When you want to live in an apartment with your canine companion you might be wondering; what shots does my dog need for an apartment? While there are no federal laws that dictate the shots that dogs need to live in an apartment, if you’re worried about your landlord having vaccination requirements that’s a different story, especially if you live in an otherwise non-pet-friendly housing situation with an emotional support dog (ESD).
The good news is that you’re in the right place. This article covers what information you may need to provide to landlords to maintain your status as a tenant along with any vaccinations your dog should have. Read on to learn more below.
Does Your Dog Have to Be Vaccinated to Live in an Apartment?
Ultimately, whether or not your dog needs to be vaccinated to live in an apartment depends on your situation, state, and landlord. Some states may require your pets to have specific vaccinations, while other states might be more lenient on the law.
If you want to have a service dog or emotional support dog in your apartment the vaccination requirements may change. For example, in New York emotional support dogs have to be vaccinated, and landlords can ask about their vaccination status. Service dogs also need vaccinations to be protected under the ADA, but there can be exceptions.
What Shots Should Your Dog Have?
There are two groups of vaccinations that most dogs need and should have. They can be divided into core vaccinations that dogs need to have and vaccinations that dogs should have. Depending on your dog and where you plan on living, the shots you may need will vary. The most common core shots include the rabies shot, canine distemper shot, and a core vaccination for hepatitis.
While core shots are the most important for your living situation, your dog should also get additional shots based on vet recommendations. Consider vaccines for Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and canine influenza. Many of these shots should be administered on an annual basis but ask your vet if you have questions about their vaccination schedule.
It’s also important to note that there are some region-specific vaccinations you should consider. For example, you should consider a shot for rattlesnake venom if you live somewhere you can find rattlesnakes.
Does an Emotional Support Dog Need Vaccinations?
Not all dogs need vaccinations for an apartment. However, in most states, your emotional support dog (ESD) will need vaccinations and paperwork that’s up-to-date to be protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). What’s more, landlords can request this information and if you can’t present it, they can have you evicted from your apartment. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that your ESA has the necessary vaccinations and an ESA letter.
Do Service Dogs Need Vaccinations?
Yes, service dogs need vaccinations to live in apartments. To remain compliant you need to have your service dog trained and vaccinated. What’s more, you need to have a letter from a professional stating what the service dog helps you with and why it’s important for your condition. While landlords can’t always ask for this information, it’s best to still have a record of it somewhere just in case.
Do Therapy Dogs Need Vaccinations?
Therapy dogs are similar to emotional support dogs but they help comfort groups of people instead of pairing with a single person. They may require some training, and you can usually find them in places like schools, nursing homes, and funeral homes. If you’re using a therapy dog for your business and you rent from a landlord, your dog should have the necessary vaccinations. In fact, they should have the most core and recommended vaccinations due to their interactions with the public.
Get Your Dog the Shots They Need for an Apartment Today!
Not all dogs need a vaccination if you plan on living in an apartment. However, if you want to have an ESA live in an otherwise non-pet-friendly housing situation, you’ll need your dog to be up-to-date on their shots. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure that your dog is vaccinated against rabies and distemper. Other shots may be optional depending on your state, so take a look at state laws to see what you need for your situation.
While having your dog’s vaccinations in order is a big part of being compliant with the Fair Housing Act, it’s not the only thing you need. Consider ESA registration and make sure you have an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional to qualify.
