PetPass Guide · Texas
Dog vaccine requirements in Texas
Rabies is the vaccine Texas actually requires by law. Here's what the statute says, followed by what boarding facilities and groomers in Texas will ask to see on top of it.
What Texas requires
- First dose by
- 4 months of age
- Who it covers
- Dogs and cats
- Boosters
- A booster within 12 months of the first dose, then every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine used.
Worth knowing: Cities and counties in Texas may set stricter rules than the state minimum, so check local ordinances too.
Source: Tex. Health & Safety Code ch. 826; 25 Tex. Admin. Code § 169.29 state health department · reviewed 2026-08-14Read the official page
What Texas boarders ask for beyond rabies
These aren't legal requirements — they're facility policy, and they're the reason a drop-off gets refused.
Required almost everywhere
- Rabies
- DHPP (distemper/parvo combo)
- Bordetella
Often asked for too
- Canine influenza — common at daycares and after a local outbreak
- A negative fecal test within the last 6–12 months
- Proof of flea and tick prevention
The rabies vaccine itself
Rabies — fatal once symptoms start, and transmissible to people.
- Puppy series
- One dose at 12–16 weeks, boosted one year later.
- How long it lasts
- Every 1 or 3 years, depending on which vaccine was given and what your state or county requires.
Common questions
How long is the Bordetella vaccine good for?
The vaccine is labeled for 12 months. The catch is that many boarding facilities, groomers, and daycares require it to have been given within the last 6 months, so a dose your vet considers current can still be turned away at check-in. Confirm the facility's window when you book.
What shots does my dog need for boarding?
Almost universally: rabies, DHPP (the distemper/parvo combo), and Bordetella. Many facilities also want canine influenza and a recent negative fecal test. Policies differ, so ask for the facility's written requirements before you book.
How far in advance should I get my pet vaccinated before boarding?
At least two weeks. Some vaccines need a second dose 2–4 weeks after the first before they count, and many facilities won't accept a shot given in the last 48 hours to 7 days. Booking a trip and vaccinating the same week is the most common reason a drop-off gets refused.
How often does my dog need a rabies shot?
The first dose is given around 12–16 weeks and boosted a year later. After that it's every 1 or 3 years, depending on which vaccine was used and what your state or county requires. The 3-year vaccine is only good for 3 years where local law recognizes it.
What happens if my pet's vaccine is overdue?
It depends on how overdue. A slightly late booster is usually just given as a booster. If enough time has passed, some vaccines need the initial two-dose series restarted, which means planning around a 2–4 week gap. Ask your vet before assuming one visit will fix it.
How do I get my pet's vaccine records from a previous vet?
Call and ask for them in writing. Most clinics will email or print a summary, though a number still fax records to another clinic rather than release them to you. Ask for a copy sent to you directly, then keep your own copy — records that live only at a clinic are the ones that go missing when you move or switch vets.
Proof of rabies, on your phone
Store the certificate in PetPass and you've got it at the boarder, the groomer, the new vet, or the animal control officer — without digging through a folder.
Start freePetPass isn't a veterinary practice and this page isn't medical or legal advice. Schedules here follow the published AAHA and AAFP vaccination guidelines and describe what's typical — your vet decides what your pet actually needs based on age, health, and where you live. Vaccine law varies by state and county and can change; confirm current requirements with your vet or local animal control before you rely on them.