Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 4 - TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION › Chapter 91 - DOG OR CAT BREEDERS PROGRAM › Section 91.101 - Standards of Care-Indoor Housing Facilities

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Heating, cooling, and temperature. Indoor
				housing facilities for dogs and cats must be sufficiently heated and cooled
				when necessary to protect the dogs and cats from temperature or humidity
				extremes and to provide for their health and well-being. When dogs or cats are
				present, the ambient temperature in the facility must not fall below 50° F
				(10° C) for dogs and cats not acclimated to lower temperatures, for those
				breeds that cannot tolerate lower temperatures without stress or discomfort
				(such as short-haired breeds), and for sick, aged, young, or infirm dogs and
				cats, except as approved by a veterinarian. Dry bedding, solid resting boards,
				or other methods of conserving body heat must be provided when temperatures are
				below 50° F (10° C). The ambient temperature must not fall below
				45° F (7.2° C) for more than 2 consecutive hours when dogs or cats are
				present, and must not rise above 85° F (29.5° C) for more than 2
				consecutive hours when dogs or cats are present. The preceding requirements are
				in addition to, not in place of, all other requirements pertaining to climatic
				conditions.
(b) Ventilation. Indoor
				housing facilities for dogs and cats must be sufficiently ventilated at all
				times when dogs or cats are present to provide for their health and well-being,
				and to minimize odors, drafts, ammonia levels, and moisture condensation.
				Ventilation must be provided by windows, vents, fans, or air conditioning.
				Auxiliary ventilation, such as fans, blowers, or air conditioning must be
				provided when the ambient temperature is 85° F (29.5° C) or higher. The
				relative humidity must be maintained at a level that ensures the health and
				well-being of the dogs or cats housed therein, in accordance with the
				directions of a veterinarian and generally accepted professional and husbandry
				practices, as documented in the medical records maintained for each
				animal.
(c) Lighting. Indoor
				housing facilities for dogs and cats must be lighted well enough to permit
				routine inspection and cleaning of the facility, and observation of the dogs
				and cats. Animal areas must be provided a regular diurnal lighting cycle of
				either natural or artificial light. Lighting must be uniformly diffused
				throughout animal facilities and provide sufficient illumination to aid in
				maintaining good housekeeping practices, adequate cleaning, adequate inspection
				of animals, and for the well-being of the animals. Primary enclosures must be
				placed so as to protect the dogs and cats from excessive light.
(d) Interior surfaces. The floors and walls
				of indoor housing facilities, and any other surfaces in contact with the
				animals, must be impervious to moisture. The ceilings of indoor housing
				facilities must be impervious to moisture or be replaceable (e.g., a suspended
				ceiling with replaceable panels).