Will Falconer, DVM Moderator
Hi Carrie,
Thanks for your kind words and thoughtful questions.
There are really two separate things to consider:
1. Are my dogs immune to rabies?
and 2. Are titers that prove that worth anything to those in power?
The answer to one is highly likely Yes, for life. Both have a history of rabies vaccinations, and probably multiple ones. Immunologists agree: odds are high they are immune for life.
The 2nd answer is No, highly unlikely the titer will be worth anything to anyone in a position of authority. Most won't even know what they are, let alone have any provision for recognizing their validity in lieu of further rabies vaccinations.
So, if you, in your heart of hearts, are comfortable that your animals have immunity, own that and act from there. It's a place of power. A powerless place is begging the officials to notice and accept what you know to be true. Not a good place to go, in my mind.
If you need a vet, it'd be worth traveling to someone who's nominally holistic, I'd think. Even if they push vaccines, they're going to understand your viewpoint, and would be more likely to respect it. Is that worth a day away from work to establish that? I think so. Read up on the two holistic vets, see if they are online anywhere, get a sense of who'd be a better fit for you, and go from there. All it takes is one.
Best to you and your pack. And I don't think anyone would "turn you over" to the HS for being "out of date." In fact, you can, again, from a place of power, truthfully answer YES if asked "are they current?" Right? We just interpret that via immunology, not a calendar of whim.