§ 5-51. Vaccination requirements.

(a)

Every dog or cat over six months of age, kept as a pet shall be vaccinated against rabies. Because of techniques and tolerances, species limitations, and public health implications, animal rabies vaccines shall be administered only by or under the supervision of a veterinarian. Any animal or a species for which no rabies vaccination is licensed for that species by the United States Department of Agriculture shall be considered unvaccinated for rabies, regardless of that animal's vaccination history.

(b)

However, no dog or cat need be vaccinated when a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and certified that, at such time, vaccination would endanger its health because of its age, infirmity, debility, illness, or other medical consideration; and such exception certificate is presented to the animal control officer within five days of such examination. The animal shall be vaccinated against rabies as soon as its health and age permit. Unvaccinated animals must be confined to the owner's property or a veterinary facility.

(Ord. No. 517, § 2, 1-10-11)