Do Pets Legally Have to Be Vaccinated in Texas?

Being a pet owner in Texas comes with a lot of responsibility. You must ensure your pet is cared for, and that includes a safe place to live, proper food and water, shelter, and medical care.

Unless you are a registered breeder, there’s no reason not to have your pet spayed or neutered. This is another step in being a responsible pet owner.

Pet ownership is expensive, and one of those costs is keeping your pets up to date on vaccinations.

Scrolling through social media the other day, I fell into a rabbit hole on pet care, and one comment caught my attention.

I don't vaccinate my kids, so why would I vaccinate my pets

Now, this isn't meant to start a debate, but I just found that interesting. Then I started wondering, don’t you have to vaccinate your pets? Is it legally required?

Are Pets Required to Be Vaccinated in Texas?

The answer is yes. Texas law requires pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats for rabies. According to the Texas Health and Safety Code 826.021,

Except as otherwise provided by department rule, the owner of a dog or cat shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies by the time the animal is four months of age and at regular intervals thereafter as prescribed by department rule.

What Happens If You Don’t Vaccinate Your Pet in Texas?

If you are a pet owner and you are found not to have a current rabies vaccination on your pets, it is a Class C Misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500.

Read More: Top Dog Names in Texas for 2025

How Is the Rabies Law Enforced in Texas?

Enforcement of this law in Texas happens at the local level and usually only comes up after an incident, like a bite or a pet becoming a stray. Law enforcement doesn't do universal checks on each animal.

Read More: More Texans Are Choosing Pets Over Travel Plans

If you’re like the person mentioned above who refuses to vaccinate their pet, you’re technically breaking the law, but you can probably get away with it. Know that certain businesses that work with pets, like boarding, grooming, and training, usually require vaccinations.