CA AB258

Exempts dogs from rabies vaccination requirements if a licensed veterinarian determines on an annual basis that vaccination would endanger the dog's life due to disease or other documented health considerations.

Requires exempted dogs to be confined to the owner's premises and, when off-premises, to be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length under direct adult physical control.

Limits dog licenses for vaccinated dogs to no more than 3 years, but restricts licenses for exempted dogs to a maximum of one year.

Requires exemption requests to be submitted on a department-approved form with signed statements from both the veterinarian and dog owner, and submitted to the local health officer for approval.

Mandates local health officers report issued exemptions to the state health department and designates exempted dogs as unvaccinated for legal purposes.