Delaware Code Title 16. Health and Safety § 3002F. Shelter care and treatment

(a) Animal shelters shall be advised by a licensed veterinarian and shall adhere to a written veterinary care protocol developed with a licensed veterinarian, which protocol shall include appropriate evaluation and testing of newly impounded animals, disease control and prevention, and adequate veterinary care.  In addition, animal shelters shall have a protocol for behavioral enrichment.  The protocols shall be updated annually.

(b) Animal shelters shall vaccinate all dogs against canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, and bordetella bronchiseptica and all cats against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and the panleukopenia virus before or upon entering the shelter or holding facility to reduce the spread of disease.  Such vaccinations must be administered as soon as possible and no more than 8 hours after entering the shelter.  For animals admitted overnight, such vaccines shall be given no later than noon.  This provision shall not apply to animals in quarantine for rabies observation or to animals having injuries, illness or temperament that make administration of the vaccinations unsafe.

(c) Each animal entering an animal shelter shall be evaluated at intake to check for signs of infectious disease or an injury or illness requiring emergency medical care.  A full examination shall be performed within 48 hours of entry and prior to adoption.

(d) Animal shelters shall ensure that animals requiring veterinary care are seen by a licensed veterinarian within a reasonable amount of time based on the condition of the animal, and that urgent medical care is provided as needed.  Animal shelters shall comply with treatment plans developed by a licensed veterinarian for animals at the shelter requiring treatment.  Animals in the shelter's custody for 1 year or more must receive a veterinary exam every 12 months.

(e) Animal shelters shall include a designated treatment area and isolation and/or quarantine areas.  Animals having a severe communicable disease shall be moved to isolation to limit exposure to other animals and people.  Animals that have been directly exposed to, but are not showing signs of, a high risk communicable disease shall be quarantined to monitor for signs of illness and prevent spread of disease.

(f) Prior to adoption or return to field, all dogs and cats of required age must be vaccinated against rabies or have a valid exemption from vaccination, pursuant to § 8204 of Title 3.  Dogs and cats in quarantine for rabies or on dangerous dog hold shall be administered rabies vaccine prior to release from shelter, unless proof of current rabies vaccine is provided.