Does Texas mandate that all cat or dog vaccines be administered by a veterinarian?

Texas law only mandates that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies by licensed veterinarians, according to the Texas Administrative Code.

State code requires that the animal must receive rabies vaccines by or under the supervision of a veterinarian who holds a valid license under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Veterinarians are required to provide pet owners a rabies vaccination certificate that includes information about the animal, the vaccine, revaccination due date and the veterinarian’s signature, the code states.

Although not required, veterinarians recommend dogs get the distemper, bordetella (kennel cough) and parvovirus vaccines, among others, according to the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection, a nonprofit that provides low-cost vaccines. The coalition recommends cats receive distemper, viral rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia vaccines.

The DHPP and FVRCP vaccines are available over the counter, though the Fort Worth Veterinary Clinic recommends animals get the vaccines at a veterinary clinic after an exam.