Amended NYC Law Related to Bordetella Vaccination
The Veterinary Medical Association of New York City (VMANYC) worked with NYC Councilmember Mark Levine to introduce and pass Intro. 1570, which clarifies and aligns all city laws related to Bordetella vaccination for dogs. Previously, the city had two separate statutes with conflicting requirements. The new law – signed by Mayor de Blasio on November 19 and taking effect 90 days from signing – requires that any dog entering a boarding, grooming or training facility in NYC be “currently actively vaccinated” against Bordetella. Active vaccination is defined as “administered according to the manufacturer’s instructions.” Currently, manufacturer instructions are for annual vaccination.
In summary, NYC law now requires annual vaccination against Bordetella for dogs entering a boarding, grooming or training facility. Should the manufacturer change the recommended frequency for vaccination in the future, the law will follow the new recommendation.
The new statute reads:
- 17-366 Proof of vaccination required. No dog shall be accepted at a boarding kennel, business or establishment unless the owner of such dog is in compliance with section 161.15(e) of the New York city health code.
Section 161.15(e) of the Health Code reads in part:
(A) Boarding kennels and training establishments. Prior to providing boarding, grooming or training services, an entity issued a permit pursuant to section 161.09 of this Code must obtain proof from the owner of each dog provided services, that the dog is currently actively vaccinated against distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus and Bordetella, or that the animal has a medical condition for which vaccination is contraindicated. Such proof may include, but is not limited to, (i) a receipt from a veterinary office for vaccines provided, (ii) a summary of a veterinary visit prepared by the veterinary office indicating such vaccines were administered, or (iii) a copy of a signed letter from a veterinarian stating that the dog has been so vaccinated or that the dog has a medical condition for which vaccination is contraindicated. The accepted proof must be maintained on the premises for at least one year and provided to the Department upon request.
(B) Entities providing grooming services only. A holder of a permit to operate a grooming parlor where only grooming services are provided must obtain from the owner of each dog that is provided services either (i) a sworn statement of the owner that the dog is currently actively vaccinated against distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus and Bordetella along with the name and contact information of the veterinarian who administered the vaccinations, or (ii) a receipt from a veterinary office for vaccines provided, or (iii) a summary of a veterinary visit prepared by the veterinary office indicating such vaccines were administered, or (iv) a copy of a signed letter from a veterinarian stating that the dog has been so vaccinated or that the dog has a medical condition for which vaccination is contraindicated. The accepted proof must be maintained on the premises for at least one year and provided to the Department upon request.
