Rabies Vaccination

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The Animal Control and Animal Shelter Ordinance number 15-06 was adopted On May 19, 2015, and amended by Ordinance number 2017-17 which was adopted on October 3, 2017.

The following is the Rabies Vaccination Requirements section of the Ordinance.

(Scroll down to download the complete Animal Control Ordinance.)

6.04.050 Rabies Vaccination Requirements

1. No owner of any dog, cat, or ferret shall keep or maintain a dog, cat or ferret over the age of three (3) months unless each animal is immunized against rabies by a vaccination performed by a veterinarian and the period of immunization specified by the veterinarian performing the vaccination has not expired.

2. In accord with J.C. § 35-46-3-1 and pursuant to this Chapter, the knowing or intentional harboring of a dog over six (6) months of age without a rabies vaccination commits a Class C infraction, and which can be elevated to a Class B Misdemeanor if said non-immunized dog causes bodily injury by biting a person. A violation of I.C. 35-46-3-1 shall be enforced by the Porter County Prosecutor's Office.

3. Proof of vaccination shall be maintained by the owner and displayed if requested by Porter County Animal Control, and/or any law enforcement officer employed by the Porter County Sheriff's Department.

4. Owners who are found to be in violation of this Section of the Animal Control Ordinance shall be fined $100.00 dollars for the first violation of this Section and $150.00 dollars for any subsequent violation of this Section.

Download Complete Ordinance

CLICK HERE To Download Complete Animal Control Ordinance
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Porter County Animal Control serves all of Porter County EXCEPT FOR THE CITY OF PORTAGE. All information contained in this section of the website is only applicable to the areas served by Porter County Animal Control. If you live in the City of Portage, you will need to contact them directly at (219) 763-1825, as they may have different policies and ordinances.