rabies vaccine requirements for dogs in CA

[lizzie anne]

Hi, we are hoping to move to California later this year (visas are in progress) & take our dog with us. He has previously been rabies vaccinated but it has lapsed. I heard somewhere that you need to make sure the vaccination the vet uses is acceptable for the state you are going to, so I found a list of CA approved vaccines online & took it to my vet. Of course the list was of US branded vaccines & my vet didn't recognise any of them.
I tried calling DEFRA who couldn't help much, they just pointed me to the US dept of agriculture & I got a bit lost in endless Web links & automatic phone systems!
So does anyone know who I need to call? Or do I just use the standard vaccine my vet has & hope it is accepted in CA?
Thanks in advance

[EVHB]

I think an accepted shot from your home country is ok. At least, it was for us when we imported our dog into Canada.
And for California, I didn't found the requirement that it has to be a Californian apporved vaccination. I found

California Entrance Requirements for Dogs:
All domestic dogs must be healthy. Dogs over four (4) months of age must have a certificate of current rabies vaccination.

CDFA > AHFSS > Animal Health > ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION ABOUT LIVESTOCK AND PET MOVEMENT

USDA states:

In general, they require that dogs be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry, except for puppies younger than 3 months and dogs originated or located for 6 months in areas considered to be free of rabies. A dog with an unexpired health certificate meets these requirements.

USDA - APHIS - Import and Export

And some more info: CDC - Bringing an Animal into U.S. - Animal Importation

Make sure your airline company accepts your dog, as not all carriers do this year round.

[twostep]

Please remember to get him chipped. If you plan to return to the UK you may need his Euro Pass. Your vet should be able to tell.

[lizzie anne]

He is chipped & I has a passport, we just let the rabies lapse. I think I will just go with whatever our vet has, the worst case is that it's not recognised and he has to be re-vaccinated and stay indoors for a month!
Thanks for the replies