Bo may lead a life of perks and treats at the White House, but the first dog still had to get rabies shots like any other canine visiting Hawaii in order to share the holidays with the president and first family. 
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that Bo received two rabies vaccinations, an implanted electronic microchip and had to have a blood test to ensure that he was rabies-free.
Janelle Saneishi, spokeswoman for the state Department of Agriculture, told the newspaper that the White House started the process for Bo after the first family completed their Hawaiian Christmas vacation last year.
“Hawaii is the only rabies-free state,” Saneishi said, “and that is the only reason for these restrictions.”
First lady Michelle and the Obama daughters Malia and Sasha arrived on Hawaii on Saturday, but President Barack Obama stayed behind in Washington to support legislation he wants Congress to pass before the end of the year. The White House says he won’t leave town until Congress goes home for Christmas, which will likely mean a departure on Wednesday.
