MANAGEMENT PRACTICES:

OBSERVATION: All breeding stock must be observed as often as necessary to insure their housing and feeding needs are being met, usually at least twice a day, while pregnant, lactating, and/or nesting pets will need more frequent observation as the situation demands. Caretakers will need plans for handling medical and/or environmental emergencies.

FEED AND WATER: Pets must have access to clean, fresh food and water; the daily amount and type will depend on the age and condition of the pets.

WASTE MANAGEMENT: Excrement should be removed daily from inside and/or under pet enclosures, and disposal of wastes must be away from facilities in order to prevent the spread of disease and the breeding of flies and other pests.

SANITATION: Caretakers will maintain facilities in such a way as to promote the health, comfort, and production of their pets. Runs, pens, and cages should be sanitized regularly, preferably every two weeks. Always sanitize before birthings, hatchings, and introducing new pets to the facility. Proper quarantining of new pets, sick pets, and pets brought in for breeding will do much to eliminate the spread of diseases.

CARE AND COMFORT: All pens, cages, or other confinement areas must meet USDA standards as a minimum. All pets need daily exercise if confinement areas are too small to allow such. Temperatures inside facilities where the young are housed need careful supervision in order to insure the animals’ welfare. Animals housed out of doors must be provided shelter from the elements.

ANIMAL DAMAGE CONTROL: Pets must be provided protection from intruders.

PARASITE CONTROL: Only approved methods will be used to control infestation of the premises by flies, lice, mites, ticks, fleas, etc. A regular program is necessary for the welfare of the pets. Regular worming is necessary, and veterinarians’ recommendations should be followed for each species and age group.

VERMIN CONTROL: Good sanitation practices will do much to eliminate infestation by rats, mice, birds, etc. Only approved control methods must be used, if it becomes necessary to apply other controls. Food must be kept in closed containers or housed in areas inaccessible to these pests.

TRANSPORTATION: Safety is of utmost concern when transporting pets. USDA regulations stress avoidance of overcrowding and call for water and food to be provided regularly while enroute. Temperatures inside transportation vehicles must be closely guarded.

PERSONNEL: All caretakers need to be made aware of their responsibilities during both routine and emergency situations. Everyone who is placed in the position of caring for any pet needs to be made aware of that pet’s particular behavior and the proper handling techniques. All personnel need an update on any change in the industry.

IDENTIFICATION: Pets must have some form of identification. USDA regulations require the tattooing of dogs, or collars, if the dog is one who "objects" to tattooing. Other pets may be tattooed, collared, or banded.

1.2.HEALTH CARE AND HUSBANDRY PROCEDURES:

VETERINARY SERVICES: USDA laws and regulations require regular contact with a veterinarian. This should include: prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries; advice and guidance on health care, management practices, production efficiency, and regulatory concerns.

ANIMAL PROCUREMENT: When acquiring pets, particular attention must be paid to the applicable regulations, especially those dealing with transportation and health. The health status of a vendor facility needs to be assessed before acquiring pets from such. Pets posing special health risks must be handled accordingly.

ANIMAL ISOLATION AND STABILIZATION: Separation of newly received pets from those already located at a facility is recommended until their health has been evaluated and found acceptable.

DISEASE/INJURY PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT: All pets need to be observed routinely for signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior. Sick or injured pets requiring veterinary medical care should be treated promptly. Animals suspected of having a contagious disease should be isolated. Qualified personnel, following recommended dosages and procedures, should administer all diagnoses, treatments, and vaccines. Sound vaccination programs, as recommended by veterinarians, need to be followed.