Animal Care Requirements

(1) General Animal Care. The Organization shall provide staffing adequate to ensure the general care and maintenance of the Animals on a daily basis. With due regard to the differences in species, breed, age, and condition, the Organization shall ensure that every Animal: (a) be kept clean and dry; (b) be provided with emergency and standard veterinary care in a timely manner by a Veterinarian or as prescribed by a Veterinarian consistent with a valid veterinarian-client patient relationship, pursuant to the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine regulations at 256 CMR 2.00: General Provisions. Emergency care shall be provided immediately. Non-emergency veterinary care shall be sought within 48 hours after the discovery of the need; (c) be provided with sufficient fresh food; (d) be provided at all times, or at regular intervals, with access to clean drinking water; (e) be housed in an area having appropriate temperature and ventilation; (f) be protected from weather and the elements; (g) be provided with clean bowls, dishes, or other containers for food and water; (h) be free from contamination by excrement, urine, or other matter; (i) when appropriate for the species, breed, and age, be given the opportunity to exercise outside of its enclosure regularly in order to maintain the Animal in good health and reduce the stress of confinement; (j) when held in group housing, be housed in compatible groups without overcrowding; and (k) if a Dog or Cat, be examined by a Veterinarian every 180 days. (2) Vaccinations and Testing. Vaccination and testing schedules shall apply based on the age of the Dog or Cat as follows, or in accordance with the most recent recommendations of the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners in effect at the time of vaccination: (a) Any Dog four weeks of age or older shall receive a DHPP/DA2PP vaccine upon intake, unless prior veterinary records indicate a current vaccination status. (b) Any Cat four weeks of age or older shall receive a FVRCP vaccine upon intake, unless prior veterinary records indicate a current vaccination status. (c) Any Dog between four weeks and five months of age shall receive a DHPP/DA2PP vaccine, every two to three weeks from the time of initial administration until it reaches five months of age. (d) Any Cat between four weeks and five months of age shall receive a FVRCP vaccine every two to three weeks from the time of initial administration until it reaches five months of age. (e) Any Dog five months of age or older shall receive a DHPP/DA2PP vaccine upon intake. Any Cat five months of age or older shall receive a FVRCP vaccine upon intake. Vaccination upon intake is required, unless prior veterinary records indicate the Dog or Cat is currently vaccinated. (f) Any Dog, Cat, or ferret six months of age or older shall be vaccinated against rabies by a Veterinarian, as stated in M.G.L. c. 140, § 145B. (g) Any Dog six months of age or older shall be tested for heartworm as soon as practicable. (3) Behavior. The Organization shall document any behavioral information received on intake as well as any behavioral observations made while the animal was in the Organization's possession. The observations and findings shall be documented in the Individual Animal Record, in accordance with 330 CMR 30.11(2)(l). Any Animal with behavioral issues that may pose a safety risk to humans or other animals, such as aggression, will also need to comply with the provisions of 330 CMR 30.09(4). (4) Euthanasia. Euthanasia shall be performed in accordance with current American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines and as specified in 330 CMR 30.06(4). (a) Euthanasia for Dogs and Cats shall be performed by a Veterinarian or by an individual trained in humane euthanasia and operating under the direction and supervision of a Veterinarian. Other methods of euthanasia may be deemed acceptable for other species in accordance with the American Veterinary Medical Association's Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. (b) The Organization shall record the date of euthanasia, the methods used, and the reasons for euthanasia, and the name of the individual who performed the procedure. A copy of these records shall be maintained in accordance with 330 CMR 30.11. (5) Breeding Prohibited. The Organization shall take stringent steps to prevent the intentional or negligent breeding of Animals. Intentional breeding of any Animal may serve as grounds for permanent revocation of an Organization's License or Import License, in accordance with 330 CMR 30.13(2). (6) Zoonotic Disease. In addition to the requirements of M.G.L. c. 129, § 28, if an Animal is found to have a Zoonotic Disease, the Organization shall promptly notify its Veterinarian. The Organization's Veterinarian may notify the Department and request recommendations relative to protective clothing, equipment, and procedures necessary to protect human and animal health. The Department will consult with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health or other appropriate resources as it deems necessary.