Conn. Agencies Regs. § 22-344-49 - Pet Shop Animal Health

(a) Animals shall be provided with food that is wholesome, palatable, free from contamination, and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain animals in good health. Animals, other than certain reptiles which according to normal husbandry practices for their species are not fed at least once daily, shall be fed at least once a day, including weekends and holidays, except as dictated by hibernation, veterinary treatment, normal fasts, or other commonly accepted practices recognized by professionals who are expert in the care of the animals concerned. In the case of sexually immature animals, they shall be fed at least two times per day, except when continuous self-feeders are provided. Feeding pans shall be disinfected daily. Self-feeders may be used for the feeding of dry food provided they are cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent molding or caking of food. If disposable food receptacles are used, they shall be discarded after each feeding. Food shall be stored in facilities which adequately protect food and supplies against deterioration, molding or contamination by vermin or insects.

(b) Potable water shall be provided at all times to each animal in accordance with its needs, except as directed by hibernation, veterinary treatment, or other commonly accepted practices recognized by professionals who are expert in the care of the animals concerned. Water containers shall be designed and of sufficient number to provide and dispense adequate quantities of water for the particular species and shall be placed in such a way as to prevent spillage. Water containers shall be cleaned and disinfected at least once each day, except that sipper-tube type water bottles, if used, shall be kept clean and disinfected, and shall be cleaned and disinfected prior to an animal being placed in an enclosure.

(c) All dogs and cats received for resale shall be housed, separate from other dogs and cats on the premises for a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours before being released to a purchaser. Each animal shall be observed daily by the licensee or such licensee's representative in order to recognize general symptoms of injury, illness or disease. Any dog or cat that exhibits symptoms of injury, illness or disease shall be isolated and treated as prescribed by a veterinarian. Any such dog or cat shall be verified by a veterinarian to be healthy before such dog or cat is offered for sale in accordance with section 22-344b(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(d) Each pet shop shall consult with a Connecticut licensed veterinarian to determine the place and period of time necessary for exercise for dogs confined in cages. Dogs confined in cages shall be removed at least once daily for exercise. Each pet shop shall follow the advice of the Connecticut licensed veterinarian.

(e) Each pet shop licensee shall have on file at such licensee's place of business, a written emergency plan describing procedures for both natural and man-made disasters such as a fire, flood, extreme weather conditions, power failure or utility disruptions and chemical or toxic spills. The emergency plan shall include procedures for training staff about disaster preparedness, staff's specific responsibilities during a disaster, relocation process (if appropriate), and contacting appropriate emergency response agencies.

Notes

Conn. Agencies Regs. § 22-344-49

Effective 11/9/2021