An Act to Address the Rise in Rabies in Animals by Appointing Certified Rabies Vaccine Administrators
Sponsored By: Victoria Doudera (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Certified rabies vaccinators in every county
The law creates Certified Rabies Vaccinators. The commissioner appoints one or more people in each county and certifies them after state training on storing and giving shots and issuing certificates. They must work under a licensed veterinarian’s direct or indirect supervision. Most serve as volunteers unless they work for the State or a licensed shelter. Vaccinators have civil immunity when acting under this law. The department adopts routine technical rules and uses existing state definitions for supervision and veterinary roles.
Shelter rules for strays and shots
Nonprofit animal shelters are not required to vaccinate abandoned or stray cats or dogs they receive. A licensed shelter may ask for a staff member to be appointed as a limited certified vaccinator, with a signed request from its veterinarian of reference. That staff member may vaccinate only animals in the shelter’s care or at antirabies clinics.
More ways to get pets vaccinated
You must vaccinate cats at 3 months of age and dogs within 30 days after they turn 3 months. A licensed vet, a supervised licensed vet tech, or a certified rabies vaccinator can give a valid shot; others do not count. The first shot protects for one year; get a booster one year later. Later boosters follow national public health veterinarians’ guidance for the vaccine used. The state sets up at least one low‑cost rabies clinic in every county each year. If no private vet is available, a state vet, a supervised vet tech, or a certified vaccinator can vaccinate at the clinic.
New dog license proof and tag rules
When a dog gets a rabies certificate, the vaccinator must send a copy to the state within 30 days. The department sends it to your town clerk and gives towns records at least four times a year. A clerk does not issue a dog license until you file proof of rabies immunization; the health commissioner may accept out‑of‑state proof and set limited waiver rules. Your dog must wear the rabies tag from an authorized vaccinator on a strong collar at all times, except as the law allows.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Victoria Doudera
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Denise Tepler
Democratic • Senate
James Dill
Democratic • House
Laurie Osher
Democratic • House
Michele Meyer
Democratic • House
Rachel Talbot Ross
Democratic • Senate
Sharon Frost
Independent • House
William Pluecker
Independent • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 141
5/29/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
5/27/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/27/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-250) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-250), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
5/22/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-250).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/22/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY in concurrence
2/11/2025SenateCommittee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
2/11/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-250), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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