The Vermont Statutes Online
The Statutes below include the actions of the 2024 session of the General Assembly.
NOTE: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated that is provided as a convenience.
Title 20 : Internal Security and Public Safety
Chapter 194 : Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals
Subchapter 002 : ANIMAL WELFARE
(Cite as: 20 V.S.A. § 3903)-
§ 3903. Animal shelters and rescue organizations
(a) [Repealed.]
(b) Animal intake. An animal shelter or rescue organization as defined by section 3901 of this title shall make every effort to collect the following information about an animal it accepts: the name and address of the person transferring the animal and, if known, the name of the animal; its vaccination history; and other information concerning the background, temperament, and health of the animal.
(c) Nonprofit status. A rescue organization under this chapter shall be recognized and approved as a nonprofit organization under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3).
(d) Immunity from liability. Notwithstanding section 3901a of this title, any animal shelter or rescue organization assisting law enforcement in an animal cruelty investigation or seizure that, in good faith, provides care and treatment to an animal involved in the investigation or seizure shall not be held liable for civil damages by the owner of the animal unless the actions of the shelter or organization constitute gross negligence. (Added 1971, No. 27, § 5, eff. March 24, 1971; amended 1997, No. 130 (Adj. Sess.), § 14; 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2009, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), § 11; 2013, No. 30, § 6; 2015, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 28; 2018, No. 8 (Sp. Sess.), § 15, eff. June 28, 2018.)
