Presently, if your dog is not current on his rabies vaccination then is exposed to a rabid animal, many state laws require he be quarantined for up to six months, which can be very expensive to the owner, or the dog will be euthanized!

New Guidelines Follow 4-Year Study
The new guidelines follow the results of a study conducted at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KSVDL) by veterinary researchers led by Dr. Michael C. Moore.
Dr. Moore and his team set out to evaluate whether dogs and cats overdue (by law) for a rabies vaccine respond satisfactorily to a booster (re-vaccination).
For 4 years, between 2010 and 2014, the researchers collected blood samples from 74 dogs and 33 cats that had 1) been exposed to rabies and brought to a veterinarian, or 2) were brought to a veterinarian for a rabies booster.
The KSVDL researchers gave a rabies booster to each dog and cat to evaluate their anamnestic antibody responses.
They discovered that after 5 to 15 days, all the animals – both those with current vaccinations and those overdue for a vaccination – had rabies neutralizing antibody titers of ≥ 0.5 IU/mL, indicating immunity to the virus.
Study Proves Rabies Protection Doesn't Suddenly Disappear on a Predetermined Date
The study results demonstrate that when an animal with an out-of-date rabies vaccination receives the booster, the antibodies in his or her blood rise, protecting against exposure to the virus. The study authors concluded:
“Findings supported immediate booster vaccination followed by observation for 45 days of dogs and cats with an out-of-date vaccination status that are exposed to rabies, as is the current practice for dogs and cats with current vaccination status.”
Moore said, “When it comes to vaccinating either people or animals, they don't just all of a sudden on a predetermined date have zero protection or loss of priming.”
The team at the Rabies Laboratory at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory gets several calls each month about cats and dogs that have been exposed to rabies and are overdue for a vaccine. Traditionally, the only options available have been a very costly 6-month quarantine or euthanasia.
“We are very excited that people might have an additional option if their cat or dog is out-of-date and exposed to rabies,” said Moore.

Of course, we would never recommend that you do not get your dog immunized for rabies or any other disease in a timely manner but it is nice to know, if the days and months get away from you and your poor pooch does end up in contact with another dog with rabies, that euthanasia is not the end game!

There is much more to take in on this fascinating subject so please go to Healthy Pets to read more. The full article includes text about dogs and other pets overdue for boosters and the results of even more important life-saving tests!