The following is a brief summary of some of the key points in Regulation 151 and other acts that are important when operating a pet shop, animal control shelter, or animal protection shelter. Remember that the following are just general guidelines. Some of the recommendations given here, while commonly used and accepted, are not specific to the regulation. Please read the regulation for a full and complete understanding of the basic requirements.
Licensing, Registration, Animal Tags, and Records
Rule 11
A license is required to operate a pet shop and registration is required to operate a shelter. A license or registration can be obtained by filling out the application form. The application form, along with a copy of the applicable standards, may be obtained by contacting the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division. The license or registration cannot be transferred to another person or location.
Rule 12
Pet shops or animal shelter facilities will be inspected to ensure that they meet with the standards listed in Regulation 151. If standards are not met, written notification of the correction that need to be made will be provided.
Rule 13
Appropriate records for each animal that passes through a pet shop or animal shelter must be maintained and kept for two years and must be made available to Michigan Department of Agriculture representatives when asked for.
Facilities and Operations
Rule 21
A structurally sound building is required. Both hot and cold running water are necessary.
Rule 22
Food should be stored off the floor in a dedicated room. The door to this room must be a good fit to keep out mice and other vermin. Open food must be in covered, washable containers. Refrigeration should be available if you have partially consumed cans of food.
A way to dispose of animal wastes and a freezer to store dead animals are required, or other arrangements must be made.
A washroom facility, with soap, for personnel and visitors is required.
All surfaces on the inside of the building (i.e, floors, walls, ceiling) in rooms that house animals, treatment areas, food storage, etc. must be made of a material that can be hosed or sponged and scrubbed. Sealed cement and concrete block with epoxy paint are used by many facilities. Any type of waterproof rigid surface is acceptable.
Drains or a way to rapidly eliminate water when cleaning or in case of flooding are required. There should be no pools of water.
Rule 23
Heating and/or cooling systems are necessary to keep the temperature comfortable for the animals. Ventilation must be such that there are no drafts, odors, or moisture condensation. Humidity should stay between 30% and 70%. The general ventilation guideline for animal rooms is 10-15 fresh air changes per hour. Ample light so that all areas of the building and animal enclosures can be easily examined is necessary. Any lights in animal areas should have covers, such as protective sleeves for fluorescent bulbs.
Rule 24
Outside facilities must provide shade from the sun and shelter from rain or snow. Suitable drainage must be provided. There can be no standing water.
Rule 25
Primary enclosures for animals must be waterproof, structurally sound, and have no protrusions that could injure animals. Enclosures must be large enough for the animals to stand up, turn around, lie down, and stretch out comfortably. The general rules are:
Cats less than or equal to nine pounds (4kg) need at least three square feet of floor spacer per cat and must be at least 24" in height, floor to ceiling.
Cats more than nine pounds (4kg) need at least four square feet of floor space and must be at least 24" in height floor to ceiling.
Dogs less than 30 pounds (15kg) need eight square feet of floor space per dog.
Dogs 30-65 pounds (15-30kg) need 12 square feet of floor space.
Dogs greater than 65 pounds (30+kg) need a minimum 24 square feet of floor space.
These guidelines should be considered minimum standards and may be insufficient in certain facilities or situations.
Cats need litter. When figuring minimum floor space, the space taken up by the litter box is subtracted from the floor space and enclosure. When there is more than one cat in an enclosure, resting perches are required.
Rule 31
Cats and dogs need to be fed at least once a day, or as is appropriate for the age of the animal, with adequate amounts of palatable, nutritious food. Water needs to be provided at least twice a day for at least an hour each time. All food and water dishes must be kept clean and there should be an area to wash these dishes.
Animal Health and Husbandry
Rule 32
Feces and urine need to be removed from the cages as necessary to prevent the animals from becoming soiled and to prevent odors. If hosing the cages, the animals must be removed and not allowed to come in contact with the dirty water.
Rule 33
All areas of the building must be kept clean and in good repair. A room or closet must be available to store cleaning supplies. Cleaning supplies and food cannot be stored together.
Rule 34
All animals placed in the same enclosure must be of the same species and age group. Puppies and kittens cannot be placed with adult animals other than their mothers. Sick or aggressive animals should be placed in their own enclosures.
Rule 35
Enough employees to maintain compliance with these regulations are required and expected.
Rule 36
The services of a veterinarian must be retained and his or her name must be listed on the application for license or registration. The Michigan Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division must be notified if a change in veterinary services occurs. The listed veterinarian will be used whenever there is a health concern.
Please be aware that Act 287, P.A. of 1969, as amended, states that a pet shop owner cannot import or offer for sale puppies or kittens under eight weeks of age and they must have teeth visually present. Also, cats and dogs that have not been properly vaccinated and treated for internal and external parasites may not be imported. Furthermore, a Michigan Pet shop Health Certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian must be provided to the purchaser of a cat or dog. This certificate needs to include the date and type of vaccinations and treatments given.
Act 358, P.A. of 1994, legalized the sale and ownership of ferrets in Michigan. This act states that a ferret cannot be imported before six weeks of age, and must be vaccinated against distemper. All ferrets in Michigan over 12 weeks of age must be vaccinated against rabies. The person selling the ferret must also provide a Ferret Health Advisory Sheet to the purchaser. Ferrets must be fed at least once per day and have water AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES. Additionally, the cage needs to provide adequate ventilation and must be cleaned as necessary to minimize odors.
Again, this is just a brief overview of the regulations concerning the operation of pet shops and animal shelters in Michigan. Please review Regulation 151 and the acts for their exact language. If you have any questions concerning the Regulations and how they affect you or your business, please contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division, at (517) 373-1077.
Printer Friendly
Text Version
Twitter
Facebook
Yahoo
Google
Digg
reddit
Newsvine
StumbleUpon
Bookmark
Email Page