Purpose

The safety of our patients, clients, and veterinary team is our highest priority. In accordance with AAHA guidelines, the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) regulations, and California state law, this policy establishes clear requirements for vaccination standards, specifically addressing rabies vaccination as a mandatory public health protection due to its zoonotic risk.

Policy Statement

• All pets must have current vaccinations appropriate for their species, age, and health status prior to receiving treatment at our hospital.
• The rabies vaccination must be current and documented for all canine patients in compliance with California law. Rabies vaccination protects not only pet health, but also human health, due to its zoonotic implications.

Hospital Requirements

1. Rabies Vaccination (Dogs & Cats)

• Rabies vaccination is required to be current for any patient scheduling a doctor’s appointment, wellness care, elective procedure, or hospitalization.
• Proof of valid rabies vaccination (certificate or medical record from a licensed veterinarian) must be provided.

2. Other Core Vaccinations (per AAHA standards)

• Canine patients: Strongly advise that dogs are current on core vaccines (DHPP, Bordetella, leptospirosis, and as recommended by AAHA guidelines). Your pet is entering a hospital environment with other sick patients where they could be exposed to these potentially life-threatening infectious diseases.
• Feline patients: Strongly advise that cats are current on core vaccines (FVRCP, FeLV when indicated, and rabies as required by law). Your pet is entering a hospital environment with other sick patients where they could be exposed to these potentially life-threatening infectious diseases.
• Rabbit patients: Strongly advise that rabbits are current on the RHDV2 vaccine. Your pet is entering a hospital environment with other sick patients where they could be exposed to this potentially life-threatening disease.

3. Exemptions

• Patients may only be exempt from vaccination if a licensed veterinarian provides written documentation of a valid medical contraindication.
• Alternate safety protocols (e.g., direct admission to isolation, additional PPE for staff) may be implemented in such cases.

4. Emergency Care Exception

• In life-threatening emergencies, care will not be denied based on vaccination status. However, rabies vaccination will be addressed as soon as the patient is stable.
• Clients will be informed of associated zoonotic risks and staff safety measures taken.

Client Responsibilities

• Provide up-to-date vaccination records prior to or at the time of service.
• Maintain compliance with annual or triennial vaccine requirements as recommended for their pet.
• Acknowledge that failure to maintain a current rabies vaccination may delay non-urgent care until compliance is met.

Hospital Commitment

Our primary goal is to protect the health of your pets, our veterinary team, and the public. By following AAHA vaccination standards and California VMB regulations, we ensure that all patients receive the highest standard of safe, effective, and legally compliant care.