This bill amends existing legislation concerning rabies testing for domestic companion animals and introduces new consumer disclosure requirements for veterinarians. It mandates that before any rabies testing is conducted on a deceased animal, the health official or veterinarian must provide the animal's owner with both a paper and electronic copy of the Department of Health's VPH-35 Rabies Testing Notification Form. The notification must include detailed information about the necessity of the testing, the protocols for handling and disposing of the animal's body, and the consequences of misrepresentation by the veterinarian. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for veterinarians who fail to comply with these disclosure requirements, classifying such actions as violations of the consumer fraud act.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Division of Consumer Affairs to create a pamphlet and poster that provide essential information about rabies vaccines and testing protocols, which veterinarians must distribute to pet owners at the time of vaccination. It also 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. This program will be developed in consultation with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and those who complete the training will receive certification. The bill is set to take effect seven months after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:4-86.2