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Ohio lawmakers are advancing HB 664, legislation that would authorize veterinary technicians to administer vaccines—including rabies vaccines—to dogs and cats pursuant to a veterinarian’s care coordination agreement.
Supporters say the bill is intended to address veterinary workforce shortages and improve access to care for shelter animals. However, HB 664 would expand vaccine administration authority to individuals without the same level of medical training as licensed veterinarians.
The bill was recently amended to require additional education and training for veterinary technicians, written vaccination protocols, owner consent, documentation requirements, and that a veterinarian be available to physically respond to an adverse reaction or emergency. While these amendments improve the bill, they do not eliminate the fundamental concern.
Vaccines, like all pharmaceutical products, carry a risk of adverse reactions—including severe allergic reactions and, in some cases, death.
WAPF does not take a position on provisions of this larger veterinary bill that are unrelated to vaccines.
HB 664 passed the Ohio House of Representatives by a unanimous vote of 93-0 and is now before the Ohio Senate.
Ohio lawmakers need to hear from constituents NOW.
TAKE ACTION
Contact your Ohio State Senator TODAY and ask them to OPPOSE HB 664 unless it is further amended.
Find your Ohio Senator here:
https://www.ohiosenate.gov/members
Phone calls are most effective. Respectful emails help too.
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“Hello, my name is ___ and I’m a constituent from ___. I’m calling to urge Senator ___ to OPPOSE HB 664 unless it is further amended.
Vaccines are pharmaceutical products that should never be treated as routine procedures. If a vaccine is administered, I believe it should be done by a licensed veterinarian—not delegated to a veterinary technician—so that any adverse reaction can be immediately recognized and treated.
Please oppose HB 664.
Thank you.”
TALKING POINTS
- Dogs and cats deserve the highest standard of medical care whenever vaccines are administered.
- If a serious vaccine reaction occurs, immediate recognition and treatment can be critical. A licensed veterinarian should administer the vaccine and be available to intervene immediately if complications arise.
- Although HB 664 now requires written protocols, additional training, and emergency procedures, protocols cannot replace the education, clinical judgment and experience of a licensed veterinarian.
- Veterinary workforce shortages should be addressed by increasing access to licensed veterinarians—not by expanding vaccine administration authority to less medically trained personnel.
- Pet owners deserve the confidence of knowing that, if they choose to vaccinate, the procedure is being performed by the medical professional best qualified to recognize and respond to an emergency.
MORE INFORMATION
HB 664 Bill Text and Status:
https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb664
Current Status: HB 664 passed the Ohio House of Representatives on June 9, 2026, by a vote of 93-0. The bill has been referred to the Ohio Senate for consideration.
For additional information on informed consent and vaccine policy:
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