Assigned to NREW FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1194
state veterinarian; certified rabies vaccinator
Purpose
Allows a licensed veterinarian to appoint a person who is not a licensed veterinarian as a
certified rabies vaccinator and prescribes requirements for training and licensing.
Background
The State Veterinarian must designate: 1) the type of antirabies vaccines that may be used
for vaccination of animals; 2) the period of time between vaccination and revaccination; and 3) the
dosage and method of administration of the vaccine (A.R.S. § 11-1002). The owner of a dog, or a
veterinarian, must present a signed copy of the rabies vaccination certificate before a license is
issued. The rabies vaccination must be performed by a licensed veterinarian (A.R.S. § 11-1010).
Individuals who are not subject to the licensing and regulation requirements of licensed
veterinarians include: 1) a commissioned veterinary medical officer of the U.S. armed services;
2) employees of the animal disease eradication division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture;
3) a person treating an animal belonging to that person or their employer without compensation; 4)
a licensed veterinarian of another state or foreign country consulting with a licensed veterinarian in
Arizona; 5) a veterinary student who performs health care as part of their educational experience
under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a licensed veterinary faculty member who assumes
responsibility of the animal; and 6) a veterinary assistant employed by a licensed veterinarian
performing duties other than diagnosis, prognosis, prescription or surgery under the supervision of a
licensed veterinarian who assumes responsibility of the animal (A.R.S. § 32-2211).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows a licensed veterinarian to appoint a person who is not a licensed veterinarian as a
certified rabies vaccinator to participate in county rabies control programs in which a licensed
veterinarian is not available.
2. Requires the State Veterinarian to:
a) provide in-person training to each person appointed to be a certified rabies vaccinator; and
b) adopt rules to implement the certified vaccinator training.
3. Requires the licensed veterinarian who made the appointment, on satisfactory completion of
the training, to certify in writing that the appointee demonstrated the knowledge and skills
acceptable to administer rabies vaccines. FACT SHEET
S.B. 1194
Page 2
4. Validates certification of rabies vaccinators:
a) initially for one year; and
b) subsequently for two years.
5. Excludes a rabies vaccinator from:
a) acts constituting the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery or dentistry; and
b) veterinary licensing and regulation requirements.
6. Adds, to the definition of vaccination, the administration of an antirabies vaccine to animals
by a certified rabies vaccinator.
7. Makes technical and conforming changes.
8. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 7, 2023
RA/slp