WELWELFARE GUIDELINES
JOSE LUIS PAYRO
GENERAL GUIDELINES
DOGS BEHAVIOR
DOG ́S MUST BE FREE FROM PAIN & SUFFERING.
Dogs feel pain and have similar pain thresholds to people. However, individual dogs and different breeds or types may show pain
and suffering in different ways. Any change in the way a dog behaves can be an early sign that it is ill, or in pain. Dogs which are
ill, or in pain, often change their eating and drinking habits. They may eat less or stop eating and lose weight. They may drink
water excessively; drink less or not at all. Some dogs become withdrawn and unwilling to exercise or play, cry when approached
or touched, some dogs in dogs shows may have signs uncharacteristic fear or aggression when judges approached, or they may try
to hide.
They may also show specific signs of ill health such as discharges from the eyes, ears or nose, excessive salivation, vomiting,
diarrhea or constipation, difficulties with passing urine, coughing, and they may scratch excessively and develop skin sores.
Limping and swellings are also signs of possible ill health.
Dogs are vulnerable to a range of infectious diseases and other illnesses. They need protection from serious infections, which can
be provided by vaccination.
Many people choose to have their dogs neutered. If there is no interest to breed dogs, veterinarians can advise on neutering and the
health benefits of neutering dogs. If the decision is to breed dogs, veterinarians can advise on the risks of inherited conditions that
could affect the welfare of the puppies. A dog which can be easily identified by tattoo, microchips etc. more likely to be reunited
with its owner if injured, or lost, particularly if it loses its collar. It is thus more likely to receive the prompt veterinary treatment it
needs if injured. What breeders or owners should do:
- Take sensible precautions to keep dogs safe from injury.
- If notice changes in dog’s behavior should contact veterinarians and follow the given advice.
- Check dogs over regularly and watch out for signs of injury, hereditary disease or illness. Make sure someone else does this if
owners are away. - Dogs should be carefully checked coat regularly and groomed, it is necessary to maintain a healthy coat.
KENNEL INSIDE HOUSING FACILITIES.
Areas used for storing dogs food or bedding must be free of any accumulation of trash, waste material, junk, weeds, and other
discarded materials. Dogs areas inside of housing facilities must be kept neat and free of clutter, including equipment, furniture,
and stored material, but may contain materials actually used and necessary for cleaning the area, and fixtures or equipment
necessary for proper husbandry practices.
SURFACES GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
Including houses, dens, and other furniture-type fixtures and objects within the facility must be constructed in a manner and
made of materials that allow them to be readily cleaned and sanitized, or removed or replaced when worn or soiled. Interior
surfaces and any surfaces that come in contact with dogs must be free of excessive rust that prevents the required cleaning and
sanitization, or that affects the structural strength of the surface and be free of jagged edges or sharp points that might injure the
animals.
CLEANING.
Hard surfaces with which the dogs come in contact must be spot-cleaned daily and sanitized to prevent accumulation of excreta
and reduce disease hazards. Floors made of dirt, absorbent bedding, sand, gravel, grass, or other similar material must be raked
or spot-cleaned with sufficient frequency to ensure all animals the freedom to avoid contact with excreta.
Contaminated material must be replaced whenever this raking and spot-cleaning is not sufficient to prevent or eliminate odors,
insects, pests, or vermin infestation.
WATER AND ELECTRIC POWER.
The housing facility must have reliable electric power adequate for heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting, and for carrying
out other husbandry requirements
The housing facility must provide adequate running potable water for the dogs’ drinking needs, for cleaning, and for carrying
out other husbandry requirements.
STORAGE.
Supplies of food and bedding must be stored in a manner that protects the supplies from spoilage, contamination, and vermin
infestation. The supplies must be stored off the floor and away from the walls, to allow cleaning underneath and around the
supplies. Foods requiring refrigeration must be stored accordingly, and all food must be stored in a manner that prevents
contamination and deterioration of its nutritive value. All open supplies of food and bedding must be kept in leak proof containers
with tightly fitting lids to prevent contamination and spoilage. Only food and bedding that is currently being used may be kept in
the dogs areas.
Substances that are toxic to the dogs but are required for normal husbandry practices must not be stored in food storage and
preparation areas, but may be stored in cabinets in the dog ́s areas. Drainage and waste disposal.
Housing facility operators must provide for regular and frequent collection, removal, and disposal of animal and food wastes,
bedding, debris, garbage, water, other fluids and wastes, in a manner that minimizes contamination and disease risks.
Housing facilities must be equipped with disposal facilities and drainage systems that are constructed and operated so that dogs
waste and water are rapidly eliminated and animals stay dry. Disposal and drainage systems must minimize vermin and pest
infestation, insects, odors, and disease hazards. All drains must be properly constructed, installed, and maintained. If closed
drainage systems are used, they must be equipped with traps and prevent the backflow of gases and the backup of sewage onto
the floor. If the facility uses sump or settlement ponds, or other similar systems for drainage and dogs waste disposal, the system
must be located far enough away from the dog ́s area of the housing facility to prevent odors, diseases, pests, and vermin
infestation. Standing puddles of water in animal enclosures must be drained or mopped up so that the dogs stay dry.
Trash containers in housing facilities and in food storage and food preparation areas must be leak proof and must have tightly
fitted lids on them at all times.
WASHROOMS AND SINKS
Washing facilities such as washrooms, basins, sinks, or showers must be provided for dog ́s caretakers and must be readily
accessible.
HEATING, COOLING, AND TEMPERATURE
The kennels and shelters housing facilities for dogs must be sufficiently heated and cooled when necessary to protect the dogs
from temperature or humidity extremes and to provide for their health and well-being, for those breeds that cannot tolerate lower
temperatures without stress and discomfort (such as short-haired breeds), and for sick, aged, young, or infirm dogs. Dry bedding,
solid resting boards, or other methods of conserving body heat must be provided.
VENTILATION.
Must be sufficiently ventilated at all times when dogs 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
higher.
LIGHTING.
Must be lighted well enough to permit routine inspection and cleaning of the facility, and observation of the dogs.
All 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, and for the well- being.
Primary enclosures must be placed so as to protect from excessive light.
OUTSIDE KENNEL HOUSING FACILITIES
Restrictions.
The following categories of dogs must not be kept in outdoor facilities, unless that practice is specifically approved by the
attending veterinarian:
- Dogs that are not acclimated to the temperatures prevalent in the area or region where they are maintained
- Breeds of dogs that cannot tolerate the prevalent temperatures of the area without stress or discomfort (such as hair less and
short-haired breeds in cold climates) - Sick, infirm, aged or young dogs and puppies. When their acclimation status is unknown, dogs must not be kept in outdoor
facilities when the ambient temperature is less than 50 °F (10 °C).
KENNEL ELEMENTS
Outdoor facilities for dogs must include one or more kennel structures that are accessible to each dog in each outdoor facility, and
that are large enough to allow any dog in the kennel structure to sit, stand, and lie in a normal manner, and to turn about freely. In
addition to the kennel structures, one or more separate outside areas of shade must be provided, large enough to contain all the
dogs at one time and protect them from the direct rays of the sun.
- Kennels in outdoor facilities must contain a roof, four sides, and a floor, and must:
- Provide adequate protection and shelter from the cold and heat
- Provide protection from the direct rays of the sun and the direct effect of wind, rain, or snow.
- Provide with a wind break and rain break at the entrance
- Provide clean, dry, bedding material
CONSTRUCTION
Building surfaces in contact with dogs must be impervious to moisture. Metal barrels, cars, refrigerators or freezers, and the like
must not be used as shelter structures. The floors of outdoor housing facilities may be of compacted earth, absorbent bedding,
sand, gravel, or grass, and must be replaced if there are any prevalent odors, diseases, insects, pests, or vermin. All surfaces
must be maintained on a regular basis. Surfaces of outdoor housing facilities—including houses, dens, etc.—that cannot be
readily cleaned and sanitized, must be replaced when worn or soiled
BUILDING KENNELS
Primary enclosures must meet the following minimum requirements
General requirements.
Primary enclosures must be designed and constructed of suitable materials so that they are structurally sound. The primary
enclosures must be kept in good repair. Primary enclosures must be constructed and maintained so that they:
uncomfortable or hazardous to all the dogs
- Provide sufficient shade to shelter all the dogs housed in the primary enclosure at one time • Provide all the dogs with easy and
convenient access to clean food and water
Have no sharp points or edges that could injure the dogs. Protect the dogs from injury
Contain the dogs securely
Keep other animals from entering the enclosure
Enable the dogs to remain dry and clean
Provide shelter and protection from extreme temperatures and weather conditions that may be
- Enable all surfaces in contact with the dogs to be readily cleaned and sanitized
TRAVELING KENNEL FACILITIES. HEATING, COOLING, AND TEMPERATURE.
Traveling Kennel facilities for dogs must be sufficiently heated and cooled when necessary to protect the dogs from temperature or
humidity extremes and to provide for their health and well-being. Those breeds that cannot tolerate lower temperatures without
stress or discomfort (such as hairless and short-haired breeds), and for sick, aged, young, or infirm dogs. Dry bedding, solid resting
boards, or other methods of conserving body heat must be provided.
The ambient temperature must not fall below 45 °F (7.2 °C) for more than 4 consecutive hours when dogs are present, and must
not exceed 85 °F (29.5 °C) for more than 4 consecutive hours when dogs are present.
The preceding requirements are in addition to, not in place of.
- VENTILATION. Traveling kennel facilities for dogs must be sufficiently ventilated at all times when dogs are present to provide
for the health and well-being, and to minimize odors, drafts, ammonia levels, moisture condensation, and exhaust fumes.
Ventilation must be provided by means of windows, doors, vents, fans, or air conditioning. Auxiliary ventilation, such as fans,
blowers, or air conditioning, must be provided when the ambient temperature within the animal housing area is 85 °F (29.5 °C) or
higher. - LIGHTING. Traveling housing facilities for dogs must be lighted well enough to permit proper cleaning and inspection of the
facility, and observation of the dogs. 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, and for the well-being.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
SPACE
- Each dog housed in a primary enclosure (including weaned puppies) must be provided a minimum amount of floor space
- Each bitch with nursing puppies must be provided with an additional amount of floor space, based on her breed and behavioral
characteristics, and in accordance with generally accepted husbandry practices - The interior height of a primary enclosure must be at least 7 inches higher than the head of the tallest dog in the enclosure when it
is in a normal standing position:- COMPATIBILITY. All dogs housed in the same primary enclosure must be compatible, as determined by observation. Not more than 12 adult non conditioned dogs may be housed in the same primary enclosure. Bitches in heat may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with sexually mature males, except for breeding purposes. Except when maintained in breeding colonies, bitches with litters may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with other adult dogs, and puppies under 3 months of age may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with adult dogs, other than the dam or foster dam.
- Dogs with a vicious or aggressive disposition must be housed separately.
- Dogs in mobile or traveling shows or acts.
- Dogs that are part of a mobile or traveling show or act may be kept, while the show or act is traveling from one temporary location to another, in transport containers that comply with all requirements before described.
- When the show or act is not traveling, the dogs must be placed in primary enclosures that meet the minimum requirements.
- EXERCISE FOR DOGS. Breeders, exhibitors’ facilities must develop an appropriate plan to provide dogs with the opportunity for exercise. The plan, at a minimum, must comply with each of the following:
- DOGS HOUSED INDIVIDUALLY. Dogs over 10 weeks of age, except bitches with litters, housed, held, or maintained by any breeder, exhibitor, must be provided the opportunity for exercise regularly if they are kept individually in cages, pens, or runs that provide less than two times the required floor space for that dog.
- DOGS HOUSED IN GROUPS. Dogs over 10 weeks of age housed, held, or maintained in groups by any breeder, exhibitor, do not require additional opportunity for exercise regularly if they are maintained in cages, pens, or runs that provide in total at least 100 percent of the required space for each dog if maintained separately. Such dogs may be maintained in compatible groups.
- COMPATIBILITY. All dogs housed in the same primary enclosure must be compatible, as determined by observation. Not more than 12 adult non conditioned dogs may be housed in the same primary enclosure. Bitches in heat may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with sexually mature males, except for breeding purposes. Except when maintained in breeding colonies, bitches with litters may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with other adult dogs, and puppies under 3 months of age may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with adult dogs, other than the dam or foster dam.
PERIOD OF PROVIDING EXERCISE OPPORTUNITY
The frequency, method, and duration of the opportunity for exercise shall be determined by the breed Breeders and
exhibitors, in developing their plan, should consider providing positive physical contact with humans that encourages
exercise through play or other similar activities. If a dog is housed, held, or maintained at a facility without sensory
contact with another dog, it must be provided with positive physical contact with humans at least daily.
- The opportunity for exercise may be provided in a number of ways, such as
• Group housing in cages, pens or runs that provide at least 100 percent of the required space for each dog if
maintained separately under the minimum floor space requirements.
• Maintaining individually housed dogs in cages, pens, or runs that provide at least twice the minimum floor space
required
Providing access to a run or open area at the frequency and duration
Other similar activities.
Forced exercise methods or devices such as swimming, treadmills, or carousel-type devices are unacceptable for
meeting the exercise requirements.
EXEMPTIONS.
If, in the opinion of the attending veterinarian, it is inappropriate for certain dogs to exercise because of their health, condition, or
well-being, the breeder, exhibitor may be exempted from meeting the requirements for those dogs.
Such exemption must be documented by the attending veterinarian and, unless the basis for exemption is a permanent condition,
must be reviewed by the attending veterinarian.
FEEDING.
Dogs must be fed at least once each day, except as otherwise might be required to provide adequate veterinary care. The food
must be uncontaminated, wholesome, palatable, and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain the normal condition
and weight of the dog. The diet must be appropriate for the individual dog’s age and condition.
Food receptacles must be used for dogs, must be readily accessible to all sizes of dogs in the different breeds, and must be
located so as to minimize contamination by excreta and pests, and be protected from rain and snow. Feeding pans must either be
made of a durable material that can be easily cleaned and sanitized or be disposable. If the food receptacles are not disposable,
they must be kept clean and must be sanitized. If the food receptacles are disposable, they must be discarded after one use.
Self-feeders may be used for the feeding of dry food. If self-feeders are used, they must be kept clean and must be sanitized.
Measures must be taken to ensure that there is no molding, deterioration, and caking of feed.
WATERING
If potable water is not continually available to the dogs, it must be offered as often as necessary to ensure their health and
well-being, but not less than twice daily for at least 1 hour each time, unless restricted by the attending veterinarian. Water
receptacles must be kept clean and sanitized, and before being used to water a different dog or social grouping of dogs
CLEANING, SANITIZATION, HOUSEKEEPING, AND PEST CONTROL. CLEANING OF PRIMARY ENCLOSURES.
Excreta and food waste must be removed from primary enclosures daily, and from under primary enclosures as often as necessary
to prevent an excessive accumulation of feces and food waste, to prevent soiling of the dogs contained in the primary enclosures,
and to reduce disease hazards, insects, pests and odors. When steam or water is used to clean the primary enclosure, whether by
hosing, flushing, or other methods, dogs must be removed, unless the enclosure is large enough to ensure the animals would not be
harmed, wetted, or distressed in the process.
Standing water must be removed from the primary enclosure and animals in other primary enclosures must be protected from
being contaminated with water and other wastes during the cleaning.
The pans under primary enclosures with grill-type floors and the ground areas under raised runs with mesh or slatted floors must
be cleaned as often as necessary to prevent accumulation of feces and food waste and to reduce disease hazards pests, insects and
odors.
Sanitization of primary enclosures and food and water receptacles.
- Used primary enclosures and food and water receptacles must be cleaned and sanitized before they can be used to house, feed, or
water another dog or social grouping of dogs. - Used primary enclosures and food and water receptacles for dogs must be sanitized at least once every week and more often if
necessary to prevent an accumulation of dirt, debris, food waste, excreta, and other disease hazards. - Hard surfaces of primary enclosures and food and water receptacles must be sanitized using one of the following methods:
- Live steam under pressure
- Washing with hot water and soap or detergent, as with a mechanical cage washer
- Washing all soiled surfaces with appropriate detergent solutions and disinfectants, or by using a combination detergent/disinfectant product that accomplishes the same purpose, with a thorough cleaning of the surfaces to remove organic material, so as to remove all organic material and mineral buildup, and to provide sanitization followed by a clean water rinse.
- Pens, runs, and outdoor housing areas using material that cannot be sanitized using the methods provided, such as gravel, sand, grass, earth, or absorbent bedding, must be sanitized by removing the contaminated material as necessary to prevent odors, diseases, pests, insects, and vermin infestation.
HOUSEKEEPING FOR PREMISES.
Premises where housing facilities are located, including buildings and surrounding grounds, must be kept clean and in good
repair to protect the dogs from injury, to facilitate the husbandry practices required, and to reduce or eliminate breeding and
living areas for rodents and other pests and vermin. Premises must be kept free of accumulations of trash, junk, waste
products, and discarded matter. Weeds, grasses, and bushes must be controlled so as to facilitate cleaning of the premises and
pest control, and to protect the health and well-being of the animals.
PEST CONTROL.
An effective program for the control of insects, external parasites affecting dogs, and birds and mammals that are pests, must
be established and maintained so as to promote the health and well- being of the dogs and reduce contamination by pests in
animal areas.
EMPLOYEES.
Each person maintaining dogs must have enough employees to carry out the level of husbandry practices and care required.
The employees who provide for husbandry and care, or handle animals, must be supervised by an individual who has the
knowledge, background, and experience in proper husbandry and care of dogs to supervise others.
The employer must be certain that the supervisor and other employees can perform to these standards
TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS.
Carriers and intermediate handlers must not accept a dog for transport in commerce more than 4 hours before the scheduled
departure time of the primary conveyance on which the dog is to be transported. However, a carrier or intermediate handler
may agree with anyone consigning a dog to extend this time by up to 2 hours.
Carriers and intermediate handlers must not accept a dog for transport in commerce unless they are provided with the name,
address, and telephone number of the consignee.
Carriers and intermediate handlers must not accept a dog for transport in commerce unless the consignor certifies in writing to
the carrier or intermediate handler that the dog was offered food and water during the 4 hours before delivery to the carrier or
intermediate handler.
The certification must be securely attached to the outside of the primary enclosure in a manner that makes it easily noticed and
read. Instructions for no food or water are not acceptable unless directed by the attending veterinarian.
The certification must be securely attached to the outside of the primary enclosure in a manner that makes it easily noticed and
read. Instructions for no food or water are not acceptable unless directed by the attending veterinarian.
The certification must include the following information for each dog
- The consignor’s name and address
- The tag number, microchip or tattoo must be assigned to each dog
- The time and date the dog was last fed and watered and the specific instructions for the next feeding(s) and watering(s) for a 24-hour period
- The consignor’s signature and the date and time the certification was signed.
Carriers and intermediate handlers must not accept a dog for transport in commerce in a primary enclosure unless the primary enclosure meets all the requirements.
A carrier or intermediate handler must not accept a dog for transport if the primary enclosure is obviously defective or damaged and cannot reasonably be expected to safely and comfortably contain the dog without causing suffering or injury.
Carriers and intermediate handlers must not accept any dog for transport in commerce unless their animal holding area meets the
minimum temperature requirements, or unless the consignor provides them with a certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no
more than 5 days before delivery of the dog to the carrier or intermediate handler for transport in commerce, certifying that the dog
is acclimated to temperatures lower than those required.
A copy of the certification must accompany the dog to its destination and must include the following information:
- The consignor’s name and address.
- The tag number, microchip or tattoo assigned to each dog.
A statement by a veterinarian, dated no more than 5 days before delivery, that to the best of his or her knowledge, each of the dogs
contained in the primary enclosure is acclimated to air lower temperatures but not lower than a minimum temperature, specified on
a certificate, that the attending veterinarian has determined is based on generally accepted temperature standards for the age,
condition, and breed of the dog
Care in transit.
Surface transportation (ground and water)
Any person transporting dogs in commerce must ensure that the operator of the conveyance, or a person accompanying the
operator, observes the dogs as often as circumstances allow, but not less than once every 4 hours, to make sure they have sufficient
air for normal breathing, that the ambient temperature is within the limits.
The person must ensure that the operator or person accompanying the operator determines whether any of the dogs are in obvious
physical distress and obtains any veterinary care needed for the dogs at the closest available veterinary facility.
AIR TRANSPORTATION.
During air transportation of dogs, it is the responsibility of the carrier to observe the dogs as frequently as circumstances allow, but
not less than once every 4 hours if the dog cargo area is accessible during flight. If the animal cargo area is not accessible during
flight, the carrier must observe the dogs whenever they are loaded and unloaded and whenever the animal cargo space is otherwise
accessible to make sure they have sufficient air for normal breathing, that the animal cargo area meets the heating and cooling
requirements.
The carrier must determine whether any of the dogs are in obvious physical distress, and arrange for any needed veterinary care as
soon as possible. If a dog is obviously ill, injured, or in physical distress, it must not be transported in commerce, except to receive
veterinary care for the condition.
Except during the cleaning of primary enclosures, during transportation in commerce a dog must not be removed from its primary
enclosure, unless it is placed in another primary enclosure or facility that meets the requirements.
DOGS HEALTH HOUSED
Dogs that are housed in the same primary enclosure must be compatible, with the following restrictions:
- Females in heat (estrus) may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with males, except for breeding purposes
Any dog exhibiting a vicious or overly aggressive disposition must be housed separately
Puppies 3 months of age or less may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with adult dogs other than their dams or foster
dams, except when permanently maintained in breeding.
- Dogs may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with any other species of animals, unless they are compatible.
- Dogs that have or are suspected of having a contagious disease must be isolated from healthy animals in the colony, as directed
by the attending veterinarian. When an entire group or room of dogs is known to have or believed to be exposed to an infectious
agent, the group may be kept intact during the process of diagnosis, treatment, and control.