New Hampshire's rabies law: dogs, cats, and ferrets
New Hampshire RSA 436:100 requires rabies vaccination for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. Dogs must be vaccinated by three months of age, cats by three months, ferrets by four months. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required for town licensing of dogs — every New Hampshire town clerk asks for the rabies certificate at registration. New Hampshire veterinarians are required to issue a rabies vaccination certificate and report the vaccination to the town. (New Hampshire RSA 436:100 — Rabies Vaccination Required, accessed September 5, 2026)
Raccoon and bat rabies in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has documented rabies in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. The raccoon rabies variant, established in southern New England since the 1990s, is present across the state's southern and central counties (Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack, Strafford, Cheshire). Bat rabies occurs statewide, including in the North Country and White Mountains region. The NH Division of Public Health Services publishes animal rabies surveillance data annually.
New Hampshire law (RSA 436:102) requires that any domestic animal that bites a person be confined for 10 days and examined by a veterinarian. An unvaccinated animal exposed to a potentially rabid animal faces a 6-month quarantine or euthanasia recommendation. A current rabies certificate can mean the difference between a booster and a 14-day observation period versus months of quarantine. (NH DHHS — Rabies Prevention and Control, accessed September 5, 2026)
Lyme disease: New Hampshire's expanding threat
New Hampshire is solidly in the Lyme disease endemic zone. The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) is established in all 10 New Hampshire counties, though the highest density is in the southern tier (Hillsborough, Rockingham, Strafford, Merrimack). Tick populations are expanding northward — confirmed established populations now exist in Grafton and Carroll Counties, including towns around the White Mountains that were previously considered low-risk.
New Hampshire's Division of Public Health Services reports Lyme disease as the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the state. Dogs face significant exposure from April through November. The Lyme vaccine for dogs is widely recommended by New Hampshire veterinarians, particularly for dogs that hike, trail-run, or have access to wooded or brushy habitat. (NH DHHS — Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, accessed September 5, 2026)
Anaplasmosis: the co-infection concern
Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum) is transmitted by the same blacklegged tick that carries Lyme. New Hampshire reports among the highest anaplasmosis rates in the country. Dogs can be simultaneously infected with Lyme and anaplasmosis from a single tick bite, and co-infections can be more severe than either alone. The 4Dx SNAP test screens for both, plus Ehrlichia and heartworm, in one blood draw. Annual 4Dx testing is standard practice among New Hampshire veterinarians for any dog with outdoor exposure.
Leptospirosis in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's lake region (Winnipesaukee, Squam, Newfound, Sunapee) and extensive river systems create leptospirosis exposure for dogs that swim, drink from, or play in freshwater. Wildlife reservoirs include raccoons, skunks, and rodents. The leptospirosis vaccine is not state-required but is recommended by many NH veterinarians, especially for dogs that spend time at lakefront properties or engage in water activities during the summer months.
Heartworm in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's heartworm risk is lower than the southeastern U.S. but is present, particularly in the Merrimack Valley and lake regions where standing water supports mosquito breeding. Most New Hampshire veterinarians recommend seasonal heartworm prevention (typically June through November) and annual testing. The CAPC documents a low but non-zero heartworm prevalence in the state. (CAPC — Companion Animal Parasite Council, accessed September 5, 2026)
Vaccination records that matter in New Hampshire
| Record Type | Required? | Frequency | New Hampshire Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies certificate | ✓ Yes — state law (dogs, cats, ferrets) | Every 1–3 years | Required for town dog licensing; raccoon + bat rabies statewide |
| DHPP (distemper/parvo combo) | ✗ No — AAHA guideline | Puppy series, then every 1–3 years | Standard core vaccine |
| Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) | ✗ No — vet recommended | Annually | Strongly recommended — NH is Lyme-endemic with expanding range |
| 4Dx SNAP test | ✗ No — vet standard | Annually | Screens Lyme + Anaplasma + Ehrlichia + heartworm; NH has high anaplasmosis rates |
| Leptospirosis | ✗ No — vet recommended | Annually | Recommended for dogs near lakes, rivers, and lakefront properties |
| Bordetella | ✗ No — facility requirement | Every 6–12 months | Required by boarding facilities |
| FVRCP (cats) | ✗ No — AAFP guideline | Kitten series, then every 1–3 years | Standard; outdoor cats common in rural NH |
| Heartworm prevention | ✗ No | Seasonal (Jun–Nov) or year-round | Lower risk but present; seasonal prevention standard |
When you'll need your New Hampshire vaccination records
- Town dog licensing — every NH town requires current rabies for annual dog registration. License fees are reduced for spayed/neutered dogs.
- Boarding and daycare — facilities require rabies, bordetella, and DHPP; some require canine influenza, especially in the seacoast and southern tier.
- Hiking and trails — some White Mountain National Forest campgrounds and state parks request vaccination documentation for dogs.
- Moving to or from NH — interstate health certificates require current rabies and vet verification. Moving to New Hampshire with pets →
- Emergency vet visits — Capital Area Veterinary Emergency (Concord), VCA emergency services, and seacoast-area ERs request vaccination history on intake.
How Voocie keeps your NH pet's records organized
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Last verified: September 5, 2026
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