(a) An animal may not be transported into the state aboard a ferry operated by the division of marine transportation of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities unless the animal's owner, custodian, or attendant possesses a valid health certificate for the animal. This certificate shall accompany the animal or be in the possession of the animal's owner, custodian, or attendant aboard the ferry and shall be presented when requested by an employee of the state ferry system at the time the owner, custodian, or attendant makes arrangements to transport the animal, boards the ferry with the animal, or at any other time.

(b) The following persons are authorized to enforce the provisions of this section:

(1) the commissioner of environmental conservation;

(2) a state employee authorized by the commissioner of environmental conservation.

(c) For the purpose of this section, 'health certificate' means a legible certificate executed on an official form of the state or province of origin by a licensed accredited veterinarian certifying that the animal is free from evidence of infectious or contagious diseases, including but not limited to rabies, and recording any required tests, vaccinations, or immunizations, including but not limited to vaccination or immunization against rabies. A health certificate is valid for a period of 30 days from the date of issuance.