Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry Contents
Overview of Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry 3
Selling Animals in a Responsible Manner 4
Caring for Animals in Your Store 4 Housing Animals 4 Feeding Animals 4 Watering Animals 5 Conducting Health Checks 5 Handling Sick or Injured Animals 5 Euthanizing Animals 6
Maintaining Animal Care Records 6
Keeping Your Store Clean 7 Sanitizing Your Facility 7 Removing Waste 7 Controlling Pests 7
Safeguarding Public Health 8
Maintaining Facilities 8 Water and Power 8 Heating and Cooling 8 Ventilating Systems 8 Lighting 9 Walls and Floors 9 Washrooms and Sinks 9 Animal Enclosures 9 General Construction 9 Cage Floors and Walls 10 Security and Fire Alarm Systems 10
Developing Procedures 10
Training and Scheduling Employees 11
Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry By the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council
Pet stores that house companion animals are held to high standards—by government regulators, the animal welfare community, the media, and consumers. Furthermore, pet owners look to these stores as models of animal care and turn to store staff for advice on a wide variety of animal welfare issues. Therefore, it behooves all pet retailers to not only prac- tice state-of-the-art animal husbandry techniques, but also to ensure the humane care of the animals they sell or adopt out of their stores.
The best way for pet retailers to ensure that all animals on their premises are maintained and cared for humanely is to implement written operating procedures based on professionally accepted practices, and to train and require all employees to follow these procedures.
The “Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry” have been designed to help pet retailers implement operating procedures governing animal care. Retailers can easily incorporate some or all of the guidelines into their own operating manuals or educational materials. Furthermore, they can use these guidelines to supplement relevant Federal, state or local laws and/or regulations that already apply to their stores.
Retailers who adopt the procedures outlined in “Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry” will help ensure that their animals receive appropriate care and handling, demonstrate to the public and to regula- tory officials that their facilities are professionally managed, and serve as exemplars for the pet-loving public.
Due to the wide variety of animals maintained in retail pet stores, it is impossible to describe specific care and handling recommendations for every species in a single document. We therefore encourage retailers to employ common sense and utilize the most appropriate husbandry practices when implementing the concepts conveyed in these guidelines for animals with highly specific or unique husbandry needs.
Selling Animals n Protect animals from distress or injury in a Responsible Manner that can be caused by other animals or from excessive handling. n Take reasonable care to acquire, sell, n Provide animals, relevant to their trade or release for adoption only ani- type and age, with toys and other items mals that are apparently free of disease, (e.g., wheels, ladders, balls, hammocks, parasites, injuries or abnormalities. plastic plants) that will provide for move- n Refrain from selling, donating or ment, enrichment, and shelter. releasing for adoption any animal show- n Make plans and provisions to provide ing signs of, or suspected of having, adequate housing for all animals in infections, diseases, illnesses, para- the case of natural disasters or other sites, injuries or abnormalities—unless emergencies. you provide the purchaser/transferee with written information describing the Feeding Animals animal’s condition at the time of the sale n Provide food that is wholesome, nutri- and the new owner agrees to provide im- tious, palatable and uncontaminated mediate and necessary veterinary care, in sufficient quantities to maintain the if required. animal in good health. n Be informed about any permits or n Feed animals with consideration for licenses required, as well as any Federal, the species, age, condition, size, and state, or local county or city standards gender of the individual animal. Feeding applicable to the pet retailers. frequencies and amounts vary according to the species. n Feed all animals—other than certain Caring for Animals in Your Store amphibians and reptiles—at least once a day, including Sundays and holidays, Housing Animals except as necessitated by dormancy n House animals in a manner that (e.g., hibernation) requirements, veteri- minimizes stress. Avoid placing nary treatment, normal fasts or other animals in areas where they will be professionally accepted practices. exposed to temperature fluctuations or n Store food in a manner that protects drafts, loud or shrill noises, or noxious it from deterioration, mold or or harmful odors. contamination by rodents, insects, or n House animals in a manner that is disease-causing organisms. appropriate to their size and type. n Refrigerate perishable foods at appro- n Place only compatible animals to- priate temperatures. gether in the same primary enclosure. n Where appropriate, serve food in Consider species, age, condition, size, sanitized feeding pans, dishes or self- gender, and behavioral tendencies when feeders, or in disposable food dishes. evaluating compatibility. n Sanitize feeding pans and dishes n Use enclosures and equipment de- once a day or as appropriate for the signed and maintained to minimize the species. Clean self-feeders regularly risk of illness or injury to both animals to prevent molding, caking, or contami- and employees. nation of food.
n Discard disposable food dishes w Behaving normally (evaluate by immediately after use. species, age, and gender). n Remove spoiled food from animal w Able to move normally and assume enclosures and adjust feeding practices normal postural positions. so as to prevent future food spoilage. w Showing any obvious signs of distress or illness. Watering Animals w Eating. n Provide all animals, other than w Drinking. aquatic organisms, with potable drink- w Defecating and urinating. ing water at least once during each 12-hour period, except as dictated by n Evaluate for general signs of dormancy (e.g., hibernation) require- illness, disease or injury, including ments, veterinary treatment, or other but not limited to: professionally accepted practices. w Abnormal condition or behavior n Use sanitized water vessels that (by species, age, and gender). are designed to provide and dispense w Listlessness. appropriate quantities of water for the w Failure to eat or decreased appetite. particular species. w Weight loss. n Position water vessels so that they w Diarrhea. are readily accessible to the animals w Eye or nasal discharge. and so as to prevent spillage, overheat- w Conjunctivitis. ing, contamination, and use by animals w Labored breathing. visiting the store. w Elevated respiration rate. n When cleaning water vessels, use ef- w Cough. fective cleaners and disinfectants that w Prostration. comply with Federal, state and local w Skin lesions. laws and regulations. w Abnormal hair or feather loss. n Clean and sanitize water vessels w Evidence of fleas, ticks at least once daily. Clean sipper-tube or other parasites. water bottles regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt, debris and algae. Handling Sick or Injured Animals n Sanitize sipper-tube water bottles n Seek advice and care from veteri- before placing new animals in a nary experts as appropriate to care primary enclosure. for the animal(s). n Provide immediate medical care Conducting Health Checks for any sick or injured animal to ensure n Train employees to conduct visual its well-being and to prevent the spread health checks of animals (see below), of disease. and monitor employee competency. n Take appropriate measures to safe- n Require trained employees to con- guard staff and customers when an duct visual health checks of animals at animal in the store is suspected to be least twice a day. sick due to illness, injury, or stress. n Observe animals to determine n Report any animal showing a whether they are: health-related change or injury to the
staff person responsible for taking n A description of the animal, including appropriate action. breed. If mixed-breed, so indicate. n If the animal is deemed to be sick or n The animal’s date of birth, if known. injured, remove it from the sales floor n The name and address of the and maintain it in as stress-free a loca- person/dealer from whom the animal tion as possible until it is fully recovered. was obtained, and the dealer’s Federal n Record your observations in appropri- identification number, if available. ate animal health records, such as for n Information from any identification dogs and cats. system, such as microchips, bands, n Isolate any animal suspected of tags or retinal scans, used to distinguish having a contagious disease and provide the animal. it with appropriate treatment. Keep the n The date of acquisition. animal isolated until it is completely n Notes about all vaccines administered recovered or transferred to a veterinarian to the animal, including the date of for treatment. administration, the manufacturer and n Monitor the condition of the animal the lot number. or group of animals until fully recovered n Notes about any health problems the and document the observations as animal experienced prior to arriving in noted elsewhere in these Guidelines. your pet store, if known. Notes about n Be informed about Federal, state and any health problems observed while the local laws and/or regulations concerning animal is in your pet store, including but reportable diseases. not limited to: w Signs of illness. Euthanizing Animals w Diagnosis of illness. n If an animal seems to be suffering w Treatment and/or medications from a crippling disability or an incurable administered. condition have it examined immediately w Prognosis, if known. by a veterinarian. n The date of sale, transfer or other n If the animal is diagnosed as being disposition of the animal. permanently disabled, in pain or incur- n The name and address of the animal’s ably ill, humanely euthanize it according purchaser or acquirer. to the American Verterinary Medical n Maintain readable lot records for Association (AVMA) Panel on Education all other animal types (other than Guidelines. aquatic organisms, including corals) in compliance with Federal, state or local record-keeping requirements. Maintaining Animal Care Records Records should include: n A full description of the lot, including n Maintain a readable individual history species, breed and scientific and health record for each dog and name, as appropriate. cat, in compliance with state or local n The name and address of the person/ record-keeping requirements. In these dealer from whom the lot was obtained, records include: and the dealer’s Federal identification n The name of the animal, if any. number, if available.
n The date of the lot’s acquisition. pathogen, and parasite infestations n Notes about any health problems and to ensure sanitary conditions, as observed while the lot was in your pet appropriate for the species. store, as well as any treatment and/or n When cleaning the primary enclo- medication administered. sures, clean and disinfect all toys and n Other information as required for ani- other items (e.g., wheels, ladders, mals subject to Federal, state or local balls, hammocks, plastic plants, tubes) regulatory control. maintained in the animal enclosures n Maintain all records for a period of to provide enrichment, shelter, and the two (2) years unless otherwise required semblance of habitat. by Federal, state or local laws. n Use effective cleaners and disinfec- n Ensure that any required permits, tants that comply with Federal, state licenses or other documents are readily and local laws and regulations. available during normal business hours for inspection by appropriate govern- Removing Waste mental officials. n Remove and dispose of animal and food wastes, used bedding, deceased animals, trash and debris. Keeping Your Store Clean n Maintain disposal facilities to minimize rodent and insect infestation, Sanitizing Your Facility odors and disease hazards. n Keep the premises (building and n Use disposal methods and facilities grounds) clean and in good repair to that comply with applicable Federal, ensure the health, safety and well-being state and local laws and regulations of all animals, as well as the staff who relating to pollution control and environ- interact with the animals. mental protection. n Place trash in low traffic, non-public areas and clear it as necessary to Controlling Pests ensure the health of all animals. Maintain a safe, effective program n Remove excreta from primary enclo- to control insects, ectoparasites, sures as often as practicable to mini- and rodents. mize disease hazards (e.g., Salmonella n Seek the advice of pest control transmission) and reduce odor. experts when evaluating pest control n When hosing down or flushing out operations in order to protect the enclosures, ensure that the animals health and safety of both animals are protected from direct or indirect and employees. water spray. This can be achieved by n Use chemicals or other pest control providing shelter for the animals or materials in compliance with Federal, moving them into alternate enclosures state and local laws and regulations. or runs while their primary enclosures n Use chemicals or other pest control are being cleaned. materials in accordance with manufac- n Clean and disinfect all confinement, turers’ instructions. display, storage and sales areas n Store chemicals in appropriate (per regularly to minimize rodent, insect, regulations and product standards),
clearly labeled containers away from Maintaining Facilities food and public areas. Water and Power n Make sure the facility/store has an Safeguarding Public Health adequate water supply, including potable water for drinking and hot water for n Animals may harbor disease-causing washing, as well as sufficient drainage. organisms that can be transmitted to n Ensure the facility/store has an employees, as well as other people visit- adequate and reliable supply of ing your store. Employees and visitors electrical power. may also transmit diseases to animals. n Make plans and provisions to ensure To safeguard human and animal health, the availability of adequate water and educate each employee about the impor- power supplies in the case of natural tance of adhering to safe-handling and disasters or other emergencies. personal hygiene practices and require them to adhere to your store policies for Heating and Cooling animal care and handling. n Make sure the facility/store has a n Post notices advising employees of safe heating/cooling system capable the importance of following your store’s of maintaining ambient temperatures health and safety protocols. that are consistent with the generally n Provide adequate hand-washing accepted requirements for animals facilities, and post notices reminding housed in your store. employees to wash their hands before n In general, maintain ambient tempera- and after handling animals. tures in the facility at a minimum of n Advise pregnant and immune-com- 60° F and a maximum of 85° F. Maintain promised employees that they should temperatures that do not fall below consult their personal physicians regard- 60° F nor rise above 85° F for more than ing any extra risks they may face while four consecutive hours. working in your store, as well as special n House individual animals at tem- precautions they can take. peratures that are species-appropriate n Alert all employees who work with (e.g., provide heaters, hot pads, etc., as reptiles and small mammals about the needed). risks of Salmonella and other potential n Operate HVAC (heating and air condi- zoonotic diseases, and provide them tioning) systems continuously with safe-handling information. in areas housing animals, 24 hours a n Alert all employees who work with birds day, 365 days a year. about the risks of Psittacosis and other n Provide effective shelter for animals potential zoonotic diseases, and provide that may be exposed to direct them with safe-handling information. sunlight through windows or in outdoor n Make every effort to educate consum- environments. ers on care and safe-handling of their pets. Provide, for example: animal care Ventilating Systems sheets, relevant books for sale or other n Ensure the facility/store is ventilated reference materials. to: 1) enable venting of noxious odors,
2) minimize moisture condensation, and for removal of waste water. 3) minimize animals’ exposure to drafts. n Remove all standing water. In par- n Provide auxiliary ventilation via ticular, ensure that water does not ac- exhaust fans, vents or air conditioning cumulate under equipment, partitions, as necessary. Screen fresh-air vents or animal enclosures. to prevent insects or rodents from entering the facility. Washrooms and Sinks n Make sure that the exhaust system n Make sure washrooms or sinks are is constructed, located and readily accessible so employees can maintained to prevent its discharge wash and sanitize their hands as well from creating a nuisance or danger. as equipment and utensils. n Make sure animal enclosures are n Provide effective, non-toxic soaps adequately ventilated to provide for employees to use when washing for the health and comfort of the their hands. animals at all times. n Make sure sinks provide both hot and cold running water. Lighting n Use appropriate signage to remind n Make sure every room has sufficient employees to wash their hands. natural and artificial lighting to allow employees to observe all animals and Animal Enclosures (see also section to clean the facility thoroughly. on Housing) General Construction n Use full spectrum, energy-efficient n Ensure that enclosures (cages, lighting in order to support animal aquariums, containers or other housing needs and minimize costs and environ- units) provide sufficient space for the mental impacts. animals to rest, sit and stand comfort- n Maintain lighting at sufficient levels ably, turn around freely, or swim, as to allow for normal health, behavior appropriate for the species (consider and stimulation of all animals. Add type, age, gender). supplemental lighting to individual n Make sure that enclosures enable terrariums and aquariums if necessary animals, except aquatic or semi-aquat- to support the lighting requirements ic organisms, to remain clean and dry of specific species. Provide shelter for (as appropriate for the species). those species that have low lighting n Construct enclosure walls and floors requirements. of nonabsorbent, nonporous materials n Minimize lighting at night. Either dim that are impervious to urine and other or turn off lights in the facility. moisture. n Design enclosures to enable employ- Walls and Flooring ees to easily feed, water and inspect n Make sure floor and wall surfaces the animals. are smooth, washable, water-resistant n Maintain enclosures in good repair and easy to clean. to prevent animals from injuring them- n Keep floors safe, clean and sanitary. selves or escaping. When hosing or steaming methods are used to clean walls and floors, provide
Cage Floors and Walls w Appropriate space to enable them to n Construct the floors of primary enclo- assume normal postural positions, and sures to prevent animals from injuring hiding or climbing areas appropriate for their feet and legs. the species of animal. n When appropriate for the species, w Appropriate quantities of wholesome, construct suspended floors in the pri- palatable food. mary enclosures made of metal strands w Appropriate quantities of fresh, with a diameter of at least 1/8 inch (9 potable water. gauge), or of wire coated material such w Sanitary conditions throughout the as plastic or fiberglass. premises as well as in individual animal n Ensure that these floors are strong enclosures. Aquariums should be pro- enough so as not to sag or bend between vided routine maintenance. structural supports in a manner that may w Appropriate lighting, temperature and injure the animal. ventilation. n Ensure that mesh openings of walls w Effective health care and disease and/or floors are small enough to prevention programs. prevent the animal’s feet from passing w Socialization and enrichment activities through the openings. appropriate for the species of animal. n Make sure that primary enclosures for w (see other sections for further details) cats have solid floors, and are equipped n Implement a written animal husbandry with litter boxes. program (in consultation with a veterinar- ian) covering: Security and Fire Alarm Systems w Animal care and safe-handling n Secure the premises to minimize the procedures. risk of animals escaping or being stolen. w Disease prevention and control. n Properly maintain any required fire w Veterinary care. alarm systems. w Humane euthanasia according to n Make sure your facility complies with the American Veterinary Medical state and local safety regulations. Association’s guidelines. w Appropriate handling and removal of deceased animals. Developing Procedure n Develop an emergency plan applicable to your area for securing and handling n Utilize checklists and/or an operating animals in the event of a disaster, such manual to ensure that all animals are as an earthquake, hurricane, tornado, provided with: flood or fire. w Appropriate care necessary for their n Implement a record-keeping mecha- health and well-being. nism to document the acquisition, w Facilities, including enclosures, which sale or transfer of dogs and cats and allow safe, humane and efficient other species as required by state handling. or local laws.
10 Training and Scheduling Employees n Develop employee training programs that cover fundamental procedures for caring for animals in your store, main- taining animal care records and keep- ing your store clean (i.e. the standards outlined in these Guidelines). n Assign only appropriately trained employees to care for animals. n Require each employee to comply with checklists and operating procedures. n Acknowledge those employees that show exceptional attention to animal care and handling. n Schedule a sufficient number of employees to perform all tasks out- lined in the checklists and operating procedures.
11 Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry is made possible by grants from: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association Pet Food Institute Pet Industry Distributors Association World Wide Pet Industry Association H.H. Backer Associates, Inc.
In addition, we extend our appreciation for the expertise and input provided during the development of these guidelines by the American Veterinary Medical Association
The Animal Care Guidelines will be subject to periodic review and updates as new information becomes available. We welcome your comments and recommendations. They should be sent to: Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council 1220 19th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 or to [email protected]. ©2006 Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council October 2006