out more easily to get everything on the same schedule. :)

Your pet will likely be fine as long as Scooby does not have an vaccine allergy issues. Many vets will try to get dogs on a schedule so that all vaccines are done at once (so clients don’t have to come in multiple times). If you have concerns, please discuss these with your doctor who will understand. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

You are correct, the first rabies vaccine is only good for one year. After that, depending on where you live, the next rabies vaccine could be good for three years. Some cities/states still require the rabies vaccine to be given every year though so you need to check what the law is in your area. Your vet will know. All, that being said, with her rabies vaccine being overdue - you need to update it as soon as possible and it may only be marked good for one year because you are overdue. Again, you must check with your vet regarding your local laws. Regardless, you need to get her rabies vaccine booster as soon as you can. Hope this answers your question. Best wishes!