Code of Massachusetts Regulations
330 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
Title 330 CMR 10.00 - Prevention Of The Spread Of Rabies
Section 10.03 - Vaccination Certificates

(1) A certificate of vaccination must be completed. Only certificates of vaccination issued by the licensed veterinarian who administered the vaccine shall be considered proof of an animal's vaccination status. The certificate is a legal document and must be signed by the veterinarian administering the vaccine. Electronic signatures and stamps may be used. The vaccinating veterinarian is responsible for the accuracy of all information on the certificate.

(2) The certificate shall be either the certificate recommended in the latest Compendium of Animal Rabies control published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, or a certificate containing at least the following information: the owner's name and address; a description of the animal, including predominant breed, sex, age, name and distinctive markings; date of vaccination; Rabies vaccination tag number; type of Rabies vaccine used; route of vaccination; expiration date of the vaccine; the vaccine lot number; and the name and signature of the veterinarian administering the vaccine.

(3) One copy of the certificate shall be filed by the vaccinating veterinarian within 30 days with the clerk of the city or town where the dog, cat or ferret resides, one copy is to be provided to the owner of the animal, and one shall be retained by the vaccinating veterinarian.

(4) No animal hospital, veterinarian's office, or boarding facility shall accept a dog, cat or ferret unless the owner or keeper of such animal can show proof of current vaccination against Rabies; if the animal has not been vaccinated or proof is not shown, the animal shall be vaccinated as long as the animal's medical condition permits.