This bill amends existing law to enhance consumer protections regarding rabies testing for domestic companion animals. It establishes that veterinarians and health officials must provide owners with both paper and electronic copies of the Department of Health's VPH-35 Rabies Testing Notification Form before conducting rabies tests on deceased animals. The notification must include detailed information about the necessity of testing, protocols for handling and disposing of the animal's body, and the consequences of misrepresentation by veterinarians, which is classified as a violation of the consumer fraud act. The bill also extends the record-keeping requirement for notifications from six months to three years.

Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of educational materials, including a pamphlet and poster, to inform pet owners about rabies vaccines and testing protocols. Veterinarians are required to distribute these pamphlets when administering rabies vaccines and display the poster prominently in their offices. Furthermore, it introduces an optional trauma-informed mental health protection training certification program for veterinarians and their staff, aimed at promoting mental health awareness and support within the veterinary profession. Completion of this program will result in certification from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:4-86.2