Connecticut Administrative Code › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › 344 - Operations and Maintenance of Commercial Kennels › Section 22-344-49 - Pet Shop Animal Health

Current through July 10, 2024
(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.