The Snowville Precedent: Proof that Utah Localities Can Choose Titer Recognition
One of the most frequent questions we receive at Rabies Titer Choice is: “Can a local county actually change these laws, or is it mandated by the State?”
The answer lies in Snowville, Utah.
In May 2024, the Snowville Town Council passed Resolution #2024-05-01. This landmark resolution serves as a blueprint for Summit County, proving that local governments in Utah have the “Home Rule” authority to modernize their animal control ordinances to protect medically fragile pets.
What the Snowville Resolution Changed
Snowville updated its Title 5 (Police Regulations) to include a specific “Safety Valve” for pet owners. The resolution added the following language:
“A rabies vaccination waiver will be accepted for any licensed dog within the corporate limits… The rabies vaccination waiver must be issued and signed only by a licensed Utah State Veterinarian in good standing… A waiver will have no expiration as long as the dog resides within the corporate limits.”
Why This Matters for Summit County
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It’s a Utah Success Story: We don’t have to look at Florida or Connecticut for examples. A town right here in Utah has recognized that a “one-size-fits-all” mandate is medically outdated.
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It Empowers Veterinarians: The Snowville model doesn’t bypass medical professionals; it restores their authority. It allows a DVM to say, “Based on this pet’s health and their passing titer results, a booster is not medically appropriate.”
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It maintains Safety Standards: Snowville didn’t “remove” rabies protection. They simply allowed for a Waiver of Vaccination when clinical evidence supports it.
Leading the Way in Summit County
Summit County has always been a leader in Utah for health and innovation. By adopting a similar “Titer Choice” amendment, we can ensure that our senior pets and those battling chronic illness (like cancer or autoimmune disorders) are not subjected to unnecessary inflammatory stress.
If Snowville can prioritize the medical safety of its pets, Summit County can—and should—do the same.
About Thomas Sandberg
Thomas Sandberg, CSAN, CCNC, AADP, is a board-certified Animal Naturopath and the founder of the Long Living Pets Research Projects. For over 20 years, Thomas has conducted the world’s largest observational study on raw-fed pets, documenting the health and longevity of 5,000 animals. As a researcher focusing on oncology and pet longevity, he has conducted over 500 in-depth consultations with pet owners wordlwide, focusing on the intersection of nutrition, immunology, and chronic disease.
Based in Summit County, Utah, Thomas is a leading advocate for evidence-based animal health. Through the Rabies Titer Choice initiative, he combines decades of clinical observation with modern immunology to advocate for safer, science-led vaccination policies that protect the health and homeostasis of our domestic animals.