Veterinary Public Health


Pet Health Calendar
Contact Information
Veterinary Public Health Program
313 N Figueroa St. Rm 1127
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel (213) 288-7060
Fax (213) 481-2375
vet@ph.lacounty.gov
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Important animal laws and regulations

NEW - MARIJUANA AND VETERINARY MEDICINE

California - California Veterinary Medical Board 2017

  • Marijuana is still illegal for use in veterinary medicine in California.
  • If the California Veterinary Medical board receives a complaint related to marijuana use in veterinary medicine, they will be obliged to investigate.
  • Federal law - Prohibits veterinarians from possessing, administering, dispensing, or prescribing marijuana and related products.
  • California law - Although state laws allow physicians to prescribe marijuana for human patients, and adults over 21 years of age may use it for medical purposes,  California law still does not allow veterinarians to prescribe it for animals.

ANIMAL BITES

   California - California Code of Regulations  (Section 2606)

  • In California, anyone with knowledge of an animal bite to a person must report the incident to the local health department
  • Bites from rodents (rats, squirrels, etc) and lagomorphs (rabbits) are not reportable

    Los Angeles County - Code of Ordinances (Title 11.04)

  • In Los Angeles County, physicians with knowledge of an animal bite to a person must report the incident to the local health department
  • Dogs and cats that have bitten a person must be isolated for 10 days

RABIES VACCINATION OF PETS

   California - California Health and Safety Code pdf icon(Section 121690)

  • Starting January 1st, 2014, dogs in California can be vaccinated against rabies as early as 3 months of age (vaccinations at 4 months also legal).
  • Licensing of dogs in California remains at 4 months of age

ANIMAL DISEASE REPORTING

   Los Angeles County - Code of Ordinancespdf icon (Title 10, Division 2, Section 10.64.020)

  • Any infectious disease in animals must be reported to the local health department
  • A disease priority list pdf icon has been made by the Veterinary Public Health Program (VPH)

ANIMAL IMPORTATION

   Los Angeles County - Code of Ordinances pdf icon (Title 10, Division 2, Section 10.56.10)

  • No sick or injured animal can be imported into Los Angeles County (exceptions apply)

   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Bringing a Dog into the United States

  • Dogs imported from a country where rabies is present must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entering the USA
  • Dogs should be vaccinated as early as 3 months of age and wait 1 additional month in the country of origin prior to entry into the USA

   United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Animal Welfare Act pdf icon (§2148, Importation of live dogs)

  • Dogs imported into the USA for retail purposes must be at least 6 months of age, in good health and be up to dates on their vaccines.

ANIMALS AND PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS

   California - Code of Regulations (22 CA ADC § 65534)

  • Animals shall not be permitted in a public pool or pool area excepts as provided in Civil Code sections 54, 54.1, and 54.2. To learn more about pool regulations visit the Environmental Health webpage on Operation and Maintenance of Public Pools.

Last updated: March 1, 2024

 
 
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
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