Allows a rabies vaccination exemption for dogs, cats, and ferrets based on either a veterinary specialist's recommendation or antibody titer testing performed by a licensed veterinarian, with isolation and control requirements varying by exemption type.
relative to rabies vaccines for animals.
HB1488 would allow rabies antibody titer testing to be accepted as an alternative to mandatory periodic rabies revaccination for pets in New Hampshire. The overwhelming majority of submitters support the bill, arguing current one-size-fits-all vaccination schedules cause unnecessary harm and that titer testing offers a safer, science-based way to confirm immunity, while a small number of submitters oppose it on the grounds that rabies' near-total lethality requires uniform, mandatory vaccination rather than individualized exemptions.
Many submitters describe specific pets that suffered adverse reactions, chronic illness, autoimmune disease, tumors, or death that they attribute to rabies vaccination, and cite these experiences as reasons to allow a titer alternative.
“my dog Jack has suffered tremendously from repeated rabies vaccinations. We have spent over $10,000 trying to help him recover from what veterinarians believe is a vaccine-related autoimmune condition.”
— Gina Marie Rayeski, Milton · #630286 — read full submission →
“My dog was injured and died from complications from the rabies shot. She was old and had plenty of shots and was likely already immune and the final one that she reacted to was unnecessary.”
— Melissa Smithurst, Sandown · #630262 — read full submission →
Submitters cite research and personal titer results indicating rabies immunity in pets often persists for many years beyond the 1-3 year mandated revaccination schedule, making frequent boosters medically unnecessary.
“Many dogs maintain protective immunity well beyond the standard booster interval.”
— Elicia Bernard, Hudson · #631096 — read full submission →
“Studies have shown that the rabies vaccine protects dogs for much longer than the initial 3 years and by allowing titer tests to determine if the vaccine is still protective we can protect our dogs from the serious health consequences of over vaccination”
— Jennifer Goyette, Manchester · #631383 — read full submission →
Submitters argue that antibody titer testing is an accurate, medically rigorous method for confirming an animal's immunity, and that the bill does not weaken rabies protections but adds a scientifically sound option alongside continued veterinary oversight.
“HB1488 does not weaken rabies protections. It allows verified immunity through titer testing to be recognized as legitimate evidence of protection.”
— Jenifer Broughan, Pike · #632123 — read full submission →
“this bill establishes clear, medically rigorous exemption standards, requiring veterinary oversight, annual recertification, and objective antibody titer testing where appropriate.”
— Lilli Walsh, Hampstead · #632362 — read full submission →
Submitters point out that rabies vaccine doses are not adjusted for an animal's weight, so small pets receive the same dose as much larger animals, which they argue increases the risk and severity of adverse reactions in smaller or more sensitive animals.
“A 5-pound dog receives the same dose as a 150-pound dog. Cats often receive vaccines formulated and dosed similarly, unless owners can afford specialized alternatives.”
— Chrissy Tomkiewicz, Warner · #631245 — read full submission →
“There is no weight-based dosing as a small 5-pound dog will get the same dose as a 150-pound dog and their little bodies have a hard time processing such a high dose.”
— Lisa Carrier, Hinsdale · #630610 — read full submission →
Submitters argue that elderly, immunocompromised, chronically ill, or strictly indoor/low-exposure animals face disproportionate risk from mandatory revaccination relative to their minimal chance of rabies exposure, and would particularly benefit from a titer-based exemption.
“I have an immunocompromised dog and am terrified of her reaction every time she is vaccinated. The label itself says to administer only to healthy dogs.”
— Priscilla Maccallum, Hampton · #631817 — read full submission →
“I have also had dogs in the past who were medically frail but I was forced to give them a rabies vaccination anyway and it caused rapid health decline following administration.”
— Kayla Douglas, Newport · #634597 — read full submission →
Submitters frame the bill as restoring individualized medical decision-making to pet owners and their veterinarians rather than a fixed government mandate, particularly for animals with special health circumstances.
“Medical decisions for our animals should be made in consultation with our veterinarians, not the government.”
— Leslie Nuchow, Portsmouth · #633683 — read full submission →
“For aging dogs, dogs with cancer or auto immune disease, it is imperative that the owners be given the right to choose with their Vet what is the right course of action for this specific dog at hand.”
— Jocelyn Willis, Raymond · #633409 — read full submission →
Some submitters argue that frequent mandatory revaccination primarily benefits veterinarians and vaccine manufacturers financially rather than serving animals' health interests.
“The current law over vaccinates our pets. It only benefits pharmaceutical companies and does not protect the public any further than doing a titer test.”
— Meaghan Kwiatek, Derry · #631558 — read full submission →
“Over-vaccination has created an explosion of diseases and cancers once considered extremely rare.. Animals are suffering needlessly for pharmaceutical profit.”
— Michelle Clement, Salem · #635153 — read full submission →
Opponents argue that because rabies is nearly always fatal once symptomatic, vaccination requirements must remain uniform and mandatory rather than subject to individualized medical exemptions, and that the bill's removal of isolation and containment requirements for exempted animals increases public risk.
“I oppose this bill because rabies is nearly 100% fatal. The passage of this bill would put humans at an increased risk to contract rabies.”
— Tiela Robert, Pelham · #635145 — read full submission →
“Rabies is not an ordinary regulatory matter. It is a nearly 100 percent fatal zoonotic disease once symptoms appear. For that reason, rabies control statutes are built on uniform, enforceable standards, not individualized medical discretion.”
— Timothy Swaan, N. Haverhill · #633798 — read full submission →
Opponents argue that a positive antibody titer only shows a past immune response or exposure, not that an animal is actually protected from rabies if exposed, undermining the bill's core premise.
One submitter argues that titer testing can be expensive and cost-prohibitive for pet owners, whereas existing low-cost rabies vaccine clinics also provide valuable opportunities for veterinary contact and microchipping.
Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 20, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.
In the past my pets have not responded well to rabies vaccines and have nerve issues and neurological disorders from having them. I felt I had to hide being a pet owner in order to keep them from being over vaccinated. Being able to ask for a titer would be so much easier to breathe for our fur family members.
In the past my pets have not responded well to rabies vaccines and have nerve issues and neurological disorders from having them. I felt I had to hide being a pet owner in order to keep them from being over vaccinated. Being able to ask for a titer would be so much easier to breathe for our fur family members.
I firmly agree that titer tests rather then getting mandated rabies vaccine is the solution. Over vaccinating dogs and cats have a vast if negative effects all the way up to killing them. No more mandatory rabies vaccines. Let's get Titers !
Too many vaccines is harmful to dogs, especially the new mRNA ones which are systemic. Rabies vaccines last a long time especially after years of them. Senior dogs are especially at risk. Please allow blood titer antibody testing to substitute for repeat rabies vaccines. It is very difficult to find a vet that has preservative free rabies vaccines.
I fully support this bill, which would ease the issue of over vaccination. Although vaccines do not cause other diseases like cancer, heart problems, kidney or thyroid problems, they can aggravate any underlying issue, diagnosed or not showing any symptoms, which may shorten the life of the animal. Should apply to all pets subject to rabies vaccination.
There’s no need for additional vaccinations if a positive titer is present.
This bill to allow titer testing for rabies will go a li g way to reducing overvaccination of dogs cats and ferrets. A titer satisfying continued immunity from rabies will be beneficial to many pets and reduce .any issues caused by yearly or three year vaccination. I fully support this bill
I believe there are way too many vaccinations for a small pet leading to vaccinosis. A vetranian does not receive a rabies shot every year or every 3 years they do a blood titer test and it should be the same for our pets. As long as they have antibodies they are protected and should not be dosed again with all those harmful chemicals.
I almost lost my beautiful 2 year old German shepherd Nash in Dec he was over vaxed and he was extremely sick with high fevers for three weeks. The vet acknowledged there was an issue,and said she would call the vaccine Company to report the issue, she also gladly paid back my fees from bloodwork etc.., as she felt horribly. It wasn’t about the money it was about the safety of my beloved pet. I would gladly pay for Titer results.
I want to keep my dogs safe from the MRNA rabies injection supplied to vets by Merck. mRNA is causing cancer, heart attacks and stroke in humans.
I am in support of HB1488. This bill does not override current vaccine laws. The bill allows you to not overmedicate an animal unnecessarily, when there is shown to be enough protection from rabies already existing in the blood titer (sample).
I am in support of HB1488. This bill does not override current vaccine laws. The bill allows you to not overmedicate an animal unnecessarily, when there is shown to be enough protection from rabies already existing in the blood titer (sample).
My dog is seriously ill. He would have adverse reactions to a rabies vaccination. Seeking other options.
My dog is seriously ill. He would have adverse reactions to a rabies vaccination. Seeking other options.
Titer testing is already used routinely to determine a dog's level of immunity to various diseases and is used as guidance to both vets and owners as to the necessity of a vaccine or a booster. Adding rabies to that list helps eliminate needless vaccines for our dogs, who already face increasing attacks on their immune system. Equally important is that a titer will actually provide evidence the the rabies vaccine is effective. Right now dog owners just have to have faith that it is, with no real proof. Titers will be the proof.
To whom it may concern, I fully support this bill and not because I am anti vaccinations but because I do believe we over vaccinate our pets. There are studies that have proven that a rabies vaccine given to a dog over the age of 16 weeks old has the ability to retain antibodies for upwards of 11 years. The rabies vaccination puts a huge toll on our pets bodies. Many having adverse reactions. My dogs had a bad rabies vaccine reaction when he was a puppy. He was so lethargic, he couldn’t pick his head up. He was running a high fever of 104+ and needed vet attention. I was terrified to renew his vaccine, thinking it might kill him the next time but the vet dosed him with a steroid before getting his booster and he was okay initially but started showing behavioral issues recently after. I don’t see a negative to offering rabies titers in New Hampshire. If a dog doesn’t have enough antibodies, they will receive a vaccine but if they do have enough antibodies they do not need the vaccine. I see this as a potentially huge step in the right direction for pet health and wellbeing.
The same dose and frequency of vaccines are given to a teacup poodle and mastiff. I worked in animal hospitals for many years. The science shows vaccines are good for 6-10 years if not longer. Over-vaccination has created an explosion of diseases and cancers once considered extremely rare.. Animals are suffering needlessly for pharmaceutical profit. It’s inhumane and unconscionable. Pet owners should have a choice whether or not to vaccinate as we are the stewards of our beloved pets.
I oppose this bill because rabies is nearly 100% fatal. The passage of this bill would put humans at an increased risk to contract rabies.
My name is Karla Lutz, and I live in Franklin, NH. I am writing to express my support for HB1488. In my experience, I have watched my 18-pound Jack Russell mix, Axel, suffer severe reactions after receiving his rabies vaccine over the past seven years. Each year, the side effects have worsened. This past year, I truly feared I might lose him. It seems unfair that this mandated vaccine is administered as a one-size-fits-all solution. Allowing a veterinarian exemption with titer testing would make a huge difference for pet parents like me, who fear losing their beloved animals and experience heartbreak watching them endure pain and anguish every three years. Please pass HB1488. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Our two 10-year-old, 8-pound Chihuahua's have had severe reactions to the Rabies vaccines. One of them couldn't use her hind legs for 6 months! The other swells up like a balloon and has difficulty breathing after the vaccine. Please pass this bill!
A Titer test must replace the Rabies vaccine for our beloved pets to protect their health. The vaccines not only contain mercury that crosses the blood brain barrier but other toxic ingredients. They have recently as of 2025 introduced self amplifying mrna nano particles to the rabies shot making it even more dangerous. It has the ability to shed on to the owner as well as damage their immune system and shorten their life expectancy. When their health is comprised it creates more frequent visits to the veterinarians and more revenue to this group. We are learning very quickly since the covid plandemic that money is the root incentive behind many decisions of regulations and not our health or safety. Creating customers that have problems = revenue for those treating them. Vaccinations have been a very large percentage of the veterinarians practice. Fact. Look it up. Also the many adverse reactions account for additional revenue. It was distressing to also research and find out that dosage for dogs is the same, whether a chihuahua or a great Dane. The same! Even worse is this dosage is exactly HALF of what is given to a HORSE. Yes, this is FACT and many horses weighing many hundreds of pounds! I was so upset to learn this information and verified it all. Many have tried to do something to change this but not enough. Our dogs are family to us. They have no voice. We must do better than ignore these problems and let it continue. There are many who purposely create problems to provide solutions in order to MAKE MONEY off of the problem. We can not let this continue. It is dishonest and wrong. We have the opportunity to choose the Titer test and not subject our pets to unnecessary risks with these vaccinations being required. I ask you to use common sense, compassion, facts, testimonies and understanding to support this decision. Thank you all.
I am for vaccination, just not OVER vaccination. If a titer test come back within safe levels, it is redundant to require more vaccines. Thank you.
Vaccines are bad in humans and they are likely bad in pets as well. We've been using titers as a work around for our dog so he doesn't get extra vaccines. Please vote YES on this bill to help protect all the pets in NH!!
I am writing to express my strong support for legislation that would allow the acceptance of rabies titer testing as an alternative to routine rabies revaccination. This bill represents a thoughtful, science-based approach that protects public health while also respecting animal welfare and the rights of responsible pet owners. Rabies is a serious and deadly disease, and I fully support the importance of monitoring and preventing its spread. However, protection does not have to rely solely on repeated vaccination when alternative, reliable methods exist. Rabies titer testing provides measurable evidence of immunity and offers a way to ensure animals remain protected without unnecessary medical intervention. Like humans, animals are individuals. Not every dog responds to vaccines in the same way, and for some, repeated vaccination can carry risks. Adverse vaccine reactions in dogs are well documented and may include autoimmune disorders, neurological issues, allergic reactions, and injection-site complications. Many pet owners and veterinarians are increasingly concerned about the cumulative effects of over-vaccination, particularly as cancer rates in dogs continue to rise each year. In human medicine, we are actively questioning vaccine schedules, ingredients, and long-term impacts — especially when risk factors exist. It is only reasonable and ethical to apply the same critical thinking to veterinary medicine. Allowing rabies titers does not eliminate protection against rabies; rather, it provides a validated alternative that still monitors immunity and safeguards both animals and the public. This legislation empowers pet owners to work alongside licensed veterinarians to make informed, individualized medical decisions for their animals. It does not weaken rabies control measures — it strengthens them by incorporating modern science, flexibility, and compassion. Accepting rabies titers would place our state among those leading with evidence-based policy, animal welfare awareness, and respect for responsible pet ownership. I urge you to support this bill and give pet owners the option to protect their animals’ health while continuing to uphold public safety. Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to thoughtful legislation. Respectfully, Kathryn Flynn
I support HB1488. There is no need to expose our pets to unnecessary vaccinations and risk of side effects if the titer shows immune protection. Thank you.