§ 4-13-31. Compulsory rabies vaccination.
(a) For the purpose of preventing the introduction of rabies when rabies appears in any
nearby area and its appearance creates a threat of introduction into Rhode Island,
or for the suppression, or for the control of rabies, the board shall make regulations
requiring compulsory vaccination of dogs, cats, ferrets or any other domestic animal
as deemed necessary against rabies in a manner specified by it in any area or areas
within the state, which are deemed necessary to prevent that introduction, or for
the purposes of suppression and control.
(b) The board is authorized to engage any personnel within the department of health or
department of environment to assist in carrying out any regulation which may be promulgated
for the suppression and control of rabies.
(c) Upon receipt of a written request from any city or town council or the mayor of any
town or city and with the consent and approval of the health officers of those towns
and cities, the board shall establish in cooperation with local and state health department
authorities, public clinics for the vaccination of dogs, cats, and ferrets against
rabies. Those clinics shall be conducted in accordance with provisions and regulations
proposed by and under the supervision of the board.
(d) Rabies vaccine for animals may be administered only by or under the direct and specific
supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
(e) Except as otherwise amended by board regulation, the owner or keeper of a dog, cat,
or ferret shall have the animal vaccinated not earlier than three (3) months of age
nor later than four (4) months of age and at regular intervals as prescribed by board
regulations, but at no time to exceed recommendations made by the most current compendium
of animal rabies control.
(f) Any veterinarian or any person directed by a veterinarian who vaccinates a dog, cat,
or ferret against rabies must issue a rabies vaccination certificate to the animal's
owner. This certificate shall meet the minimum standards approved by the board, which
include: the veterinarian's name, the veterinarian's practice name, address and telephone
number; the pet owner's name and address, the pet's name, species, age coloration
and sex; the rabies vaccine manufacturer's name; the date of inoculation and the signature
of the doctor who administered or directed the administration of the rabies vaccine.
For dogs, cats, and ferrets, there shall be a record kept which lists the number of
the rabies tag issued in conjunction with the rabies vaccination certificate.
(g) No city or town may register or license a pet that is not vaccinated for rabies in
accordance with this chapter. Proof of rabies vaccination shall be a current, valid
rabies certificate for any species.
(h) This chapter shall not apply to any dog or cat imported into this state strictly for
exhibition or breeding purposes, and which does not remain in this state for more
than fifteen (15) days and which is accompanied by a valid health certificate or certificate
of veterinary inspection.
(i) A person who fails to have or refuses to have each dog, cat, and/or ferret owned or
kept by the person vaccinated against rabies violates the provisions of this chapter.