Rabies shots????

Keymaster

Lynda,
I am sorry there isn’t much information on the Vaccination resource page yet. It takes a lot of time to build these pages and get the information on them. I just haven’t had much time lately to get that done. I add things when I can. Dr. Dodds’ first video on that page is quite informative and I would recommend watching it.

This is a complex issue because rabies is not only considered deadly to animals, but also is deadly to humans. Therefore every country and the district divisions in each country will have strict regulations regarding animals traveling into the country, not necessarily because of how this would impact your dog, but how it applies to public health. In addition you may have to follow restrictions exiting and reentering your own country.

The first place to check for information is your own vet. They will have an intimate knowledge of any local and country laws regarding rabies. They can advise you about the vaccine details and how that applies to your situation. You should ask what are the legal consequences of owing a dog, and having it at large in the community, that is not vaccinated against rabies.

The next step is to check what laws the country you are entering into has regarding bringing animals into the country. A quick google search found the laws and procedures in France.
http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/France.cfm

European Union (EU) regulations for taking a pet dog, cat or ferret to France from within the EU, from rabies free countries or from countries with a low incidence of rabies. New pet import regulations for the EU in effect on December 29, 2014.

France does not quarantine healthy pets (cats, dogs and ferrets) from the above countries having resided there for the preceeding six (6) months that meet the following requirements in this order:

Your pet will need an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15 digit pet microchip implanted by your veterinarian. If your pet has a microchip that is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, you can bring your own microchip scanner.

If your pet is entering France from a rabies-free or rabies-controlled country, it will need a rabies vaccination no sooner than 21 days** prior to entry and not more than the expiration date of the manufacturer of the vaccine. If your dog, cat or ferret was not vaccinated after it was fitted with a microchip, it will have to be vaccinated again after the microchip is implanted.

If your pet is entering France from a high-rabies country, your pet must be microchipped, then vaccinated for rabies (in that order). After waiting 30 days, a Blood Titer Test must be administered (Have your veterinarian scan your pet’s microchip prior to the titer test.) Samples must be processed at approved laboratories. Assuming test results within acceptable limits, your pet can enter France no sooner than 90 days after the date the blood was drawn and avoid quarantine. This step is not required unless entering France from a high rabies country.

If you or a legal representative are traveling within 5 days of your pet, an accredited veterinarian must then complete a bi-lingual Annex IV for France within 10 days of entry for endorsement by the USDA or CFIA if traveling from the United States or Canada. If you are entering France from another EU country, then have your veterinarian update an EU Blue Pet Passport for your pet..

If you or a legal representative are not traveling within 5 days of your pet, an accredited veterinarian must then complete a bi-lingual Annex I for France within 48 hours of entry for endorsement by the USDA or CFIA if traveling from the United States or Canada. If you are entering France from another EU country, then have your veterinarian update an EU Blue Pet Passport for your pet. See additional commercial transport rules below.

Unaccompanied pets traveling as manifest cargo will need a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Your airlines may also require a health certificate even if your pet is traveling with you in the cabin or as checked baggage.
>read more at website

So there is research you need to do before you can decide what you are going to do. The rabies vaccination is a complex topic, not because health departments are concerned necessarily about the health of your dog, but their main focus is on protecting public health. Pets are vaccinated because they are the link between wildlife and your home and because it is a deadly disease.
good luck,
patrice

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