New Colorado Pet Vaccine Rules: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
Colorado has updated its pet vaccination requirements, and it’s especially important for anyone planning to board, groom, or bring a pet into the state. The changes, enacted under the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act Program, aim to protect animals and humans from serious diseases—especially rabies—following a tragic 2024 incident where a litter of rabies-exposed puppies was brought from Texas, leading to all 11 being euthanized.
Under the new rules:
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Incoming pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) must be vaccinated for rabies before entering Colorado. Puppies over six weeks old also need parvovirus and distemper shots at least two weeks before arriving.
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Groomers, daycares, and boarding facilities must now require updated vaccine records for:
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Rabies (dogs/cats over 16 weeks)
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Distemper and Parvovirus (dogs over 8 weeks)
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FVRCP (cats over 8 weeks)
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Pet owners may apply for medical exemptions with a vet’s letter, but exempt dogs will not be allowed to mingle with others. These rules are meant to safeguard both pets and the public, especially in shared spaces.
