TITLE 9 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS

CHAPTER I - ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

SUBCHAPTER A - ANIMAL WELFARE

PART 3 - STANDARDS

subpart a - SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE HUMANE HANDLING, CARE, TREATMENT, AND TRANSPORTATION OF DOGS AND CATS

3.4 - Outdoor housing facilities.

  (a) Restrictions. (1) The following categories of dogs or cats must not be kept in outdoor facilities, unless that practice is specifically approved by the attending veterinarian: (i) Dogs or cats that are not acclimated to the temperatures prevalent in the area or region where they are maintained; (ii) Breeds of dogs or cats that cannot tolerate the prevalent temperatures of the area without stress or discomfort (such as short-haired breeds in cold climates); and (iii) Sick, infirm, aged or young dogs or cats.

  (2) When their acclimation status is unknown, dogs and cats must not be kept in outdoor facilities when the ambient temperature is less than 50 F (10 C).

  (b) Shelter from the elements. Outdoor facilities for dogs or cats must include one or more shelter structures that are accessible to each animal in each outdoor facility, and that are large enough to allow each animal in the shelter structure to sit, stand, and lie in a normal manner, and to turn about freely. In addition to the shelter structures, one or more separate outside areas of shade must be provided, large enough to contain all the animals at one time and protect them from the direct rays of the sun. Shelters in outdoor facilities for dogs or cats must contain a roof, four sides, and a floor, and must: (1) Provide the dogs and cats with adequate protection and shelter from the cold and heat; (2) Provide the dogs and cats with protection from the direct rays of the sun and the direct effect of wind, rain, or snow; (3) Be provided with a wind break and rain break at the entrance; and (4) Contain clean, dry, bedding material if the ambient temperature is below 50 F (10 C). Additional clean, dry bedding is required when the temperature is 35 F (1.7 C) or lower.

  (c) Construction. Building surfaces in contact with animals in outdoor housing facilities must be impervious to moisture. Metal barrels, cars, refrigerators or freezers, and the like must not be used as shelter structures. The floors of outdoor housing facilities may be of compacted earth, absorbent bedding, sand, gravel, or grass, and must be replaced if there are any prevalent odors, diseases, insects, pests, or vermin.

All surfaces must be maintained on a regular basis. Surfaces of outdoor housing facilitiesincluding houses, dens, etc.that cannot be readily cleaned and sanitized, must be replaced when worn or soiled.