Veterinarians warn of risks as committee weighs letting vet technicians give rabies shots

Representative Long introduced HB 14-07 to permit veterinary technicians to administer rabies vaccinations under indirect supervision by a licensed veterinarian. Proponents said the change would expand access, shorten wait times and reduce costs for families needing legally mandated rabies shots for pets.

Kurt Ehrenberg of Humane World for Animals testified the bill would improve access for low-income pet owners and for community vaccination clinics, and that credentialed technicians are trained and qualified.

The New Hampshire Veterinary Medical Association, represented by Dr. Jane Barleroy, opposed the bill. She emphasized that rabies is a 100% fatal disease and that the current law — requiring a veterinarian to administer the vaccine — ensures direct professional oversight. The association argued indirect supervision (where the veterinarian is not in the same facility) creates unacceptable public-health and liability risks, and that allowing off-site technicians at non-hospital locations could invite misuse.

Dr. Barleroy suggested narrowing any change to permit technician administration only when a veterinarian is on-site (direct supervision) and urged strict statutory definitions if lawmakers proceed. Committee members asked whether existing low-cost rabies clinics and mobile clinics would be affected and whether a narrower, on-site supervision carve-out might be acceptable. No vote was taken.