Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can a Dog Get Two Rabies Shots in One Year? Vet-Verified Vaccine Info

hand holding syringe for rabies vaccine with a black dog in the background

Rabies is one of the oldest diseases, dating back more than 4,000 years. Humans have understood the dangers of rabies for millennia with Aristotle even mentioning that rabid dog bites would affect any animal bitten. The viral disease is zoonotic, which means it passes between species from animals to humans and vice versa.

Once symptoms/signs show, it is fatal in virtually every case, in dogs, humans, and other mammals. And in virtually all cases of rabies in humans, domestic dogs were the cause of the fatal bite, making vaccination essential.1

It is considered safe for dogs to have two rabies vaccinations in a year, and this can happen if your dog has had their regular vaccination but requires another to travel to certain countries or jurisdictions or if vaccination status is unknown and an additional rabies vaccine is given unintentionally.

divider dog paws oct 2024

About Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection that has been around for more than 4,000 years.2 It directly affects the central nervous system of infected animals, ultimately leading to death. It is incredibly dangerous and is found in more than 120 countries around the world, although some countries have been declared rabies-free, largely thanks to extensive and ongoing vaccination programs.

This is a zoonotic disease that can be passed from animals to humans, and while it is more commonly found in wild species like bats, foxes, and wolves, humans are more likely to be infected by a bite from a domestic dog.

As well as being passed on by bites, this infectious disease can be transmitted by contact with infected saliva. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once a human or animal begins to show signs, but it can be survivable if a bitten person receives treatment soon after being bitten.

dog with rabies
Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock

Current Rabies Threat

A vaccination program has helped curb the spread of rabies in most regions of the world. Some countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the UK are designated completely rabies-free. EU countries do not have a rabies-free classification, but they do have rabies-controlled countries. Be aware that if you are traveling from a rabies-controlled area into a rabies-free area, the requirements can be more stringent.

The U.S. has undergone an extensive rabies vaccination program that has controlled the spread and threat of the disease. Even so, between 60 and 70 domestic dogs are reported as rabid every year, along with around 250 cats. An average of two cases of human rabies are reported annually.

However, globally, it is a very different picture. 59,000 rabies deaths are reported in humans every year, and 99% of these cases were caused by domestic dog bites, highlighting the importance of rabies vaccinations.4

Rabies Vaccinations

The current rabies vaccines are inactivated, which means they use a rabies virus that has been killed. This essentially teaches the body to fight the vaccine without infecting it. To be effective, inactive vaccines need to be administered regularly so the body can continue to produce immune cells against it. This is why dogs have to have regular booster vaccines to ensure they stay protected.

divider dog paws oct 2024

Is It Safe to Have Two Rabies Vaccinations in a Year?

When traveling, it may be necessary to meet local rabies vaccination requirements before your dog is allowed into the area. Typically, this means that the dog must have received their vaccine within a month of traveling. If your dog has already had their booster a few months ago, this can lead to a situation where your dog needs two vaccines in a year.

This is generally considered safe, although there are always risks of adverse reactions with any vaccine. Rabies laws are strict, however, so the alternative is that your dog doesn’t travel into that region.

Other cases where a dog may be vaccinated for rabies twice in one year is when the vaccine status is unknown. Maybe your dog was a stray or came from a shelter and didn’t come with a vaccination history. These dogs may be revaccinated for rabies, even if they unknowingly received the vaccine earlier in the year. This is just to make sure a dog is covered and to give their new owners a vaccination starting point.

black dachshund getting a vaccine
Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock

How Often Should Your Dog Get a Rabies Vaccination?

Dogs can have their first vaccine at 12 weeks of age or older. They should receive a booster shot one year later and then need boosters every 1-3 years. It is worth noting that different states and countries have different rules and recommendations, typically depending on the vaccine that is used in that area, so you will need to check with your vet to ensure that you keep up to date with shots.

Did you know you can talk to a vet online? Click on the image or button below to schedule a call: PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


Is a Rabies Vaccine a Legal Requirement for Dog Owners?

For a dog to enter the U.S. from abroad, it will have to have been vaccinated and received a certificate that meets CDC requirements.

Domestically, while most states have laws and statutes that demand a dog be given regular rabies vaccinations, this isn’t true of all states. Kansas, for example, has no vaccination laws so you will need to check local municipality laws to determine legal requirements. Even if there is no legal requirement to have rabies vaccines, you should still consider protecting your dog and yourself from this potentially fatal infection.

dog-vaccination-at-the-vet-clinic
Image Credit: FamVeld, Shutterstock

What Are the Signs of Rabies?

It can be very difficult to tell if an animal has rabies without laboratory testing until the signs are obvious, which is often too late. A rabid animal might start acting strangely. Aggressive behavior is common in infected animals, and the disease can cause foaming at the mouth. If you are in any doubt, report it immediately to the authorities. If it’s a wild animal, leave the area. If it’s your pet, remove yourself from the room and contact a vet and the authorities.

Unfortunately, once clinical signs of rabies show in humans, it is generally too late to receive treatment. Early signs are similar to those of any virus and include headaches, cold symptoms, aching, and lethargy. This will progress to feelings of anxiety, confusion, and anger. Eventually, the patient may suffer from insomnia, fear of water, and hallucinations. There have been fewer than 20 cases of untreated humans surviving rabies.

If a patient knows they have been bitten by a rabid animal and acts quickly, the prognosis is very positive. The patient is given a dose of human rabies immune globulin immediately on the day they were bitten. They are then given doses of a vaccine on days 3, 7, and 14.

How Do Dogs Catch Rabies?

Rabies can infect any mammal, meaning that it can transmit between humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Rabid domestic dogs may be bitten by another infected domestic dog or cat, or they may have been infected by a rabid wild animal.

Two dogs black lab mix and Tennessee treeing brindle dog fighting
Image Credit: Look At You Photography, Shutterstock

Is There Any Treatment for Animals With Rabies?

There is no known treatment once the rabies virus has developed, and it almost always proves fatal. The most humane course of action is generally considered to be euthanasia to keep the virus from spreading.

Is There Any Treatment for Rabies in Humans?

There is no treatment for rabies in humans once the virus takes hold. However, medical intervention can prevent the infection from taking hold via an initial injection of rabies immunoglobulin and three vaccine injections provided over the following days.

divider dog paws oct 2024

Conclusion

Rabies is one of the oldest known diseases, and it has long been recognized that it can be passed between animal species. It is nearly always fatal to any species that contracts it and is most often passed by bite from one rabid animal to another.

The disease has been eliminated in some countries, and controlled in others, thanks to effective vaccination programs, so your dog should have regular boosters to ensure it remains safe. If you are traveling and wondering what happens if your dog gets two rabies shots in a year, this is generally considered safe, although you should talk to your vet before proceeding.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Numstocker, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

What Shots Do Dogs Need? A Vets Guide to Vaccinations & Medications

We know that vaccination is an important part of looking after our dogs, but you might be aware that not all dogs need...

hand holding syringe for rabies vaccine with a black dog in the background

Can a Dog Get Kennel Cough from the Vaccine? What the Science Tells Us

Kennel cough is an infectious canine tracheobronchitis caused by several bacteria and viruses. It is highly contagious and infected dogs show respiratory signs...

maltese dog receiving an injection

Can Dogs Get Sick from Other Dogs? Info & Common Diseases (Vet Answer)

Dogs are becoming increasingly popular as pets and with good reason. These loyal, intelligent, and affectionate animals make great family members. Dogs are...

Two pumi or Hungarian shepherd dogs in a studio

How Much Do Dog & Puppy Vaccinations Cost in the UK? 2025 Guide

If you’re considering getting a puppy and have started researching the costs you’ll have to cover once they’re home, you’ll have already discovered...

dog getting a vaccine

More related

dog and cat with their owner

World Rabies Day 2025: When & What Is It?

World Rabies Day might sound like a fresh new phrase you’ve never heard before, but this holiday has been in motion since 2007....

aggressive german shepherd dog

What Percentage of Dogs Have Rabies? What Statistics Say

In recent decades, rabies has become an increasingly rare illness in dogs in the United States, mainly due to large-scale vaccinations and mandated...

sad or sick dog on a rug

Can Dogs Get Bird Flu? Our Vet Discusses Signs, Causes & Treatment

On the surface, wondering if a dog can get bird flu might sound like a bit of a no-brainer, but when we realize...

a dachshund dog looks sick lying on its owner

Can I Catch a Stomach Virus from My Dog? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Sometimes our dogs become sick with a stomach virus, which is a rough time for everyone involved. Have you ever wondered whether you...

Keep reading

7 Best Dog Foods for West Highland White Terriers in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The West Highland Terrier is a breed of dog beloved by many. If you’re lucky enough to be a pet parent to one of these pups, you know just how quirky they can be. You also know just how important...

West Highland White Terrier dog on green grass

Nutro vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Our 2025 Comparison

Choosing the best food for your dog can be tricky, given the quality of kibbles available today. Nutro and Blue Buffalo are well-regarded pet food brands that have many fans, not only canine but also human. They both offer a...

Dogster_Dog Food Nutro VS Blue Buffalo

Can Dogs Eat Seedless Grapes? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Facts

When you want to treat yourself to a sweet treat, you don’t usually have to think about whether food from the grocery store will make you sick. However, it’s a completely different matter when shopping for healthy and tasty treats...

Can Dogs Eat Seedless Grapes

Fromm vs Acana Dog Food: 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

When you’re faced with a choice between two trustworthy dog food brands with excellent ratings, it can be a bit bewildering. Fromm and Acana both produce high-quality dog food and have solid reputations in the dog food markets, but does...

Dogster_Dog Food Fromm VS Acana

Can Dogs Eat Catfish? Vet-Verified Nutrition Info & FAQ

It’s always tempting to give our dogs some people food every once in a while. (And it has nothing to do with those begging puppy dog eyes, we swear!). But if you want to give your four-legged friend a bite...

Can Dogs Eat_catfish

Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids for Dogs: Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and, therefore, necessary for the synthesis of muscle and tissue. They also play a pivotal role in other metabolic processes in the cells. In nature, we can find 22 different types of...

Products rich in amino acids

10 Best Raw Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Raw food diets come with several benefits for your furry friend. Your dog won’t receive all of the benefits of a raw food diet if you don’t select the best food type available. To make the process at least a...

australian shepherd dog eating, steel bowl

Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Coconut and coconut oil are not only tasty treats but they are also said to have health benefits, especially for people. However, does that mean it’s okay to feed this treat to your dog? Coconut is not toxic to dogs...

Can Dogs Eat Coconut