The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Cat.” A carnivorous mammal scientifically known as Felis Catus which spends any part of any 24-hour day in a residence inhabited by a human being.

“Certificate of vaccination.” A certificate verifying vaccination against rabies, containing information consistent with the current version of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Rabies Compendium.

“Department.” The Department of Agriculture of the Commonwealth.

“Direct veterinary supervision.” Occurs when a veterinarian is on the premises and has given either oral or written instructions to a certified veterinary technician or noncertified employee and is easily and quickly available to assist the certified veterinary technician or the noncertified employee.

“Dog Law.” The act of December 7, 1982 (P.L. 784, No. 225),¹ known as the Dog Law.

“Permanent identification.” As defined in section 102 of the act of December 7, 1982 (P.L. 784, No. 225),² known as the Dog Law.

“Rabies.” A viral disease affecting the central nervous system of a mammal that is transmitted through contact with saliva or other potentially infectious material such as neural tissue from an infected animal, including, but not limited to, a bite, scratch and contact of saliva or other infectious material with broken skin, an eye or mucous membrane.

“Rabies vaccine.” A product used to stimulate an immune response to rabies, licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture and listed in the current version of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Rabies Compendium.

“Secretary.” The Secretary of Agriculture of the Commonwealth.

“Suspected rabid animal.” A mammal exhibiting behavior that is suggestive of infection with rabies in the opinion of a veterinarian, public health official or official representative of the department, the Department of Health or the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

“Vaccinated against rabies.” The status of an animal that: