{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/3.2-6521.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/3.2-6521.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/3.2-6521.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/3.2-6521.html"}],"law_id":86745,"edition_id":1,"section_id":86745,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6521","catch_line":"Rabies inoculation of companion animals; availability of certificate; rabies clinics","history":"1984, c. 492, \u00a7 29-213.67; 1987, c. 488, \u00a7 3.1-796.97; 1988, c. 538, \u00a7 3.1-796.97:1; 1992, c. 294; 1993, c. 817; 1994, c. 636; 1996, c. 351; 1998, c. 817; 2006, c. 836; 2008, c. 860; 2009, c. 756; 2010, cc. 182, 834; 2013, c. 286; 2024, c. 241.","full_text":"A\n\nThe owner or custodian of all dogs and cats four months of age and older shall have such animal currently vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician who is under the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises unless otherwise provided by regulations. The supervising veterinarian on the premises shall provide the owner or custodian of the dog or the cat with a rabies vaccination certificate or herd rabies vaccination certificate and shall keep a copy in his own files. The owner or custodian of the dog or the cat shall furnish within a reasonable period of time, upon the request of an animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, State Veterinarian&#8217;s representative, or official of the Department of Health, the certificate of vaccination for such dog or cat. The vaccine used shall be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for use in that species. At the discretion of the local health director, a medical record from a licensed veterinary establishment reflecting a currently vaccinated status may serve as proof of vaccination.B\n\nAll rabies clinics require the approval by the appropriate local health department and governing body. The licensed veterinarian who administers rabies vaccinations at the clinic shall (i) provide the owner or custodian a rabies vaccination certificate for each vaccinated animal and (ii) ensure that a licensed veterinary facility retains a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate. The sponsoring organization of a rabies clinic shall, upon the request of the owner or custodian, an animal control officer, a humane investigator, a law-enforcement officer, a State Veterinarian&#8217;s representative, a licensed veterinarian, or an official of the Department of Health, provide the name and contact information of the licensed veterinary facility where a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate is retained. However, the county or city shall ensure that a clinic is conducted to serve its jurisdiction at least once every two years.C\n\nRabies clinics approved by the appropriate local health department and governing body may offer microchipping and additional animal health vaccines at the discretion of the licensed veterinarian or veterinarians participating in the clinic. Any licensed veterinarian who administers animal health vaccinations at the clinic shall (i) provide the owner or custodian of an animal a vaccination record for each vaccinated animal and (ii) ensure that a licensed veterinary establishment retains a copy of each vaccination record. Licensed veterinary technicians may administer animal health vaccines at a rabies clinic under the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises unless otherwise provided by regulations.D\n\nLocal health departments shall submit a report to the Department of Health no later than December 31 of each year that includes (i) the number and location of rabies clinics approved pursuant to subsections B and C and (ii) the number and type of vaccinations administered, the number of microchips administered, and the number of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in attendance at each clinic to determine the type of service utilized.E\n\nVaccination subsequent to a summons to appear before a court for failure to do so shall not operate to relieve such owner from the penalties or court costs provided under &#xA7; 16.1-69.48:1 or 17.1-275.7.F\n\nThe Board of Health shall, by regulation, provide an exemption to the requirements of subsection A if an animal suffers from an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to vaccination and such exemption would not risk public health and safety. For the purposes of &#xA7; 3.2-6522, such exemption shall mean that the animal is considered not currently vaccinated for rabies. For the purposes of &#xA7;&#xA7; 3.2-5902, 3.2-6526, and 3.2-6527, such exemption shall be considered in place of a current certificate of vaccination.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":310644,"text":"The owner or custodian of all dogs and cats four months of age and older shall have such animal currently vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician who is under the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises unless otherwise provided by regulations. The supervising veterinarian on the premises shall provide the owner or custodian of the dog or the cat with a rabies vaccination certificate or herd rabies vaccination certificate and shall keep a copy in his own files. The owner or custodian of the dog or the cat shall furnish within a reasonable period of time, upon the request of an animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, State Veterinarian&#8217;s representative, or official of the Department of Health, the certificate of vaccination for such dog or cat. The vaccine used shall be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for use in that species. At the discretion of the local health director, a medical record from a licensed veterinary establishment reflecting a currently vaccinated status may serve as proof of vaccination.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":310645,"text":"All rabies clinics require the approval by the appropriate local health department and governing body. The licensed veterinarian who administers rabies vaccinations at the clinic shall (i) provide the owner or custodian a rabies vaccination certificate for each vaccinated animal and (ii) ensure that a licensed veterinary facility retains a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate. The sponsoring organization of a rabies clinic shall, upon the request of the owner or custodian, an animal control officer, a humane investigator, a law-enforcement officer, a State Veterinarian&#8217;s representative, a licensed veterinarian, or an official of the Department of Health, provide the name and contact information of the licensed veterinary facility where a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate is retained. However, the county or city shall ensure that a clinic is conducted to serve its jurisdiction at least once every two years.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":310646,"text":"Rabies clinics approved by the appropriate local health department and governing body may offer microchipping and additional animal health vaccines at the discretion of the licensed veterinarian or veterinarians participating in the clinic. Any licensed veterinarian who administers animal health vaccinations at the clinic shall (i) provide the owner or custodian of an animal a vaccination record for each vaccinated animal and (ii) ensure that a licensed veterinary establishment retains a copy of each vaccination record. Licensed veterinary technicians may administer animal health vaccines at a rabies clinic under the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises unless otherwise provided by regulations.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":310647,"text":"Local health departments shall submit a report to the Department of Health no later than December 31 of each year that includes (i) the number and location of rabies clinics approved pursuant to subsections B and C and (ii) the number and type of vaccinations administered, the number of microchips administered, and the number of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in attendance at each clinic to determine the type of service utilized.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":310648,"text":"Vaccination subsequent to a summons to appear before a court for failure to do so shall not operate to relieve such owner from the penalties or court costs provided under &#xA7; 16.1-69.48:1 or 17.1-275.7.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":310649,"text":"The Board of Health shall, by regulation, provide an exemption to the requirements of subsection A if an animal suffers from an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to vaccination and such exemption would not risk public health and safety. For the purposes of &#xA7; 3.2-6522, such exemption shall mean that the animal is considered not currently vaccinated for rabies. For the purposes of &#xA7;&#xA7; 3.2-5902, 3.2-6526, and 3.2-6527, such exemption shall be considered in place of a current certificate of vaccination.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15236,"edition_id":1,"name":"Rabies Control and Licensing of Dogs and Cats","identifier":"5","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13170,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:53:14","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:53:14","permalink":{"id":198741,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15236,"identifier":"5","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5","url":"\/3.2\/V\/65\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13170,"edition_id":1,"name":"Comprehensive Animal Care","identifier":"65","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13169,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":198459,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13170,"identifier":"65","token":"3.2\/V\/65","url":"\/3.2\/V\/65\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13169,"edition_id":1,"name":"Domestic Animals","identifier":"V","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12793,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":198133,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13169,"identifier":"V","token":"3.2\/V","url":"\/3.2\/V\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12793,"edition_id":1,"name":"Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food","identifier":"3.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":193939,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12793,"identifier":"3.2","token":"3.2","url":"\/3.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":86745,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6521","catch_line":"Rabies inoculation of companion animals; availability of certificate; rabies clinics","url":"\/3.2-6521\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6521","metadata":false},{"id":75503,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6522","catch_line":"Rabid animals","url":"\/3.2-6522\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6522","metadata":false},{"id":58007,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6523","catch_line":"Inoculation for rabies at public or private animal shelters","url":"\/3.2-6523\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6523","metadata":false},{"id":82658,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6524","catch_line":"Unlicensed dogs prohibited; ordinances for licensing cats","url":"\/3.2-6524\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6524","metadata":false},{"id":58238,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6525","catch_line":"Regulations to prevent spread of rabies","url":"\/3.2-6525\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6525","metadata":false},{"id":70250,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6526","catch_line":"What dog or cat license shall consist of","url":"\/3.2-6526\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6526","metadata":false},{"id":67259,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6527","catch_line":"How to obtain license","url":"\/3.2-6527\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6527","metadata":false},{"id":69325,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6528","catch_line":"Amount of license tax","url":"\/3.2-6528\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6528","metadata":false},{"id":65339,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6529","catch_line":"Veterinarians to provide treasurer with rabies certificate information; civil penalty","url":"\/3.2-6529\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6529","metadata":false},{"id":67095,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6530","catch_line":"When license tax payable","url":"\/3.2-6530\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6530","metadata":false},{"id":72870,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6531","catch_line":"Displaying receipts; dogs to wear tags","url":"\/3.2-6531\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6531","metadata":false},{"id":84654,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6532","catch_line":"Duplicate license tags","url":"\/3.2-6532\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6532","metadata":false},{"id":82312,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6533","catch_line":"Effect of dog or cat not wearing a license tag as evidence","url":"\/3.2-6533\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6533","metadata":false},{"id":84310,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6534","catch_line":"Disposition of funds","url":"\/3.2-6534\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6534","metadata":false},{"id":67692,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6535","catch_line":"Supplemental funds","url":"\/3.2-6535\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6535","metadata":false},{"id":80690,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6536","catch_line":"Payment of license tax subsequent to summons","url":"\/3.2-6536\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6536","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":75503,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6522","catch_line":"Rabid animals","url":"\/3.2-6522\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6522","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/3.2-6521\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1984. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 492 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1984 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 13 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1987, chapter 488; in 1988, chapter 538; in 1992, chapter 294; in 1993, chapter 817; in 1994, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?941+ful+CHAP0636\">636<\/a>; in 1996, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?961+ful+CHAP0351\">351<\/a>; in 1998, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?981+ful+CHAP0817\">817<\/a>; in 2006, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?061+ful+CHAP0836\">836<\/a>; in 2008, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?081+ful+CHAP0860\">860<\/a>; in 2009, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?091+ful+CHAP0756\">756<\/a>; in 2010, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?101+ful+CHAP0182\">182<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?101+ful+CHAP0834\">834<\/a>; in 2013, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?131+ful+CHAP0286\">286<\/a>; in 2024, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?241+ful+CHAP0241\">241<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":78689,"section_number":"3.2-6543","catch_line":"Governing body of any locality may adopt certain ordinances","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6543\/"},{"id":84667,"section_number":"3.2-6546","catch_line":"County or city public animal shelters; confinement and disposition of animals; affiliation with foster care providers; penalties; injunctive relief","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6546\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":68913,"section_number":"16.1-69.48:1","catch_line":"Fixed fee for misdemeanors, traffic infractions and other violations in district court; additional fees to be added","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-69.48_1\/"},{"id":66051,"section_number":"3.2-5902","catch_line":"Certificate of veterinary inspection required for importation of certain pet animals; examination; exceptions; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-5902\/"},{"id":75503,"section_number":"3.2-6522","catch_line":"Rabid animals","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6522\/"},{"id":70250,"section_number":"3.2-6526","catch_line":"What dog or cat license shall consist of","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6526\/"},{"id":67259,"section_number":"3.2-6527","catch_line":"How to obtain license","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6527\/"}],"permalink":{"id":198743,"object_type":"law","relational_id":86745,"identifier":"3.2-6521","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6521","url":"\/3.2-6521\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/3.2-6521\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6521","dublin_core":{"Title":"Rabies inoculation of companion animals; availability of certificate; rabies clinics","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 3.2-6521","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> or custodian of all dogs and cats four months of age and older shall have such animal currently vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician who is under the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises unless otherwise provided by regulations. The supervising veterinarian on the premises shall provide the <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> or custodian of the dog or the cat with a rabies vaccination certificate or herd rabies vaccination certificate and shall keep a copy in his own files. The <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> or custodian of the dog or the cat shall furnish within a reasonable period of time, upon the request of an <span class=\"dictionary\">animal control officer<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">humane investigator<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\"><span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">State Veterinarian<\/span>&#8217;s representative, or official of the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> of Health, the certificate of vaccination for such dog or cat. The vaccine used shall be licensed by the U.S. <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> of Agriculture for use in that species. At the discretion of the local health director, a medical record from a licensed veterinary establishment reflecting a currently vaccinated status may serve as proof of vaccination. <a id=\"paragraph-310644\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-6521\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> All rabies clinics require the approval by the appropriate local health <span class=\"dictionary\">department<\/span> and governing body. The licensed veterinarian who administers rabies vaccinations at the clinic shall (i) provide the <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> or custodian a rabies vaccination certificate for each vaccinated animal and (ii) ensure that a licensed veterinary <span class=\"dictionary\">facility<\/span> retains a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate. The sponsoring organization of a rabies clinic shall, upon the request of the <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> or custodian, an <span class=\"dictionary\">animal control officer<\/span>, a <span class=\"dictionary\">humane investigator<\/span>, a <span class=\"dictionary\"><span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span>, a <span class=\"dictionary\">State Veterinarian<\/span>&#8217;s representative, a licensed veterinarian, or an official of the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> of Health, provide the name and contact information of the licensed veterinary <span class=\"dictionary\">facility<\/span> where a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate is retained. However, the county or city shall ensure that a clinic is conducted to serve its <span class=\"dictionary\">jurisdiction<\/span> at least once every two years. <a id=\"paragraph-310645\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-6521\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> Rabies clinics approved by the appropriate local health <span class=\"dictionary\">department<\/span> and governing body may offer microchipping and additional animal health vaccines at the discretion of the licensed veterinarian or veterinarians participating in the clinic. Any licensed veterinarian who administers animal health vaccinations at the clinic shall (i) provide the <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> or custodian of an animal a vaccination record for each vaccinated animal and (ii) ensure that a licensed veterinary establishment retains a copy of each vaccination record. Licensed veterinary technicians may administer animal health vaccines at a rabies clinic under the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises unless otherwise provided by regulations. <a id=\"paragraph-310646\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-6521\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">D.<\/span> Local health <span class=\"dictionary\">departments<\/span> shall submit a report to the <span class=\"dictionary\">Department<\/span> of Health no later than December 31 of each year that includes (i) the number and location of rabies clinics approved pursuant to subsections B and C and (ii) the number and type of vaccinations administered, the number of microchips administered, and the number of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in attendance at each clinic to determine the type of service utilized. <a id=\"paragraph-310647\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-6521\/#D\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"E\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">E.<\/span> Vaccination subsequent to a <span class=\"dictionary\">summons<\/span> to appear before a <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> for failure to do so shall not operate to relieve such <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> from the penalties or <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> costs provided under &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Fixed fee for misdemeanors, traffic infractions and other violations in district court; additional fees to be added\" href=\"\/16.1-69.48_1\/\">16.1-69.48:1<\/a> or <a class=\"law\" title=\"Fixed misdemeanor fee\" href=\"\/17.1-275.7\/\">17.1-275.7<\/a>. <a id=\"paragraph-310648\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-6521\/#E\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"F\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">F.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> of Health shall, by regulation, provide an exemption to the requirements of subsection A if an animal suffers from an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to vaccination and such exemption would not risk public health and safety. For the purposes of &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Rabid animals\" href=\"\/3.2-6522\/\">3.2-6522<\/a>, such exemption shall mean that the animal is considered not currently vaccinated for rabies. For the purposes of &#xA7;&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Certificate of veterinary inspection required for importation of certain pet animals; examination; exceptions; penalty\" href=\"\/3.2-5902\/\">3.2-5902<\/a>, <a class=\"law\" title=\"What dog or cat license shall consist of\" href=\"\/3.2-6526\/\">3.2-6526<\/a>, and <a class=\"law\" title=\"How to obtain license\" href=\"\/3.2-6527\/\">3.2-6527<\/a>, such exemption shall be considered in place of a current certificate of vaccination. <a id=\"paragraph-310649\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-6521\/#F\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nRABIES INOCULATION OF COMPANION ANIMALS; AVAILABILITY OF CERTIFICATE; RABIES\nCLINICS (\u00a7 3.2-6521)\n\nA. The owner or custodian of all dogs and cats four months of age and older\nshall have such animal currently vaccinated for rabies by a licensed\nveterinarian or licensed veterinary technician who is under the immediate and\ndirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises unless otherwise\nprovided by regulations. The supervising veterinarian on the premises shall\nprovide the owner or custodian of the dog or the cat with a rabies vaccination\ncertificate or herd rabies vaccination certificate and shall keep a copy in his\nown files. The owner or custodian of the dog or the cat shall furnish within a\nreasonable period of time, upon the request of an animal control officer, humane\ninvestigator, law-enforcement officer, State Veterinarian&#8217;s\nrepresentative, or official of the Department of Health, the certificate of\nvaccination for such dog or cat. The vaccine used shall be licensed by the U.S.\nDepartment of Agriculture for use in that species. At the discretion of the\nlocal health director, a medical record from a licensed veterinary establishment\nreflecting a currently vaccinated status may serve as proof of vaccination.\n\nB. All rabies clinics require the approval by the appropriate local health\ndepartment and governing body. The licensed veterinarian who administers rabies\nvaccinations at the clinic shall (i) provide the owner or custodian a rabies\nvaccination certificate for each vaccinated animal and (ii) ensure that a\nlicensed veterinary facility retains a copy of the rabies vaccination\ncertificate. The sponsoring organization of a rabies clinic shall, upon the\nrequest of the owner or custodian, an animal control officer, a humane\ninvestigator, a law-enforcement officer, a State Veterinarian&#8217;s\nrepresentative, a licensed veterinarian, or an official of the Department of\nHealth, provide the name and contact information of the licensed veterinary\nfacility where a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate is retained.\nHowever, the county or city shall ensure that a clinic is conducted to serve its\njurisdiction at least once every two years.\n\nC. Rabies clinics approved by the appropriate local health department and\ngoverning body may offer microchipping and additional animal health vaccines at\nthe discretion of the licensed veterinarian or veterinarians participating in\nthe clinic. Any licensed veterinarian who administers animal health vaccinations\nat the clinic shall (i) provide the owner or custodian of an animal a\nvaccination record for each vaccinated animal and (ii) ensure that a licensed\nveterinary establishment retains a copy of each vaccination record. Licensed\nveterinary technicians may administer animal health vaccines at a rabies clinic\nunder the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the\npremises unless otherwise provided by regulations.\n\nD. Local health departments shall submit a report to the Department of Health no\nlater than December 31 of each year that includes (i) the number and location of\nrabies clinics approved pursuant to subsections B and C and (ii) the number and\ntype of vaccinations administered, the number of microchips administered, and\nthe number of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in attendance at each\nclinic to determine the type of service utilized.\n\nE. Vaccination subsequent to a summons to appear before a court for failure to\ndo so shall not operate to relieve such owner from the penalties or court costs\nprovided under &#xA7; 16.1-69.48:1 or 17.1-275.7.\n\nF. The Board of Health shall, by regulation, provide an exemption to the\nrequirements of subsection A if an animal suffers from an underlying medical\ncondition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response\nto vaccination and such exemption would not risk public health and safety. For\nthe purposes of &#xA7; 3.2-6522, such exemption shall mean that the animal is\nconsidered not currently vaccinated for rabies. For the purposes of &#xA7;&#xA7;\n3.2-5902, 3.2-6526, and 3.2-6527, such exemption shall be considered in place of\na current certificate of vaccination.\n\nHISTORY: 1984, c. 492, \u00a7 29-213.67; 1987, c. 488, \u00a7 3.1-796.97; 1988, c. 538,\n\u00a7 3.1-796.97:1; 1992, c. 294; 1993, c. 817; 1994, c. 636; 1996, c. 351; 1998,\nc. 817; 2006, c. 836; 2008, c. 860; 2009, c. 756; 2010, cc. 182, 834; 2013, c.\n286; 2024, c. 241.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}