A Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations Third edition | 2018 A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CANADIAN KENNEL OPERATIONS Acknowledgements The third edition of this Code took seven years to complete. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) expresses sincere appreciation to Amy Morris of the BC SPCA for her research, coordination, and drafting support, Dr. Sherlyn Spooner and Dr. Colleen Marion for their signifcant contributions to the Code’s development, and Dr. Warren Skippon and Dr. Shane Renwick for their leadership. The CVMA also wishes to express gratitude to the small animal subcommittee members who provided drafting, feedback, and guidance over the seven-year period: Dr. Patricia Turner, Dr. Carol Morgan, Dr. Alice Crook, Dr. Tim Zaharchuk, Dr. Jim Berry, Dr. Michelle Lem, Ms. Barb Cartwright, Dr. Michelle Groleau, Dr. Tim Arthur, Ms. Christine Archer, Dr. Chris Bell, Dr. Doug Whiteside, Dr. Michael Cockram, Dr. Patricia Alderson, Dr. Trevor Lawson, Dr. Gilly Griffn, and Dr. Marilyn Keaney. The CVMA thanks the following organizations and their representatives who were consulted to review the Code and provide comments before publication: provincial veterinary associations and regulatory licensing bodies, Canadian veterinary colleges, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada, the National Companion Animal Coalition, and the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada. © 2018 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. This document or any portion thereof may be quoted or reproduced with proper attribution to the author ‘Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’. Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Third Edition | 2018 i A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CANADIAN KENNEL OPERATIONS Preface Since the release of the Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations second edition in 2007, both our society and science have advanced with respect to the humane treatment of dogs. Over the past 10 years, new scientifc information has become available on dog behaviour, housing, end of life issues, transport, nutrition, euthanasia, and general dog welfare. This third edition of the Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations (“the Kennel Code”) refects both the new science and our evolving relationship with dogs. The Kennel Code has been updated to mirror the changing values towards animals that have emerged over the past decade. Dogs are now recognized by the public and by some legislative bodies as sentient beings that have the capacity to feel, perceive, and experience. This recognition has infuenced the way people interact with dogs and the standard of care expected to be provided for them, whether a dog’s role is that of family member, working dog, or a dog kept for breeding and show. This document is the combined work of many dedicated professionals who gave freely and generously of their time and knowledge. Mahatma Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” The CVMA Animal Welfare Committee anticipates that Canada will be viewed as a great nation, in part, for the contribution provided by this progressive document. Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Third Edition | 2018 ii A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CANADIAN KENNEL OPERATIONS Table of Contents Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................... i Preface .............................................................................................................................................................ii References .......................................................................................................................................................vi Glossary .........................................................................................................................................................vii List of Acronyms .............................................................................................................................................. x Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 Section 1. Animal Environment (Housing and Handling Facilities) .......................................................... 3 1.1 Facility ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1.1 Construction ............................................................................................................................... 3 1.1.2 Temperature ................................................................................................................................ 4 1.1.3 Roofs .......................................................................................................................................... 4 1.1.4 Ceilings ....................................................................................................................................... 5 1.1.5 Floors .......................................................................................................................................... 5 1.1.6 Ventilation ................................................................................................................................... 6 1.1.7 Humidity ...................................................................................................................................... 6 1.1.8 Light ............................................................................................................................................ 7 1.1.9 Noise .......................................................................................................................................... 7 1.2 Enclosures and Activity Areas ................................................................................................................. 8 1.2.1 General Housing Principles ........................................................................................................ 8 1.2.2 Primary Outdoor Enclosure ...................................................................................................... 10 1.2.3 Isolation Area .............................................................................................................................11 1.2.4 Whelping Area .......................................................................................................................... 12 1.3 Sanitation .............................................................................................................................................. 13 1.4 Waste Disposal ...................................................................................................................................... 15 1.5 Nuisance Wildlife Control ...................................................................................................................... 15 1.6 Building Safety and Emergencies.......................................................................................................... 16 Section 2. Food and Water .......................................................................................................................... 18 2.1 Food ...................................................................................................................................................... 18 2.1.1 Feeding Guidelines ................................................................................................................... 18 2.1.2 Regulations and Guidelines Governing Commercial Pet Food ................................................ 19 2.1.3 Homemade Diets and Raw Food ............................................................................................. 19 Homemade Diets ...................................................................................................................... 19 Raw Food Diets ........................................................................................................................ 20 2.1.4 Additions to Diets ..................................................................................................................... 20 2.2 Water ..................................................................................................................................................... 21 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Third Edition | 2018 iii A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CANADIAN KENNEL OPERATIONS Section 3. Animal Well-being....................................................................................................................... 23 3.1 Principles of Health Management.......................................................................................................... 23 3.1.1 Monitoring ................................................................................................................................. 24 3.1.2 Record keeping and Identifcation ............................................................................................ 25 3.1.3 Health Care .............................................................................................................................. 27 Parasites and Infectious Diseases