(A) It is unlawful for any person who owns or harbors a dog or cat over four months of age which has not been currently vaccinated against rabies in accordance with Compendium of Animals Rabies Control as compiled by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. All vaccines used shall be of a type approved by the United States Government and the state division of health.
(B) Only veterinarians who are duly registered and licensed by the State of Iowa are hereby authorized to vaccinate against rabies. They will provide the animal's owner with a rabies tag and rabies vaccination certificate.
(C) The exception to a rabies vaccination is an animal for whom a veterinarian has provided an exemption statement that a rabies vaccination would be detrimental to the animal's health.
(D) Every dog or cat over six months of age shall wear a collar with a valid rabies vaccination tag attached when off the owner's premises. The owner shall display the rabies vaccination certificate or veterinarian's exemption letter to the Animal Protection Officer or designee upon demand.
(E) The owner shall notify the veterinarian who most recently vaccinated their cat or dog for rabies of any change of address within five days of moving.
(F) When permanent ownership of a dog or cat is transferred, the original owner must notify the veterinarian who most recently vaccinated their dog or cat for rabies that they are transferring ownership and the new owner's name, address and telephone number within five days of the transfer. A microchip must also be transferred within five days.
(Ord. 2485, passed 11-27-2012; Ord. 2571, passed 4-10-2018; Ord. 2657, passed 10-13-2020) Penalty, see § 10.99
Statutory reference:
For similar provisions under state law, see Iowa Code § 351.33