A pat on the head is in order for the group that revised rules that required dogs to be vaccinated against rabies more often than necessary. Starting today, the first day 2005 dog licenses are available, an owner must show proof of a current vaccination in order to license their pooch. It’s a small change that could make a big difference for some pets.

Basically, dogs will now need rabies shots every three years. Previously, dogs needed to be vaccinated every two years, despite the recommendation of the vaccine’s makers that the shots be given every three years.

This happened because two state rules were in conflict. One rule, administered by the Department of Human Services’ Bureau of Health and mirroring national standards, requires that dogs be given a rabies vaccination that lasts for three years (except for the initial dose, which lasts for one year). Another rule, this one under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture, requires that dogs be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year.

In order to get a license, a dog owner had to present a certificate showing that a rabies shot was given within 730 days (or 360 for the initial one). This meant that most dogs are getting rabies shots every two years with a vaccine that the manufacturer and veterinarians recommend giving every three years.

Some dogs have allergic reactions to shots and some immune-mediated diseases can be triggered by vaccinations. Studies are continuing on the occurrence of tumors at immunization sites in some dog breeds. Such symptoms could be worsened by too frequent vaccinations.

A provision allowing dogs that are sick to be exempted from the rule was not accepted by the group because they felt this went beyond what they were called together to do. A bill to make this change will be presented to the Legislature next year.

A concern had been raised that changing the rule could cause some people to delay vaccinating their pets against rabies, a potentially deadly disease. However, history shows that the licensing requirement has not prompted pet owners to get the shots. Although dog licenses were initiated in 1981 to encourage people to vaccinate their pets, the rabies immunization rate far surpasses compliance with the licensing requirement. Nationally, well over 90 percent of dogs are vaccinated against rabies, but only about 40 percent are licensed. Maine numbers are thought to be similar.

The new rule that goes into effect today is easy to understand and administer. “Atta boys” to those who made it happen.