250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-40-05-2.6

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 250-RICR-40-05-2.6 - Rabies Vaccination Protocol

A. Vaccine Administration

1. For animals to be considered Currently Vaccinated, rabies vaccinations shall be administered by or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. All rabies vaccine must be stored, handled, and administered in strict accordance with the vaccine manufacturer's labeled directions.

B. Record Keeping and Tag Issuance

1. The Veterinarian must maintain a record identifying the vaccinated animal, the owner's name and physical address, the rabies tag number issued (if applicable) as well as the date of inoculation and the date the next booster is due. Such records must be maintained for five (5) years following vaccination.

2. The licensed veterinarian or person working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian who administered a rabies vaccination must issue a rabies tag to the owner/keeper of any dog or cat that (s)he vaccinates against rabies. Such tags shall clearly identify the veterinary hospital/clinic at which the animal was vaccinated, the telephone number of that clinic, the year of rabies vaccination, and also contain an identification number unique to that animal.

C. Rabies Certificates

1. The licensed veterinarian or person directed by a licensed veterinarian must issue a rabies vaccination certificate to the animal's owner:

2. If the animal vaccinated is a dog, cat, ferret or horse, the rabies vaccination certificate shall include, but not be limited to, the following items:

a. Name of the licensed veterinarian, his/her practice name, practice address and state veterinary license number.

b. The animal owner or guardian's name and physical address;

c. The animal's name, species, breed, age, sex and coloration;

d. The name of the rabies vaccine manufacturer, the brand name of the product used, the vaccine serial number;

e. The date of rabies inoculation and the date when the next rabies booster shall be administered;

f. If a dog or cat, number of the rabies tag issued; and

g. Signature, or authorized use of a signature stamp or electronic signature, of the licensed veterinarian who administered or supervised the administration of the rabies vaccine.

3. If the animal vaccinated is a bovine, sheep or domestic animal other than a dog, cat, horse or ferret for which a species-approved rabies vaccine exists; the rabies vaccination certificate shall include, but not be limited to, the following items:

a. Name of licensed veterinarian who gave or directed rabies vaccine administration, his/her practice name, and state veterinary license number;

b. Animal owner or guardian's name and physical address;

c. The animal's unique official ear tag number, breed registration number, microchip number, or individualized tattoo number;

d. The animal's species, breed, age and sex;

e. The name of the rabies vaccine manufacturer, the brand name of the product used, the vaccine serial number;

f. The date of rabies inoculation and the date when the next rabies booster shall be administered;

g. The signature, or authorized use of a signature stamp or electronic signature, of the licensed veterinarian who administered or supervised the administration of the rabies vaccine.

D. The owner or guardian of a rabies vaccinated animal shall keep such certificate or a copy thereof stating that such animal has been vaccinated and shall, upon request, make such certificate or copy available to an ACO or an agent of the Department of Environmental Management acting in their official capacity.

E. A rabies vaccination certificate is the only official proof of vaccination.

F. Failure to Present Rabies Certificate

1. Failure or inability by the owner or guardian of an animal to present or make available such rabies certificate or a copy thereof to Animal Control Officer, Police personnel, Department of Environmental Management personnel upon request shall result in classification of the animal in question as not currently vaccinated against rabies. Such animal may then be seized and placed in quarantine or euthanized at owner's expense for rabies testing.

G. Release of Information

1. Veterinarians shall, upon request from any ACO, Police Department, Department of Environmental Management, or Department of Health personnel investigating a possible rabies exposure, release all requested patient information pertinent to such investigation. Such information may include, but is not limited to: animal's species, name, breed, sex, coloration, age, date of last rabies vaccination, the date when the next rabies booster is due, ear tag, registration, and/or tattoo number, owner/guardian's name, physical address, and telephone number(s), the rabies tag number, the name of the rabies vaccine manufacturer, and the name of the veterinarian who administered the most recent rabies vaccination.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-40-05-2.6