New HampshireVeterinary technicians could give rabies shots with direct veterinarian supervision
If lawmakers pass this version, veterinary technicians could give rabies shots to dogs, cats, and ferrets while a licensed New Hampshire veterinarian directly supervises them.
What it does
Veterinary technicians covered by state board rules could vaccinate dogs, cats, and ferrets against rabies if a veterinarian licensed in New Hampshire directly supervises them.
Technicians giving dogs, cats, or ferrets rabies shots would collect owners' same-day statements that the animal has not bitten anyone within 10 days, to their knowledge, and complete vaccination certificates.
Argument forOwners of dogs, cats, and ferrets could have another person available to give rabies shots if clinics use supervised technicians.
Argument againstClinics that use technicians for these shots could need veterinarians available to supervise them directly, which may limit when they can offer shots.
More detail
If this version passes, a veterinary technician would be allowed to give a rabies shot under a veterinarian's direct supervision. This covers dogs, cats, and ferrets, and technicians defined by state veterinary board rules. The supervising veterinarian must be licensed in New Hampshire. The rabies vaccine must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If enacted, this permission would take effect 60 days after passage.
If this version passes, a technician giving a rabies shot would have to collect the owner's statement and complete a vaccination certificate. This applies when a technician vaccinates a dog, cat, or ferret. The owner must say that, to their knowledge, the animal has not bitten anyone within 10 days. The certificate needs the veterinarian's signature or the signature of someone the veterinarian authorizes. A veterinarian keeps the statement until the animal's next vaccination. The owner completes the statement on the shot day. The technician completes the certificate at vaccination. A copy goes to the town or city clerk within 40 days. If enacted, these steps take effect 60 days after passage.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 2Conference Committee Report; Not Signed Off; SJ 14Latest
- May 27Conference Committee Meeting: 05/27/2026 09:30 am GP 231
- May 20President Appoints: Senators Pearl, Gannon, Altschiller; (In Recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
- May 20Sen. Pearl Accedes to House Request for Committee of Conference, MA, VV; (In recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
- May 19Conferee Change: Rep. Dargie Replaces Rep. Grote 05/19/2026 HJ 13 P. 154
- May 14Speaker Appoints: Reps. Layon, D. Kelley, Long, Grote 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 148
- May 14House Non-Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1749s and Requests CofC (Rep. Layon): MA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 148
- May 7Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1749s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/07/2026; SJ 11Passed Senate
- May 7Committee Amendment # 2026-1749s, AA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
- Apr 29Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1749s, 05/07/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 17Minor
- Mar 25Hearing: 04/01/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:40 am; SC 12
- Mar 17Introduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Executive Departments and Administration; SJ 7Minor
- Mar 11Ought to Pass: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 42Passed House
- Mar 4Committee Report: Ought to Pass 03/03/2026 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 10 P. 20Minor
- Feb 27Executive Session: 03/03/2026 01:00 pm GP 159
- Jan 14Public Hearing: 01/22/2026 01:15 pm GP 153
- 2025
- Dec 4Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Executive Departments and Administration HJ 1 P. 19Introduced
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