Canine Rabies Vaccine Exemption

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To avoid penalties, members of the public should apply and pay for a dog license before they engage in the rabies vaccine exemption process.

Canine rabies vaccination exemptions will only be approved for life threatening medical conditions.

To be Submitted by Pet Owner or Veterinarian:

Contra Costa County Canine Rabies Exemption Form.

To be Submitted Directly by Treating Veterinarian:

Medical records relevant to exemption request (diagnosed medical condition).

Requests not accompanied by all required documentation will not be processed. Dog owners should direct questions to their veterinarian and work with them to submit the required documentation.

To obtain a copy of the Canine Rabies Vaccine Exemption from email CoCoPHSupport@cchealth.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for applying for an exemption?

The most current version of the Certificate of Exemption from Canine Rabies Vaccination can be obtained by emailing CoCoPHSupport@cchealth.org

The Certificate of Exemption must be printed, completed, signed by both the dog owner and the veterinarian, and emailed or mailed to:

CoCoPHSupport@cchealth.org
Contra Costa Public Health, Communicable Disease Programs, 2500 Bates Avenue, Suite B, Concord, CA 94520.

The relevant medical records MUST be emailed or mailed DIRECTLY by the treating veterinarian to:

CoCoPHSupport@cchealth.org
Contra Costa Public Health, Communicable Disease Programs, 2500 Bates Avenue, Suite B, Concord, CA 94520.

Both items must be received within 30 days to be considered as complete submission. There are no staff available to receive hand-delivered requests.

Why do I need to submit a copy of the pet’s medical record in addition to filling out the Certificate of Exemption from Canine Rabies Vaccination?

Which medical conditions are accepted for exemption?

Only conditions that are life-threatening, and that have been demonstrated (according to the mainstream veterinary literature) to be worsened or reactivated by revaccination for rabies, are exemptible under the law. Examples of potentially fatal medical conditions that may warrant exemption include, but are not limited to:

Certain immune‐mediated diseases (e.g., IMHA, ITP)
Anaphylactic shock/collapse following prior rabies vaccination
Dogs on short-term (less than six months) immunosuppressive therapy may be allowed to defer vaccination until the completion of therapy—when vaccination is more likely to be effective. In these cases, the veterinarian should be sure to include the anticipated treatment end date.

Which medical conditions are NOT accepted for exemption?

How long are approved exemptions valid?

How do I check the status of my application?

What restrictions are imposed on the client/dog for not being rabies‐vaccinated?

What happens if the exempted pet is exposed to a rabid (or untested, potentially rabid) wild animal such as a bat, skunk, fox, raccoon, or coyote?

A rabies vaccination exemption may be used only for the purposes of obtaining a license for the indicated dog. The exempted dog is subject to the same disposition as other unvaccinated pets outlined in the California Code of Regulations. For example, vaccinated pets exposed to rabid or potentially rabid animals are quarantined for 30 days, while unvaccinated pets would be subject to six (6) months quarantine and/or euthanasia.