Will Falconer, DVM Moderator
Hi Sandra,
I just actually wrote to the State of Hawaii state veterinarian directly to ask for a similar exception for a service dog who comes and goes from the islands. I saw this dog's history: itchy skin after a previous vaccination. I knew he'd be at risk for furthering this tendency if he had to get yet another rabies vaccine. He, too, had a titer showing protection.
While my point was given consideration, in the end, there was no room to bend the rules the Dept of Ag had established, per the good doctor in charge. From my years living there, I remembered this party line very well.
Best I can offer is to send you a rabies tautode to give on both sides of the vaccination time, and hope we can minimize the ill effects from the upcoming event. You can write me via my Contact page for more info if you'd like to pursue this. Use the subject line Rabies Tautode Info so I see it.
Best of health to you and your Shih-Tzu girl,
WF