§ 8204 — Rabies vaccination required for dogs, cats, and ferrets; antirabies clinics

(a)Vaccination of dogs. —(1) Any person owning a dog 6 months of age or older in this State shall have that dog vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, or by a licensed veterinary technician working under the indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian if the dog is in a shelter and is owned by the shelter; exemption from vaccination against rabies may be permitted if a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and based on the veterinarian’s professional judgment, has certified in writing that at the time, vaccination would endanger the animal’s health because of its infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations and a titer test, in the case of these medical exemptions, may be administered to assist in determining the need for the vaccination. The owner of the dog will receive a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate legibly signed by the licensed veterinarian and the licensed veterinary technician responsible for the administration of the vaccine. The owner of the dog will be responsible for keeping a valid rabies vaccination certificate or exemption certificate in their possession for inspection by an animal control officer, the Department, or the Division, if deemed necessary. Certification that the animal is exempt from vaccination shall be valid for a period of 1 year from the date of the issuance of the certificate of exemption, after which time the animal shall be re-examined by a licensed veterinarian and vaccinated against rabies or a new certificate of exemption shall be issued to the animal’s owner.

(2) Upon request by an animal welfare officer, the Department, or the Division, all owners of kennels, excluding licensed boarding kennels, shall present immediately a valid rabies vaccination certificate or exemption certificate, signed by a licensed veterinarian, for each dog 6 months of age or older owned by the kennel. Kennel owners will be specifically responsible for keeping all vaccination certificates for all dogs owned or kept at their premise until at least 12 months after the effective expiration date of the vaccination or exemption. If a dog is sold or traded, then the valid vaccination certificate or exemption certificate shall be given to the new owner of the dog. If no valid certificate is given to the new owner, the new owner shall have the dog vaccinated and be issued a valid vaccination certificate or examined and be issued an exemption certificate. Certification that the animal is exempt from vaccination shall be valid for a period of 1 year from the date of the issuance of the certificate of exemption, after which time the animal shall be re-examined by a licensed veterinarian and vaccinated against rabies or a new certificate of exemption shall be issued to the animal’s owner.

(b)Vaccination of cats. —

Any person owning a cat 6 months of age or older in this State shall have the cat vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, or by a licensed veterinary technician working under the indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian if the cat is in a shelter and is owned by the shelter; exemption from vaccination against rabies may be permitted if a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and based on the veterinarian’s professional judgment has certified in writing that at the time, vaccination would endanger the animal’s health because of its infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations and a titer test, in the case of these medical exemptions, may be administered to assist in determining the need for the vaccination. The owner of the cat will receive a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate legibly signed by the licensed veterinarian and the licensed veterinary technician responsible for the administration of the vaccine. The owner of the cat will be responsible for keeping a valid rabies vaccination certificate or exemption certificate in their possession for inspection by an animal welfare officer, the Department, or the Division. Certification that the animal is exempt from vaccination shall be valid for a period of 1 year from the date of the issuance of the certificate of exemption, after which time the animal shall be re-examined by a licensed veterinarian and vaccinated against rabies or a new certificate of exemption shall be issued to the animal’s owner.

(c)Vaccination of ferrets. —Any person owning a ferret 6 months of age or older in this State shall have the ferret vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian; exemption from vaccination against rabies may be permitted if a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and based on the veterinarian’s professional judgment has certified in writing that at the time, vaccination would endanger the animal’s health because of its infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations and a titer test, in the case of these medical exemptions, may be administered to assist in determining the need for the vaccination. The owner of the ferret is responsible for keeping a valid rabies vaccination certificate or exemption certificate in that owner’s possession for inspection by an animal welfare officer, the Department, or the Division. Certification that the animal is exempt from vaccination shall be valid for a period of 1 year from the date of the issuance of the certificate of exemption, after which time the animal shall be re-examined by a licensed veterinarian and vaccinated against rabies or a new certificate of exemption shall be issued to the animal’s owner.

(d) Any animal that receives a certificate of exemption under this section must be treated as unvaccinated in case of potential rabies exposure.

(e) Any form necessary to implement this section shall be designed by the Department of Agriculture and made available to licensed veterinarians.

(f)Duties of veterinarian. —(1) Each licensed veterinarian may select a rabies vaccine of their choice and use procedures for administering it consistent with the recommendations of the Veterinary Biologics Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which licenses that vaccine.

(2) A rabies vaccination certificate will be promptly issued to the owner of each dog, cat, or ferret vaccinated against rabies. The licensed veterinarian administering the vaccine shall complete the certificate specifying accurately the manufacturer’s specifications of the duration of immunity of the rabies vaccination used and the date the animal shall be revaccinated in accordance with the specific criteria of the Compendium or as mandated by Delaware state law. The licensed veterinarian shall sign the certificate in a legible manner. The certificate shall also include the veterinarian’s address, telephone number, and state license number. Veterinarians shall maintain copies of these certificates for a minimum of 12 months after the effective expiration date of the vaccination.

(g)Public antirabies clinics. —The Compendium will serve as a basis for the procedures and practices used in public antirabies clinics. The Department or the licensed veterinarian selected to administer the vaccine at the public antirabies clinic will be consulted on the specific rabies vaccine or vaccines that shall be used at those clinics. All administrative procedures and personnel, excluding veterinary staffing, will be approved by the State Veterinarian. The responsible organization conducting the public antirabies clinic will be responsible for maintaining copies of these certificates for a minimum of 12 months after the effective expiration date of the vaccination.

(h)Penalty. —Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined $25. No penalty imposed by this section shall be suspended.