An Act relative to dogs brought into the Commonwealth by animal rescue organizations

HD 959 requires animal rescue organizations bringing dogs into Massachusetts from other states for adoption to quarantine them for 48 hours upon entry. After quarantine, a veterinarian must examine the dog and issue a health certificate confirming no contagious illness. The bill also mandates rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis vaccinations for all entering dogs. An exception applies to dogs surrendered by owners from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, or Vermont who transport the dogs themselves.