Editor’s Note: El Paso Matters is partnering with Gigafact to produce “fact briefs” that examine claims about issues shaping our community.
No.
Texas law only mandates that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies by licensed veterinarians, according to the Texas Administrative Code.
State code requires that the animal must receive rabies vaccines by or under the supervision of a veterinarian who holds a valid license under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Veterinarians are required to provide pet owners a rabies vaccination certificate that includes information about the animal, the vaccine, revaccination due date and the veterinarian’s signature, the code states.
Although not required, veterinarians recommend dogs get the distemper, bordetella (kennel cough) and parvovirus vaccines, among others, according to the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection, a nonprofit that provides low-cost vaccines. The coalition recommends cats receive distemper, viral rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia vaccines.
The DHPP and FVRCP vaccines are available over the counter, though the Fort Worth Veterinary Clinic recommends animals get the vaccines at a veterinary clinic after an exam.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- Texas Administrative Code Texas Administrative Code
- Texas Coalition for Animal Protection What Vaccines does my dog need
- VCA Hospitals What vaccinations are necessary for cats
- Riverside Veterinary Clinic Where can I get vaccines for my dogs
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