Rabies Vaccines

Parenteral animal rabies vaccines should be administered only by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Rabies vaccinations also may be administered under the supervision of a veterinarian to animals held in animal-control shelters before release. Any veterinarian signing a rabies certificate must ensure that the person administering vaccine is identified on the certificate and is appropriately trained in vaccine storage, handling, administration, and in the management of adverse events. This practice ensures that a qualified and responsible person can be held accountable for properly vaccinating the animal.

A current list of licensed and marketed animal rabies vaccines in the United States is available in the Animal Rabies Compendium maintained by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians.