Pet Rabies Certificate: Why It's Your Most Important Doc

Of all the papers in your pet's file, the rabies certificate gets requested the most. It proves your pet is vaccinated against a deadly disease, and many services will not proceed without it.

What's on a rabies certificate?

Your name and address
Your pet's name, species, breed, age, sex and color
Vaccination date and the date it expires
Vaccine product, manufacturer and lot number
The vet's name, license number and signature

When you'll be asked for it

Pet license or registration
Boarding, daycare and grooming
Dog parks, classes and some rentals
Domestic and international travel
After a bite or scratch incident
When your pet is found as a stray or goes missing

If you lose it

Contact the clinic that vaccinated your pet and ask for a duplicate. Most clinics can email one. If you've moved, ask your old clinic to send it to your new vet.

Keep one version you can show quickly

Take a clear photo or scan of the certificate
Save it in your Waggle Vault
Keep the paper original in a safe place
Carry a copy when you travel

Match it to the tag

Many areas issue a metal rabies tag. It's not a substitute for the certificate, but it's a helpful quick reference for a finder.

Watch the expiration date

Expired certificates are treated like no certificate. Set reminders in a separate phone calendar ahead of time, and find a nearby veterinarian if it's time for a booster.