Rabies Vaccine Waiver from Your State? Don’t Waste Your Time

Beggar vs Chooser

I suspected this all along.

Your state may offer rabies vaccine waivers. A “get out of jail free card” if your dog or cat is not in full health.

If that waiver sounds easy or good to you, read on. It is surprisingly neither.

This post, like most, was prompted by a reader. She went jousting with the waiver bureaucracy in her state. Sherry relates,

Sent a carefully and comprehensively assembled packet out in January; called to check progress, no one responds. Leave messages; no one gets back. Contacted the dept.; a guy called back and referred me to one of the vets… (no help) …attitude is sickening, even as I relate I have an EPI dog with a near death experience from bloat/torsion two years ago, … that he just had a regimen for Lyme.”

EPI is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. A form of chronic disease that throws a wrench in the works of digestion.

If you’ve read my earlier piece about vaccination waivers, your dog or cat has one if they are ill. In any way. Read that post so you are clear on that.

It has to do with the label instructions on every vaccine for every species. In short, vaccines are labeled only for use in the healthy.

Now, while that’s true, is getting a rabies vaccine waiver from your state going to be easy?

Are the officials going to care?

Or, if they do, are they going to watch out for your animal’s health?

Bureaucracy Wants You

Bureaucracy, the “powers that be,” want easy.

They don’t want your complicated life intruding on their world of forms and reports and check boxes.

They run best on “one size fits all.”

In short, bureaucracy wants you:

  • to comply
  • to shut up and follow the flock
  • to not be an exception

I first got a taste of petty officials when I traveled overseas one summer in college. One particularly tension filled border crossing came between Morocco and Algeria.

My travel buddy John, a jovial guy by nature, thought he’d try to lighten up our wait by whistling.

“NO WHISTLING!!” shouted one of the uniforms.

When small minds have power, it’s rarely a cakewalk for you to accomplish simple things.

Why This Waiver is a Bad Idea

Getting a waiver from your state puts you in the position of being a beggar.

You know your rabies vaccinated animal has good reasons not to get more rabies vaccines. The risk far outweighs any perceived benefit:

  • allergies
  • autoimmune disease
  • laryngeal paralysis
  • degenerative myelitis
  • behavioral changes (like aggression)

You’ve learned immunity to viral vaccines lasts for years if not for the life of your animal. That’s been clear for decades now.

The history of rabies “laws” shows clearly they were based on greed, not immunological knowledge or even common sense.

(Do you get notices from your physician to come in yearly or triennially to boost your smallpox vaccination? Of course not. It’s accepted: you’re immune. Done.)

So, do you really think being a beggar to the all powerful state bureaucrats is a good way to protect your pet’s well being?

Who’s Got Your Animal’s Back?

There’s only one person (or maybe a couple) on the planet who should be your animal’s chief protector.

That one person knows her, all the challenges she’s been through and lives with now –

  • she gets itchy every summer
  • she takes thyroid medication
  • she’s reacted badly to vaccines in the past
  • she has an illness that demands a special diet
  • she (fill in the blank for how your animal has health challenges)

Yes, my dear, that one person is… (drum rollllll):

You.

If you’ve been studying at all, here and elsewhere, you know that handing over your health choices to Dr. WhiteCoat can be a dangerous act.

In the name of “prevention,” you’re liable to receive:

You want a long healthy vital life for your companion?

Better not to blindly accept what’s being thrust upon you by conventional medicine.

A Better Way

Do you know your animal has fulfilled the intent of the rabies law?

That means, she’s had at least one rabies vaccination over the age of 16 weeks. Odds are, as you read this, there have been several more.

You know that equates to immunity to rabies. She’s a “good citizen” in that, and so are you.

To avoid further vaccinations that are both unnecessary and risky to her health, consider not following the letter of the law:

  • stop licensing
  • “fly under the radar” (i.e. don’t partake in activities that alert animal control as to your status)
  • ask your open minded vet to understand and support your decision
  • no hope of vet understanding? Fire your vet.
  • get a mobile groomer

Tell Us How You’ve Managed

One thing I admire about my Pack is that they are creative. And smart. And fully dedicated to taking charge of their animals’ health.

Odds are, there are many reading this who’ve figured out how to prevent unnecessary rabies vaccinations. And, it didn’t involve a state rabies vaccine waiver.

My plea: share with us in the comments below, even anonymously, how you’ve accomplished this.

It’ll help the many, many pet owners writing me regularly about the struggles they have with these ridiculous laws, in 49/50 states, and much of Canada.

My hat is off to you pioneers.

And I invite you to join them. For your animals’ sake.

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75 Comments

  1. Donna Harris on February 19, 2023 at 6:27 am

    I’m in Ontario, Canada. Since taking your rabies, homeopath, etc. courses, and learning why dogs get so sick and how to help them, I stopped the rabies jab. I only gave it because of that vet push. I innately knew not to give the other vaccines.

    Where I presently live, the ‘dog catcher’ saw me walking my dog on many occasions last year so I had to register him, but no request for the rabies jab. I sign a waiver with the kennel for those useless jabs, and use the other method previously suggested for rabies. So far, so good.

    I adopted him four years ago. He’d been in the rescue for three years so had every jab there was for three years straight. I recently took him to the vet just to take him in there to meet them just in case. First words out of the receptionist’s mouth of course: ‘Let’s get him on heartworm.’ ‘No thanks’, I said. I had had them trained on my other dog never to ask me to give her anything. I hope that will be my last trip in there, and it will be homeopathy all the way barring any accidents.

    He’s now eight, and so far no health issues. He’s on organic raw of all proteins along with a little fruit/veggie and some natural supplements. He has an amazing coat.

    I now work with my human homeopath to get him over his vehicle/dog/human fear aggression. The previous two homeopath vets did not work out.

    Thank you for all you do, Dr. Falconer!

  2. anon on June 19, 2022 at 8:00 am

    I wish this was more helpful. “Fly under the radar” means never leave the house. Because I’ve been on a walk on a trail and been attacked by other peoples off leashed dogs on three occasions. Now LE wants to see everyone’s paperwork, luckily they are legit. So can’t NOT get a vaccination or a waiver. Where I live the waiver requirement is punitive. If you have a waiver then your dog must always be leashed and muzzled when outside. So my 16 year old blind dog with DM is exempt from further vaccination in her twilight years but must be muzzled in my fenced yard?

    What you suggesting is really playing Russian Roulette with home ownership. Some neighbors dog breaks into my yard to eat my chickens and animal control wants everyone’s papers. It would seem that you really need to let us know the towns and municipalities where waiver work. Vets that will provide them, and the States that are sympathetic. What treatments can be given to counteract the vaccination altogether.

    Otherwise we are always looking over our shoulder. Always wondering when animal control will take notice. Become second class citizens. I can’t live like that. Oh, and I am a licensed attorney. If I get caught breaking these rules I can lose my law license.

  3. Alice on February 2, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    I have 3 dogs – one with meningitis (SRMA) who is on prednisone; one with heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease; and one who is healthy. I have a waiver for the one with meningitis (and expect it will be renewed) and the rabies vaccination requirement is coming up in December for the healthy one. The one with heart, liver and kidney disease could probably get a waiver, but we are flying under the radar so far. She had a titer done two years ago and showed a high level of immunity. County animal control goes door to door looking for unlicensed and unvaccinated dogs – that’s how I was caught last year. I’m planning on moving out of the area before December so hope to avoid having to revaccinate the healthy one, and flying under the radar with him after that for as long as possible

  4. Jean on November 18, 2019 at 12:01 pm

    Hi, Dr. Will,

    I am late replying to this thread (11/2019)! I have had 3 totally unvaccinated dogs since 2002 by flying under the radar. I have never registered them in my township, have a homeopathic vet who continues to treat my unvaccinated dogs, am very careful to walk them where there are no other unleashed dogs and , above all, would never call animal control for any reason. Before 2002, I had one dog vaccinated with the 3 year vax when she was 7 years old and she died of hemangiosarcoma a few months later. That was a HORRIBLE experience.I think the rabies vaccination triggered an underlying condition causing her to get HSA which is prevalent in the breed. BTW, I have been raw feeding for years and use no toxic applications internally or externally. Thank you for all of the holistic information you have imparted over the years. You are a gem!

    • Will Falconer, DVM on November 22, 2019 at 7:44 pm

      Excellent, Jean. I’m presuming you’ve evaluated your risk of rabies to be minimal?

  5. Sue on August 30, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I just re-connected with an old high school friend, who has a cat. I sent her information about rabies vaccinations, and then she told me that she lives in a HUD housing situation, and they require her to have her cat vaccinated every 3 years.

    I don’t know anything about this. Moving is not an option for her, so I wonder if there’s anything else she can do.

    • Will Falconer, DVM on September 1, 2019 at 2:25 am

      Apartment managers are playing the same game: without the least bit of understanding of immunology, they are putting animals at risk by requiring excessive vaccination. Best bet is to hire a sympathetic holistic vet who will write logical waiver letters for them to keep on file. This has never failed for my clients.

  6. Karen on May 23, 2019 at 11:47 am

    We had our vet draw blood for a rabies titer. The blood was sent to Kansas State University. The titer came back almost 3 weeks later showing Spence has immunity to rabies. So now the vet will fill out a NJ Waiver…we will submit a copy with our town, keep copies with us, in the car, at the house, etc., etc. Done. We will have to do this yearly. It was very easy, tho not cheap as our vet seemed to triple the fees by Kansas State University. Check out Dr. Jean Dodds website for more information, and KSU. You can find various state waivers on the internet…just google it…

  7. Coni on July 27, 2017 at 8:51 am

    When I took my boy to be castrated the vet noticed that he had not been vaccinated so she took it upon herself to “bring him up to date” WHILE HE WAS UNDER ANESTHESIA! I did not authorize any vaccines or other treatments while he was there. It was only upon arrival to pick him up that I noticed on my bill there was a charge for vaccinating him. I was livid. When I confronted the vet she said to me, “we vaccinate dogs all the time while they are under anesthesia!” Long story short, I filed a report with our State Veterinary board and fired that veterinary practice. I do not vaccinate my dogs for anything. I asked my conventional vet to stop sending reminders to me and they did. We only use the conventional vet for things my holistic vet cannot handle, which isn’t much! I just say no to vaccines.

  8. Very anonymous on July 26, 2017 at 7:51 pm

    Fly under the radar yes. Never license. Pre screen vets. Lie about being vaccinated. Buy rabies tags without getting the shot

  9. Debandk9s on July 2, 2017 at 11:24 pm

    I have not vaccinated any of my dogs over the age of 10 for years. When their rabies vaccine expires (our state requires every 3 years) I just stop licensing them as we live in the country and no one can see how many dogs we have. I have found since I stopped vaccinating so frequently my dogs are living to be 14 or 15. I currently have a 14.5 year old Lab, 2 13.5 year old pugs (no vaccines at all since about age 4 as both had anaphylactic reactions to the rabies vaccine in the vet office and they did write a letter for me to not have to vaccinate them), a 12 year old Pug, a 12 year old Am Staff — all not vaccinated for years. One vet tried to put pressure on me to give rabies to the 12 year old Pug when we were in for something else but I refused and we just see one of the other vets there who never brings it up. My 3 year old French Bulldog did not have his first and only rabies vaccine until age 14 months and will never get another as his uncle (who belonged to me) had an autoimmune reaction to it that slowly killed him over a two year period. We tried everything including acupuncture, Chinese medicine, etc. but lost him at age 4. I found a homeopathic vet who wrote a letter that he should not have any vaccines and submitted it with my license applications and they accepted it. I wanted the license as I compete in agility and travel over state lines. I carry the letter with me in case it ever comes up. I will titer him next year. I also am no longer giving heartworm medication and have never used the topical flea/tick preparations on my dogs as I can’t see how they would not be harmful as they are a poison. I am an RN and do have to give some vaccines in my practice but IF a patient asks I do support them giving less vaccines or breaking them up. I myself refuse to get the flu vaccine and have a letter from my MD excusing me from getting it (required at my job or you are fired) and my job did accept i.

  10. guest on May 8, 2017 at 2:54 pm

    I haven’t had a dog licensed in over 15 years. Fly under the radar. Adopted a non vaccinated puppy and use nosodes instead of vaccines. I took the puppy classes and agility classes, being creative of course. I wanted my puppy to be social with other puppies and increase immunity by going to puppy classes and adult dog training classes. We meet occasional similar dogs to play with. We do all kinds of dog walk events, we walk in parades, go hiking on the trails, etc. My puppy is so much healthier than previous puppies and dogs that were over vaccinated. We do a mostly raw diet of organic whole raw eggs with frozen or fresh veggies and grind up 2 small garlic cloves and egg shells (for calcium) blend in a blender. Then we add some raw or cooked meat, and cod liver oil. Cranberry gel tablets to prevent urinary tract infections. Sea Kelp iodine tablets to protect the thyroid. Raw soup marrow bones for chewing. We use the onlynaturalpet chemical free flea tick tag. I am now looking to hire a holistic veterinarian within a few hours drive for a European spay or just remove only the ovaries or only the uterus. I am not going to use the chemical pain meds but instead using the Arnica Montana as a 15 year holistic vet specializing in spay neuters, said to use in IVC integrative veterinarian magazine. Give the Arnica pellets in the mouth right before surgery and right after surgery. I am buying that as the article says so we will be prepared not to use chemical pain meds. We now always search for alternatives for everything and with research I have learned lots of tips and tricks to be creative as needed from many comments of others or just searching and finding a way to get what I need to be creative to maintain a healthy holistic homeopathic pets. It is a learning process. I have learned so much and am still learning. VitalAnimal.com has been the most amazing help and a confidence builder to do what is right for my pets.

    • Will Falconer, DVM on May 8, 2017 at 5:40 pm

      Wow, you’ve been doing amazing work, and it’s so cool how you can appreciate the difference you’ve made compared to past dogs. That’s first hand “evidence based” work, if ever there was any.
      A caution: it’s best to NOT give arnica until after surgery. A significant percentage of animals have a very rocky plain of anesthesia when they get remedies before a procedure. Not fun for all involved, dog waking up in the midst of surgery.
      Homeopathy is best used when it’s needed, after a stressor causes symptoms, not before.
      And, if you had to choose between saving ovaries or uterus, you’d definitely want to save those two hormone makers! The uterus is far less important in the big scheme of your dog’s health.
      I’m always rewarded when I hear of growing confidence to make good decisions for your animals. You’ve made my day!

  11. jolieqe on May 1, 2017 at 1:02 am

    Curious if anyone’s gone to the vet and they force you for proof if the dog has been revaccinated for rabies elsewhere? Or can you just decline?

    • Anonymous on May 2, 2017 at 10:53 pm

      No it hasn’t happened to me before. If you’re not happy with your vet, fire them and start looking for a holistic vet or a integrative, proactive wellness vet. Call around and tell them your situation about not wanting to do rabies and ask if they’ll still see your dog as a patient without being “up to date”, get a titer, and see if they can write a waiver for you. But I think the best thing to do is to fly under the radar, don’t license, and if you’re feeding raw and not using pesticides for prevention then you’re doing good and probably wont need to see the vet much anyway. And hang on to your titer and waiver if you can get one, and only show it if you have to, like if your dog bit someone. But if your dog isn’t “up to date” by law you should be careful not to put your dog in situations where he could make a poor choice. This is where training comes in hand. My dog is very friendly and sweet, gets a lot with most dogs but can be a bitch sometimes, and loves people, but I do not allow her to run up to strange people or dogs if we’re in the woods on a hike. She has incredible recall, and ill call her back and leash her up and keep walking, or if a dog runs up to me, ill scare it off, call me mean but I gotta protect my dog. a lot of people don’t understand but I work with dogs at a rehab facility and see a lot of aggressive dogs. I just don’t know anything about the oncoming dog, whether its friendly or not, or how my dog will react if the other dog has bad energy or is pushy, so I gotta just play it safe

  12. Anonymous on April 30, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    Awesome article, Dr. Falconer! Discovering your blog has been so eye opening and made a world of difference for my dog’s health. I am hesitant to share this article on my FB page as I Don’t want someone who doesnt “get it” to report me, so I will just leave a comment here with what I have been doing. My dog’s last rabies shot was in 2013. It was a 3-year. I don’t remember how many rabies shots she’s had before that one. But she is 8 years old and I know she has had at least 2 in her life. Probably more. I didn’t know better back then. I thought I was being a good pet owner when I got that card in the mail and took my dog to the vet right away to get her shots and her monthly preventatives, and ran to the pet store to buy the most expensive, best looking bag of kibble I could find. My dog has had so many issues and I won’t get into that here, but I will tell you this.
    I fired my old conventional vet and found a new vet that said it was ok for my dog to come to the clinic without being “up to date” but we still did not see eye to eye on a few things. So I stayed with her while I found another vet who is AMAZING! This vet is going to be writing my dog a rabies waiver but I won’t be taking it to the town. I’ll just be holding onto it in my tool box in case I ever need it. I’m afraid if I go to the town with the waiver, they’ll still reject me and force me to get the vaccine and I won’t take that risk. My dog is extremely well trained and I take her off leash in the woods all the time and if I ever see another dog or person, I call her back, leash her up and we keep walking or I have to neutralize the oncoming dog the best I can because even though my dog is sweet, I don’t know anything about the oncoming dog, and if there is a dog fight, I have a dog who is considered not “up to date” and then I’m in a bad situation. I know my rights and I’m very well educated in the matter thanks to you, and I would fight for my rights, and I know my vet would back me because we’ve talked about it, and also Dr. John Robb who I’ve spoken to said he would drive to Massachusetts and appear in court with me to fight it. I won’t stop taking my dog off leash in the woods though because thats what she and most dogs love to do and I won’t take that freedom away from her. I just have to be very careful and I’m pretty strict when it comes to that so I don’t think Ill have a problem. But I’m prepared if there ever is one.
    I also saw a commenter on one of your blogs in the past that said she could help people get around this and I’ve taken steps to do this. It’s friggen crazy but I would do anything to protect my dog. She has already had stage 1 mast cell cancer which was “cut off” by the conventional vet 2 years ago. They or Tufts University School of Vet Medicine could not help my dog AT ALL. I was and still am FURIOUS with them.
    So basically I suggest really searching for the perfect vet, preferably holistic or a integrative proactive wellness veterinarian that agrees with not over-vaccinating and is ok with and actually PREFERS you to get a titer for rabies instead of re-vaccinating. My dog’s rabies titer was “extremely high” that I did with Kansas State University. Too high. Wayyy too high. Definitely not a good thing. Right now we are compiling the list of reasons my dog should not receive another rabies shot to put on the waiver. Such as, being given way too many antibiotics and steroids in her lifetime, the never-ending GI issues she has had, the amount of toxic HW and flea and tick medicine that she has had, all the vaccines she’s had, the kibble, her anxiety, the cancer, the list goes on.. She will NEVER receive another vaccine for anything for the rest of her life.
    My dog is now thriving more than she ever has in her entire life. She’s on a complete raw diet with lots of variety, and everything I do to prevent things is natural, safe and non-toxic and is a proactive approach in health care and well being. She’s on cannabis oil as a prevention for cancer and for general well being, and I make my own flea and tick powder using food grade DE, neem and yarrow, an essential oil spray, some rose geranium applied behind ears, neck, armpits and legs, I feed her garlic every night… for deworming, I use raw ground pumpkin seeds sometimes.
    Her life has really turned around because of the choices I’ve made for her in health, training and just lifestyle overall. Her water is double filtered and I use non-toxic cleaners for washing bowls, doing laundry, I bought an eco-friendly rug that doesn’t emit toxins.. I’m friggin crazy I know but there are so many things we can control, why not do them if we can. I know she wont live forever but I’m hoping I can keep her around for as long as possible. she’s only 8 and I’m hoping I have at least another 10 years with her.

  13. boogie miles on April 21, 2017 at 12:49 pm

    Who gets to decide this B.S. Dr. Falconer? Is it Abbott & his gang?
    If we continue to let big pharmaceutical companies win, soon we will have to get rabies shots every 3 years!

  14. boogie miles on April 21, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    We are having a difficult time finding a vet to come to our home (we are both disabled without transportation ) and it is a real struggle! It is disgusting that my 10 yr old schnauzer( who has already been vaccinated 5 times!!) cannot find care because vets want to make extra money. He has allergies, a heart murmur, gastrointestinal issues….This is pure evil! It makes me so sad. I haven’t used heartworm, flea medications or let the vet vaccinate him for anything else since 2014. Thats when I opened my eyes & realized the damage I was causing to my Boogie. Dr. Whitecoat claimed that he would loose his license if he did not vaccinate my dog.
    It is a sad time to be alive these days. So much horse manure????????????

    • Will Falconer, DVM on April 24, 2017 at 1:06 pm

      Hey Marcie,
      Man, I wish we lived in a climate where your vet worried more about losing his license for ignoring the label on every vaccine, and refused to vaccinate your dog because he’s unhealthy. Allergies, a heart murmur, and GI issues? What part of that says “healthy?”
      It’d be malpractice to vaccinate this dog. Ask him if he’s read his vaccine label lately.
      p.s. It’s pure BS that he’s at any risk for losing his license if he doesn’t vaccinate your sick dog. Don’t buy that for a second. No one’s going to pore through his every record and pull his license for being smarter than the dumb law.

  15. Patricia Baga on April 19, 2017 at 9:58 pm

    Nora, I love the affirmation, “you are already healed.” Thank you for sharing that. I have been telling my cat that he is a great self-healer, but I like your statement better and will start communicating it to him.

  16. Patricia Baga on April 19, 2017 at 9:54 pm

    I concur that 4Life Transfer Factor (TF Plus) helps the immune system. Give 2-3 times the maintenance dose for cancer and other serious health issues. Dr. Will sells the 4Life animal products (they are excellent!), so please check his website. Also 4Life Canine Complete or Feline Complete (same formula, just different doses for dogs and cats) provide complete vitamins, minerals, probiotics–everything your animal needs. My 7-year-old cat has autoimmune disease from yearly vaccinations. He is allergic to fleas and develops plaques at the site of flea bites. It takes about 8 months and a lot of diligence from “mom and dad” for the plaques to heal. We are giving him the above products, plus Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), homeopathic remedies, and energy work. If cannabis is legal in your state, grow your own indica-dominant plants and make your own RSO or get some from a trusted source. Do not buy it from a source you do not know about, because it may not be good oil. Read about it & get instructions for making RSO on Rick Simpson’s website, phoenixtears.ca or find him on Facebook (Rick Simpson official). CBD oil is mainly for pain, not for healing cancers or other health conditions, as it is the THC in the RSO that heals. CBC oil does not have THC. During our cat’s last annual checkup we declined vaccinations, stating his health was compromised. The vet did not object. Of course, it is more of a challenge if you have dogs due to licensing. Kudos to those who have found ways to “fly under the radar.” Thanks to Dr. Will for his informative newsletter!

  17. Esther on April 18, 2017 at 6:31 pm

    Sometimes a waiver will get you an exemption from the state. I have a friend whose dog almost died with the rabies vaccine. A local dermatologist wrote her a waiver which she sent to the county, bureaucracy took a year to sent her license back but she got it they exempted her forever.
    The Doctor has said she would died if she ever had another shot.

  18. Diane on April 18, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    After losing my last golden at 7 1/2 to liver cancer, I researched so much and decided no vet or state was ever going to tell me that I had to inject my dogs with yearly shots again.
    My new golden pup got his rabies shot at 3 months old and when I took him back a yr later, I told the vet – he is NOT getting his rabies. She is the one who told me the 1 yr rabies is actually a 3 yr shot, but they want you to get it again after a year, then every 3 yrs in PA. She is fantastic vet and totally agreed with me. She is very much against over-vaccinating.
    When checking out, the vet tech told me he was over due for his rabies, it was the law, etc. etc. I argued with her in front of everyone. She said I could get a $300. fine. I told her in no uncertain terms – it’s my dog and it’s my choice and no one is telling me other wise. It got pretty heated until the vet came over and said – Oh, no – he can not get his rabies shot. He has lymes and I will give you a wavier. She did that because she knows how I feel about shots and she stood up for my decision and did not try to change my mind.
    He had 2 puppy shots – 1 at the breeders, then we waited until he was 4 months old to get his 2nd and final one and he had 1 rabies shot.
    He is almost 3 and he is done with shots as far as I am concerned.
    I did have titers done last fall and everything is good. But I know states do not recognize titers for rabies – which makes no sense to me.

  19. Janet on April 18, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    We are about to get 1st titers for our 2 dogs. 9 yr old pit/viszla mix with seizure history was due 3 yr rabies last November (we didn’t). 4 yr old chi mix had her puppy shots and then one 3 yr rabies vaccine which is due again in September this year. I was surprised but pleased that my vet (who supports titers) actually suggested we not bother with the exemption and just to ‘fly’ under the radar with both of them.

    • Will Falconer, DVM on April 18, 2017 at 5:25 pm

      Oh, Janet, this vet is a keeper! Wise and not afraid to lose a sale in the interest of his patients. Love it.

  20. Caroline on April 18, 2017 at 1:44 pm

    How do you stay under the radar if you have a reactive dog that barks at other dogs? Lucy (8 months) has never been in a fight but I’m afraid that, one day, the other dog may react aggressively toward her. This is the main reason I haven’t taken Lucy hiking. I don’t want to run into another dog on the trail who is off leash. It seems like a pet owner can only fly under the radar if you have a calm dog or you don’t take your dog out at all? (I use treats to distract Lucy when she sees another dog across the street and we cross the street if a dog is coming head-on toward us.)

    • Janet on April 18, 2017 at 3:36 pm

      Our pit mix is very reactive – he is on leash/under control for local walks only. In order to fly under the radar it unfortunately means that you may not have the freedom (as we do not) to go into many situations that people with calmer dogs can.

  21. Mary Marseglia on April 18, 2017 at 4:12 am

    As I’ve stated before, I help people via first contact me PM on Facebook and then we exchange phone numbers to discuss only via the phone. Remember this law was made to protect humans, NOT your pets so continually getting rabies vaccines is a bunch of BS and I know the laws make it difficult but there are ways and educating yourself is your best bet. I will not post anything on FB, nor on websites/blogs or PM but I’ve already helped people this year and try every year—I give them the information and then its up to them if they want to proceed or not

    • Michael Deckert on January 28, 2020 at 11:48 am

      Hi Mary

      Im in NJ have 3 Australian Cattle Dogs Holistic Lifestyle a neighbor complained about whining/barking which was due to the Girl Dog being in heat now Local Animal Control Barnegat,NJ left written message about Licensing mandatory with proof of Rabies shot any HELP appreciated on how to stall or avoid

      Thanks!

      Mike D iggerd at msn.com

  22. Joanne Keenan on April 17, 2017 at 8:58 pm

    Six years ago, I got my two dogs when they were five and three years and they had each been vaccinated by their owners every year of their lives. So no more vaccines for them.
    While their vaccinations were current, I used those certificates to cross the border between US and Canada. Once they expired I created my own. I’ve been crossing the border for the entire six years I’ve had them, three years with actual certificates and three years without. I’ve been bringing these dogs and previous dogs over the border for the past 10 years. Maybe three times in these 10 years have I ever been asked for proof.
    Once when asked, I handed over three certificates from three different vets for three different dogs and the customs agent made a cursory glance at the top one and handed them back.
    I also carry copies of the titer testing I’ve had done And I doubt they would be able to read those any better than the rabies certificate. I also present myself with an air of confidence and I’m sure that helps as well.
    I’m also fortunate that when I get my dog license, my municipality just asks me verbally if I have a certificate, checks the box and issues the license. If I asked for a hardcopy, I would just present the ones I have. It seems nobody is checking or calling offices to confirm.
    It’s been working for us.

  23. Jen L. on April 16, 2017 at 11:08 pm

    Thanks so much, Dr. Will – this really concerns me, and I’m just relieved that we have a forum to speak about it openly and honestly.
    I’m wondering: How do you handle teeth cleanings / extractions, when a vet requires proof of shots?
    Based on what I’ve read here, getting a rabies titer is one option. My local vet does not do these, so I’ll need to call around and see if I can get one.
    If there are other suggestions (I’m in PA), I’m open – thanks so much.
    Sure wish there was a “Vital Vet” here in my local area!

    • Jennifer H. on April 17, 2017 at 8:41 am

      Yes I have the same problem. I made a call to my vet and they said that she needed to be updated on her shots, 3 of them before she can have her teeth clean and get a stool test.
      Rabies,parvo and bordetella ( which she already has done this previous month).
      I do not want to give her anymore rabies shot or parvo if it not in her best health interest.

      • Sherry on April 17, 2017 at 3:19 pm

        I would look for another vet and do the rabies titer test also feed your dogs raw bones that will clean their teeth as well not cooked but RAW I give mine the little chicken legs and I just set with them till they are finished to make sure they are alright I have all Maltese so the chicken leg is bigger then they are that is what you want the bone to be bigger then them. Also bully sticks are good just when it gets chewed down to about a 11/2 take it away and give them a new one I get the 6 inch ones.

  24. Pattie Tibbetts on April 16, 2017 at 9:10 pm

    My husband and I have been planning to move to Hawaii but have found out that they require all pets entering the state to have had two rabies vaccines. Only one of my cats has ever had even one, the other two have never had any. Has anyone been able to get around this requirement?

    • Kathy on April 16, 2017 at 10:25 pm

      Hawaii is very strict with rabies vaccines. You need to get a packet and follow their directions. It requires a titer that has to be sent to a special lab and it has time limits when the rabies vaccine has to be given. Hawaii has never had a case of rabies so they will not let any animal in their state without one.

    • Donna on January 22, 2020 at 8:22 pm

      No way to get around it for entering the state, and if your documents are not just right your animals will be quarantined at your expense… but once there you do not have to keep vaccinating your cats.

  25. Kerrie on April 16, 2017 at 8:24 pm

    I fly under the radar somewhat. I show, compete and travel with my dogs. I do not hide and sneak around, I take my dogs out and about. I believe that if you think about a problem you will get a problem. The energy of those thoughts are powerful.
    I have a place to board my dogs, but training the trainers are mostly records for CYA. Stupid. In fact one puppy, in a puppy class I had with my puppy, ended up with Parvo. He was fully vaccinated. My puppy had been taken to different places a few minutes at a time. She had been out in the kennel with the adult dogs before I picked her up and had been taken to the grooming area with the breeder where she worked, at a large chain pet store. She is 2 now and has never been vaccintaed. She will start showing soon and does herding. I also have a nearly 6 yo male who also has never been vaccinated . He is a AKC GrCh. And a UKC Ch. So you see we do not stay home and hide. I also have never used HW chemicals, wormers, flea and tick poisons. I live in NC. So when people hear I do nothing ( in their eyes), they think I am endangering my dogs. Ha they are the ones endangering.

    • Nora on April 16, 2017 at 10:19 pm

      So true! Our thoughts and energies are so powerful. We can speak something into existence! The mind has power over matter. When I was dying of Scleroderma, a spiritual man told me; “You are already healed.” Three months later I was walking again! Now that the creative power of our thoughts is so evident, I am thinking and saying every single day, that our planet is healing and we are being freed from the tyranny we’ve been under. We are already healed. Thoughts are actually prayers. Collective prayers move mountains.

  26. Pauline Carter on April 16, 2017 at 7:42 pm

    Here in Canada we need a dog licence, no rabies no licence….but that works both ways. No dog licence means no rabies shots! I’m in a rural area so we don’t get bylaw enforcement coming knocking at the door like they do in the city. Having more than one vet is also helpful, ” the other vet gave the rabies shot”….lol

  27. Dr. Carolyn Contois, DAN on April 16, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    I have run a groom and home board service out of my home for 25 years. I never ask for a vaccine record. I’ve never said, right out, I don’t need proof of vaccines. Somehow, over the years, I became known for having a pesticide free, healthy environment to care for your dog. It was a discreet, “under the radar” , understanding. I started getting all word -of -mouth referrals from clients that were looking for alternative care. This was long before I became a naturopath.
    The moral of the story? Discretion is the better part of valor. As an energy worker, I now know that whatever vibrations I send out to the universe… return! Its very cool.

    • Will Falconer, DVM on April 17, 2017 at 7:15 pm

      Nice, Dr. Contois. I think intention itself is extremely powerful. Thanks for putting this out there into the world.

    • MsMoneypenny on June 7, 2017 at 4:57 pm

      Ah, I wish you were around to groom my dog. I like my groomer but am going to have to look elsewhere of flowers it myself if I don’t vaccinate any more.

      • Will Falconer, DVM on June 7, 2017 at 6:32 pm

        How about a mobile groomer? They should have absolutely no say in whether your animals are vaccinated or not. If they think they do, tell them to contact me. I’ll straighten them out.

  28. Suki on April 16, 2017 at 5:46 pm

    I only disagree on one point. I don’t believe vaccines confer immunity to anything. Also, that first vaccination has been the last, for some puppies and kittens, because it killed them outright (as opposed to manifesting disease/disability at a later date). Vaccines are poison, period, and should be abolished (except, being such big business for huge industries, that’s unlikely, at least at this time).
    There are ways to prevent disease, and injecting toxic chemicals, combined with biological waste products from other species, isn’t it. It was discovered at least 80 years ago, and verified many times since (but not shared with the public) that appropriate dosage of Vitamin C kills viruses and bacteria, INCLUDING rabies virus.

    • nora lenz on April 16, 2017 at 6:04 pm

      Vaccines are poison. Period! Thank you for stating the truth. I encourage you and everyone else to find opportunities to speak this truth. I drive a lot and I have a license plate frame that says “Vaccines: Slow Poison”. It’s a small thing but it’s a sentiment that is never seen anywhere except by those who already know the truth and go looking for confirmation on the internet. This despicable, disease-causing, pain-for-profit voodoo practice must end!! No animal EVER died for lack of a vaccine! Many, many have died because of them.

      • Sherry on April 17, 2017 at 3:08 pm

        You know Nora Lenz that would be an awesome sticker to put on our cars or window “Vaccines: Slow Poison Kids & Animals….sounds good or t-shirts

  29. Kathryn D Ladick on April 16, 2017 at 5:44 pm

    Funny that you should be talking about this subject as I was going to go to my vet for 2 of my dogs exemptions.
    My Rocky has cancer,fibrosarcoma that I’m sure was from rabies vaccine. My other dog,Tamina had a very bad reaction to the rabies vaccine. She had a swelling on her back leg that lasted for 3 months.
    I quess I will tell the people that license that Tamina went back to her breeder to show for a year and that Rocky is no longer with me.
    I refuse to stick any more vaccine in these two dogs and that is all I’m saying.
    Some would say that rabies vaccine only causes cancer in cats but I beg to differ.

    • Will Falconer, DVM on April 17, 2017 at 7:12 pm

      You are right, Kathryn. Any vaccine, in any species, can set the stage for tumor growth. Homeopaths have known this since smallpox began the current craze, over a hundred years ago.

  30. Lester on April 16, 2017 at 5:41 pm

    We have a young vet in our area,,,that says if your dogs not around other dogs leave him or her alone,,,and he does make house calls,,,when needed
    so thankful and Blessed for him,,so we don’t repeat rabies vaccinations
    this dog had the usual when she was born,,,but not since,,,she was born with red mange,,,that granny got rid of using natural ingredients,,,
    Thank you,,, Dr.Falconer,,,,for all the great articles,,,glad to be in the pack

    • Will Falconer, DVM on April 17, 2017 at 7:10 pm

      Nice strategy, Barbara. It sounds like your vet supports your choices. Keep him/her! I hope there will be many more who step up to this position of wise authority.
      Groomer and kennel owners need to be educated on duration of immunity. Talking to them in a friendly manner like you’ve done has scored for you, and I hope others follow your lead.

  31. bclemons on April 16, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    No problem flying under radar so far and don’t have her groomed, but there is a chance I may need to board her for a few days soon as my normal 3 stay at home options are not available. They ask for shots to be current . Now what?

    • Barbara on April 16, 2017 at 6:00 pm

      I solved that problem by talking with the kennel/groomer owner who knows my vet, loves GSD’s and understands the issues. When I need to board my dog and the staff asks for rabies cert., I show them titre results and tell them to talk to my vet with any questions and that the kennel owner has approved.

    • Anonymous on April 16, 2017 at 6:38 pm

      “but there is a chance I may need to board her for a few days “. Do you have to have her boarded at the vets office? How about hiring an animal nanny to come into your home or find a friend with a similar sized dog you can exchange home sitting duties with.

    • Michelle on April 16, 2017 at 6:56 pm

      Get someone who can watch her in your home.

  32. Nora on April 16, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    I don’t lie, beg or plead…I say NO and mean it. My poor animal has had all the jabs she’s ever getting. I’d get bug eyed and scream if I had to, but since the vet sees the damage the repeated vaccines have done to my poor kitty, I don’t really need to.
    NESARA, anyone? The tyranny is about to end.
    The Truth About Vaccines is running right now, a MUST WATCH. What a timely post, doc!

    • Janice on April 16, 2017 at 6:40 pm

      Yes! Watch The Truth about Vaccines airing for free now! Also yes! to activated charcoal!!!

      • Sherry on April 17, 2017 at 2:59 pm

        I’ve been watching these episodes as well it very interesting and scary glad I don’t have children I would be headed for the hills.

      • Juliana on April 20, 2017 at 11:14 am

        Ditto to this article Dr. Will! Even in Canada the pet guardian has to be cautious! Unfortunately in this province we seldom see homeopathically trained vets that tell us what to do like you, in your articles. ( Although there are some in other Canadian Provinces). Ditto to Charcoal – thank you.
        I took your Homeopathic first aid course Dr. Will, and the kit you sent to me keeps growing. At the moment I only have “charcoal” dog cookies on hand, but now realize I need to pick some up from Boiron to add to my kit.
        Merci mon ami 🙂

    • Anon on April 19, 2017 at 3:53 pm

      What’s NESARA?

  33. Jonnie Allert on April 16, 2017 at 5:11 pm

    This isn’t about vaccinations but they just diagnosed my 10 pound Miniature Pinscher with prostrate cancer by injecting a needle in him and withdrawing enough tissue to be able to consider it cancer. She put him on .5 ml once a day of piroxicam and and a half of a 25 benedryl twice a day. She said it was slow moving. Is there anything else I can do for him to give him the longest good life possible? I saved this dog as a newborn and bottle fed him, and carried him in my shirt in the winter. I love him very much and this has just wiped me out emotionally. I would appreciate any advice I can get for his benefit. He is on a natural air dried meat food from Only Natural that has no carbs. Thank you very much. God Bless your website. I need it! Ms. Jonnie Allert

    • nora lenz on April 16, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      Cancer is something that will kill a person (or dog) in a few weeks if nothing is done to remove the causes. Or it’s something that may go away by next week even if nothing is done. That’s a pretty forgiving range, considering that most diagnosed cases are in the latter category. On top of which, cancer is often diagnosed when it’s not there at all. As Dr. Falconer says, fire your vet. Drugs will never do anything for cancer except make a fairly benign case more severe. The food you’re feeding is not the best, and if you have a sick dog you need the best. If cancer is there and if it’s reversible, you want to err on the side of perfection. Buy real food for your dog. If you live in a city that has Asian stores, you can often find quail. This is a perfect food for a small dog because it has very small, completely consumable bones. If you can’t find quail, you can feed Cornish game hens but you may have to take a cleaver to it in order to make the bones consumable for such a small dog. My parents’ dog was diagnosed with cancer 15 months ago and they were so scared they finally started listening to me. 🙂 They implemented my protocol and the dog is now puppy-like and cancer free at age 15 (he’s an Aussie). I have a booklet on my website that explains proper feeding that I will send you for free if you are interested. Just email me via the contact form (www.NoMoreVetBills.com). Best of luck!

      • Caroline on April 18, 2017 at 7:27 pm

        What about a 30 lb border/poodle mix? Should it be quail or cornish hen? I have not fed my dog any bones except for raw marrow bones for chewing. She eats the commercial raw food, Steve’s. And my dog eats super fast. So I’m somewhat afraid to give her consumable bones.
        I bought your e-book today and hope to read it next week. Thank you.

    • Nora on April 16, 2017 at 7:43 pm

      I agree, DIET is the key to saving your dog, but certain supplements aid the body in its immune attack on the cancer; PolyMVA and NuVet have helped my cat survive four full years with vaccine induced cancer. If you have the funds for RIFE treatments, they are miraculous! Doc sells a product that augments the immune system too, Transfer Factor. Silver (colloidal silver) and tons of minerals and enzymes do wonders. Pancreatic enzymes alone have cured people of even stage four cancer, and they are one of the things in my arsenal. Stay away from the White Coat and the drugs which damage the all-important liver!
      Supercharge your dog’s immune system so it can overcome the challenge, because we living bodies are built to heal ourselves. I also believe in prayer requests for animals, and my husband and I both pray for not just our furbaby, but other people’s. I am sending healing energy to your little dog. Tell us his name, please, we will ask for his healing.

    • Bob on April 16, 2017 at 9:34 pm

      You might want to try CBD oil. It is non toxic to dogs and non psychoactive but certain cannabinoids do fight cancer by starving them of sugar and blood supply. It is available on the net. A lot of anecdotal evidence exists if you research this. Canna-Pet sells CBD for dogs. Good luck.

    • Laurie Raymond on April 16, 2017 at 10:44 pm

      Google “KetoPet Sanctuary.” This organization has been getting remarkable results with dogs by feeding ketogenic diets. They have taken dogs with cancer diagnoses from shelters and provided a wonderful environment and diets that maintain therapeutic ketogenesis. Many are cured and able to be adopted; others have had long remissions cancer-free. They will help you formulate such a diet for your dog and instruct you in how to monitor the dog. This isn’t intended as the ONLY treatment, but is phenomenally successful with most types of cancers and doesn’t conflict with other natural treatments. You’ll need a good integrative vet, too – but do check this out.

      • Sherry on April 17, 2017 at 2:56 pm

        Jonnie
        I been watching these episodes on The Truth about Cancer. They are about how if the body made this cancer then the body can heal the cancer given the right ingredients meaning health food that the dogs are meant to eat like raw balance diet not this dry kibble that has nothing but junk in and on it. That is the first step get your dog on a good raw balanced diet I feed my Answers but I thinking on switching to Steve’s he started the dog raw food diet way back when you can order these on the internet. Second during one of these episodes there was this lady that has two dogs that had cancer come up and she started giving them this tea made from the Chaga Mushroom she said within 6 months of giving them the tea from this mushroom the lumps started shrinking. She is on FB her name is Maria Louise if you want to contact her to get her whole story please do and just tell her you read her testimony on the Truth about cancer. Here is the link for the Chaga Mushroom.
        [Removed Broken Link From Comment]

  34. ROBIN WORL on April 16, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    I have avoided animal control …
    I am very careful to stay under the radar…..
    Told an old vet to where her visits and rabies vaccines, I no longer have the dog!!!

    • Bob on April 16, 2017 at 9:24 pm

      I have successfully gotten a rabies titer for two dogs I have owned. I have never tried to get a waiver although both dogs were immune compromised (my present dog is hypothyroid… came down with this autoimmune condition AFTER his last rabies shot!). In any event his titer test showed robust immunity at 2.5, I believe .5 or above is acceptable. I will NEVER get another rabies shot for him or any other dog I own. My previous dog came down with AIHA AFTER a rabies booster at age 9. What a nightmare that was… not to mention over $12,000 in vet bills over a four year period and three hospitalizations and transfusions. Bottom line… if your dog has been vaccinated within the last 5 – 7 years he/she is probably immune. Get the titer… most states accept them in lieu of the shot.

      • Will Falconer, DVM on April 17, 2017 at 7:02 pm

        Wow, Bob, you really learned what’s possible right up close and personal. And readers: I wish Bob were right about “most states.” Unfortunately, that’s far from the reality. Get a titer if you’re curious, but don’t count on your state honoring it in place of yet another risky rabies shot.

      • MsMoneypenny on June 7, 2017 at 4:52 pm

        True, states do not accept titers- yet. There is a movement to change that. Hopefully that and results of the Rabies Challenge Fund will change the laws. I do planto get my dog titered early next year so I know his status and if we have a case.
        As far as staying under the radar before and after- how? I only use holistic vets so have no problem there. I may have to learn to groom my dog myself- the only vaccine our groomer requires is rabies but- she still requires it. Meanwhile she gets titered. Weird, huh?
        Can I just not renew the license next time? Will they notice? The fine is $1 per month you are late. If the rabies vaccine is overdue, what then? He has had two since late 2013 because the doofuses at the shelter only gave him a one year one so probably could have had more. His eyes are red and he is itchy. But nothing worse than that and I don’t want to risk him getting anything worse.

        • Will Falconer, DVM on June 7, 2017 at 5:04 pm

          If you’ve licensed already, you know they’ll notice: you’re in their database. To get ideas for avoiding further vaccinations, rabies included, hunt around my comments, especially on posts with “rabies” in the content. You can use my search box for that term, it’ll bring them all up for you.
          His eyes are red and he is itchy?
          1. You’ve got a waiver (he’s not well)!
          2. There’s zero risk in stopping further rabies vaccinations: he’s immune from the early ones. That doesn’t improve with more shots.
          3. There’s a significant risk of his itchiness escalating if you get more vaccines. That’s how he got this way, very likely.
          I’d be tickled to have you stop back in a year and tell me you got the shots and he didn’t get worse, but my crystal ball tells me that’s a long shot, Ms. Moneypenny.

    • Michelle on June 24, 2017 at 12:33 am

      I’ve just plain old not vaccinated for about 12 years. Three dogs in that time, 1 rescued off the road in Austin the night before an ice storm in 2006 I think? I lost her to cancer a year ago last Friday. I only – reluctantly – had her vaccinated once because I moved to place that required it. She had already been spayed when I rescued her so I’m sure she was vaccinated then, too.
      About 5 years ago I adopted from Austin Pets Alive, they neuter and give shots but I haven’t given any more, and another rescue off the road, he’s been neutered and has a green tattooed line on his belly, so I think he may have been cut at Imancipet. I don’t know who else tattoos around austin. This one developed a skin allergy around 2.5 years, I’ve had a really tough time getting control of it. I switched to mostly a raw diet, except for recently. I had to leave a volatile situation so not in my own place – all this explanation leading to my predicament —
      I’m temporarily moving into an apartment that requires rabies vaccinations – all of them do now – after raising my dogs in the country, I feel trapped that I have to poison them when I’ve been able to protect them for so long. I guess I’m just reaching out because this community is of like mind and I need comfort in that. I’m frustrated and angry, and don’t want to get them vaccinated. Well, thank you all for your experiences and info. I really appreciate it.

      • Will Falconer, DVM on June 24, 2017 at 12:44 pm

        Hey Michelle,
        Apt managers are the last people on earth who should have a say on your dogs’ health management. Safe to assume they are merely practicing “CYA” and completely ignorant of the risks they are pushing with requirements like this. Odds are high your animals are immune and no risk to neighbors’ animals from their earlier vaccines.
        See if you can find a sympathetic holistic vet to write a waiver letter for this manager. They’ll have their CYA on file, you’ll have animals who needn’t suffer further health risks.
        p.s. If you try others first (Dr. Clay Bernard, Dr. Matt Bendall, maybe others) and fail, email me and I’ll write it for you.
        p.p.s. This is far more damaging than “poisoning.” To understand that more deeply, read this post.

        • Michelle on June 27, 2017 at 10:39 pm

          Hi Dr. Falconer, thank you for the recommendations! I’ve actually seen Dr. Bernard’s site, I think after you and I emailed and you let me know you were focusing on teaching and not practicing now 🙁
          I had been trying to find another vet anywhere near Austin that doesn’t use western medicine at all, it’s impossible. Only you.
          I wanted to give you a meaningful update, but Dr. Bernard and I have only played phone tag for a couple days, but we aren’t giving up 🙂
          I started thinking acupuncture might help my Lab’s skin issue – the reason I found you to begin with!
          I’ll let you know what happens once Dr. Bernard and I get a chance to talk. Thanks again!!

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