§ 4-9.1-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Animal rescue� means an entity, without a physical brick-and-mortar facility, that
is owned, operated, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare
society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization.
(2) "Animal shelter� means a brick-and-mortar facility that is used to house or contain
animals and that is owned, operated, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society,
animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other
nonprofit organization devoted to the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of
animals.
(3) "Nonprofit corporation� means a corporation of which no part of the income or profit
is distributable to its members, directors, or officers, except as otherwise expressly
permitted by chapter 6 of title 7.
(4) "Pound� or "Dog pound� means a facility operated by the state, or any political subdivision
of the state, for the purpose of impounding or harboring seized, stray, homeless,
abandoned, or unwanted dogs, cats, and other animals, or a facility operated for that
purpose under contract with any municipal corporation or incorporated society for
the prevention of cruelty to animals.
(5) "Veterinarian-client patient relationship� or "VCPR� means a relationship where all
of the following conditions have been met:
(i) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding
the health of the animal or animals and the need for medical treatment, and the client
(i.e., animal owner or custodian) has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian.
(ii) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal or animals to initiate at
least a general or preliminary (e.g., tentative) diagnosis of the medical condition
of the animal or animals. "Sufficient knowledge,� as used in this subsection, means
that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping
and care of the animal or animals, and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits
to the premises where the animal or animals are kept.
(iii) The veterinarian is readily available for follow-up in cases of adverse reactions
or failure of the regimen of therapy.
(iv) The veterinarian maintains records that document patient visits, diagnosis, treatment,
and other relevant information.
(6) "Veterinary clinic� means any premises to which animals are brought or where they
are temporarily kept, solely for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any illness
or injury.