§ 14-34. Vaccination of dogs, cats and ferrets against rabies required.

(a)

All dogs, cats and ferrets that are four months of age or older must be vaccinated for rabies in accordance with F.S. § 828.30, as may be amended. Dogs, cats and ferrets shall be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian, or as otherwise provided by law. The duration of immunity of the vaccine shall be recognized in accordance with the current Compendium of Rabies Control developed by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, as may be amended.

(b)

No person may directly or indirectly provide false information or otherwise mislead members of the public concerning the propriety or legality of administering vaccinations to dogs, cats or ferrets for rabies by someone other than a veterinarian. The retail seller of dog, cat or ferret rabies vaccine shall advise the buyer of such vaccine that Florida law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets four months of age or older be vaccinated in accordance with state law by a licensed veterinarian, or other individual as may be specifically set forth.

(c)

Proof of rabies vaccination in a form containing the information required by the registration certificate, shall be provided to the owner and animal services by the vaccinating veterinarian. If not submitted concurrent with the sale of a county license, the vaccinating veterinarian shall provide such vaccination information monthly. Upon request, such certificate shall be made available to any officer or representative of any enforcement agency.

(d)

In the event the vaccinating veterinarian does not practice in Florida, other verifiable evidence of a current rabies vaccination as deemed acceptable by animal services may be substituted.

(e)

Medical exemption.

(1)

A medical exemption from any vaccination requirement of this article may be granted by animal services if the following requirements are satisfied:

a.

A veterinarian examines the animal and certifies in writing that at the time of such examination, in his or her professional opinion, administering the vaccination would endanger the health or life of the animal. The veterinarian's certification must include the basis for his or her opinion (i.e. age, infirmity, disability, illness or other injurious condition), the anticipated duration of this condition, and the dates of administration for the last occurring series of vaccinations or a statement that this information was not available;

b.

The animal is registered with animal services by submitting the veterinarian's certification within five days of the exam; and

c.

The animal is securely and humanely confined.

(2)

In no event shall any exemption granted pursuant to this section be in effect for more than one year without re-certification by a veterinarian. As soon as the animal's condition permits, it must be vaccinated and otherwise come into full compliance with this article.

(3)

Animal services must be contacted upon expiration or termination of the exemption and/or the animal's condition and provide proof of compliance with all vaccination requirements within ten days.

(f)

Animal services shall have the authority to cause the owners of other species of animals to have them vaccinated against rabies at such times and in such areas within the county upon recommendation of the department of public health to prevent and bring under control any outbreak of disease which might occur that poses a threat to the citizens of the county.

(Ord. No. 2009-A13, § 1, 8-25-09)