All Roll Calls
Yes: 130 • No: 0
KentuckyHB 2122026 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT relating to rabies vaccinations.
Sponsored By: Susan Witten (Republican)
Signed by Governor
AgricultureDiseasesPublic HealthVeterinariansPets And Service Animals
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Rabies shots and proof for pet owners
You must get your dog, cat, or ferret vaccinated for rabies by four months old. You must get boosters when the vet-certified immunization period ends. When a vet or licensed vet tech gives the shot, you get a Cabinet-approved certificate and the clinic keeps a copy. For dogs, you also get a rabies tag with a matching serial number and year, and your dog must wear it. If you own a cat or ferret, you must show proof of a valid rabies shot when an animal control or peace officer asks.
More ways to get a rabies shot
Rabies shots can be given by a veterinarian, a Kentucky-licensed veterinary technician working under an on‑site vet, or a permitted owner vaccinating their own dog. The law uses Kentucky’s licensing definitions for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Shots must use a USDA‑approved rabies vaccine and follow Cabinet rules. If you vaccinate your own dog, you must have a permit and follow the same certificate and rabies tag rules as clinics.
Who can enforce rabies rules
The law explains who counts as an animal control officer. It includes local government employees, appointees, and contractors, and staff of contracted agencies that enforce these rules. These officers can check vaccination proof and enforce the rabies laws.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Susan Witten
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Chris Freeland
Republican • House
Daniel Grossberg
Democrat • House
Vanessa Grossl
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/31/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 38 • No: 0
House vote • 2/6/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 92 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 104)
4/13/2026delivered to Governor
4/1/2026enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
4/1/2026Houseenrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
4/1/2026Housereceived in House
3/31/2026House3rd reading, passed 38-0
3/31/2026Senateposted for passage in the Consent Orders of the Day for Friday, March 27 2026
3/26/2026Senate2nd reading, to Rules as a consent bill
3/25/2026Senatereported favorably, 1st reading, to Consent Calendar
3/24/2026Senateto Agriculture (S)
3/20/2026Senateto Committee on Committees (S)
2/9/2026Senatereceived in Senate
2/9/2026Senate3rd reading, passed 92-0
2/6/2026Houseposted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, February 06 2026
2/5/2026House2nd reading, to Rules
2/5/2026Housereported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
2/4/2026Housereassigned to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)
1/22/2026Houseto Agriculture (H)
1/14/2026Houseto Committee on Committees (H)
1/7/2026Houseintroduced in House
1/7/2026House
Bill Text
Current
2/6/2026
Introduced
2/6/2026
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