What Massachusetts law requires
Massachusetts has clear state-level vaccination requirements. Under MGL Chapter 140, §145B (accessed August 29, 2026), all dogs and cats six months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. The vaccination must be kept current — meaning re-vaccination before the previous vaccine expires (typically every 1 or 3 years, depending on the vaccine used).
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health further specifies rabies vaccination requirements under 105 CMR 330.000 (accessed August 29, 2026), including that veterinarians must issue a rabies certificate at the time of vaccination containing: the pet's description, owner's name and address, vaccine manufacturer, lot number, vaccination date, and expiration date.
Beyond rabies, Massachusetts does not mandate specific vaccinations at the state level. However, your veterinarian will recommend core vaccines (DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats) and lifestyle vaccines based on your pet's risk factors — and most boarding facilities and groomers require them.
When you'll need vaccination records in Massachusetts
Annual dog licensing
Every Massachusetts town requires a current rabies certificate to issue or renew a dog license. The licensing period runs January 1 through December 31 in most towns, with deadlines typically between March 1 and April 1. You'll need the original certificate or an official copy from your vet. (Full Massachusetts licensing guide →)
Boarding and daycare
Most Massachusetts boarding facilities require: rabies, DHPP, bordetella (within 6–12 months), and increasingly canine influenza. Some require a negative fecal test. You'll need to provide records before every boarding stay. (Full Massachusetts boarding requirements →)
Grooming
Many Massachusetts groomers — especially those in the Boston metro area — require proof of current rabies and bordetella before accepting a dog. The requirement is less standardized than boarding, so check with your groomer directly.
Dog parks and recreation programs
Some Massachusetts municipalities require proof of vaccination for dog park permits. Boston's Department of Animal Care and Control, for example, requires current rabies and license documentation for off-leash recreation permits.
Travel
If you're traveling out of Massachusetts with your pet, you may need a health certificate (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) issued within 10 days of travel. This is separate from vaccination records but your vet will need access to vaccination history to complete it. For international travel, additional requirements apply — see your vet at least 30 days before departure.
Emergency vet visits
Emergency clinics in Massachusetts will ask about vaccination status, current medications, and recent health history. Having a shareable digital record means the ER vet gets the full picture immediately — not just what you can remember at 2 AM.
Which records to keep and how
At minimum, keep these vaccination records organized and accessible:
- Rabies certificate — the official certificate your vet issues. Keep the most current one and the one before it (some boarding facilities ask to see vaccination history, not just current status).
- DHPP/FVRCP records — date administered, manufacturer if listed, next due date.
- Bordetella records — date administered, form given (intranasal vs. injectable), next due date. This one expires most frequently.
- Leptospirosis — if your vet recommends it for your area. Annual booster needed.
- Canine influenza — if you board in the Boston metro area, keep this current.
- Lyme disease vaccine — Massachusetts is a high-Lyme state. If your dog is vaccinated, track the booster schedule.
Massachusetts-specific considerations
- Lyme disease prevalence. Massachusetts consistently ranks among the top states for Lyme disease cases, per Mass.gov tick-borne disease surveillance data (accessed August 29, 2026). While the Lyme vaccine isn't required by law, many vets in tick-endemic areas of the state — including Cape Cod, the Islands, and western Massachusetts — strongly recommend it. Keeping the vaccination record organized matters for tracking booster schedules.
- Seasonal bordetella demand. Massachusetts boarding facilities see peak demand during summer (Cape Cod, Vineyard, and Nantucket travel season) and winter holidays. Bordetella expires faster than most vaccines (6–12 months depending on the facility's policy). If you board seasonally, plan your vet visit to keep bordetella current through the boarding window.
- Town-level requirements vary. Some Massachusetts towns have additional local requirements beyond state law. Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, for instance, have specific animal control ordinances that may affect vaccination requirements for seasonal residents bringing pets to the islands.
Last verified: August 29, 2026. Vaccination requirements may change — check with your veterinarian and local animal control for current recommendations. This guide covers record-keeping, not medical advice. Talk to your vet about your pet's specific vaccination needs.