Section 21.67.3. General care and husbandry standards.

       67.3(1) Feeding and watering.

        a.           All species covered under Iowa Code chapter 162 shall be provided with adequate feed as defined in section 162.2(1).

        b.           Young animals and animals under veterinary care shall be fed at more frequent intervals and with specific diets as their needs shall dictate.

        c.           All species covered under Iowa Code chapter 162 shall be provided with adequate water as defined in section 162.2(2).

       67.3(2) Sanitation.

        a.           Housing facilities and primary enclosures shall be cleaned a minimum of once in each 24-hour period and more frequently as may be necessary to reduce disease hazards and odors.

        b.           Housing facilities and primary enclosures shall be sanitized at intervals not to exceed two weeks or more frequently as may be necessary to reduce disease hazards. Primary enclosures for dogs and cats in pet shops shall be sanitized at intervals not to exceed 48 hours. Sanitizing shall be done by washing the surfaces with hot water and soap or detergent, followed by the application of a safe and effective disinfectant. Pressure water systems or live steam may be used for cleaning, if animals are removed while cleaning. Runs and exercise areas having gravel or other nonpermanent surface materials shall be sanitized by periodic removal of soiled materials, application of suitable disinfectants, and replacement with clean surface materials.

        c.           An effective program shall be established and maintained for the control of vermin infestation.

       67.3(3) Veterinary care.

        a.           Programs of disease prevention and control shall be established and maintained.

        b.           Sick, diseased or injured animals shall be provided with proper veterinary care or disposed of by euthanasia.

        c.           All species regulated under Iowa Code chapter 162 which are infected with contagious diseases shall be immediately placed into facilities provided for in 67.2(1)“i.”

        d.           All dogs and cats transported into housing facilities regulated under Iowa Code chapter 162, excluding pounds and animal shelters, shall have been vaccinated against distemper and rabies, unless exempted by direct recommendation of the owner’s veterinarian or exempted by Iowa Code section 351.33 or 351.42.

        e.           Each commercial breeder shall enter into a written agreement with a veterinarian licensed in this state to provide veterinary care for the animals maintained in the commercial breeder’s facility. The agreement shall include a requirement that the veterinarian visit the facility at least once every 12 months for the purpose of viewing all the animals in the facility, making a general determination concerning the health/disease status of the animals, and reviewing the commercial breeder’s program for disease prevention and control. If during the course of the visit, the veterinarian identifies an animal that requires a more detailed individual examination to determine the specific condition of the animal or to determine an appropriate course of treatment, then such examination shall be undertaken.

        f.            If during an inspection of a facility the department finds an animal which appears to have a physical condition or disease which, in the opinion of the inspector, requires a veterinarian’s attention, the department may order that the licensee subject the animal to a veterinarian’s examination at the licensee’s expense. The department may require the licensee to submit written proof of the veterinarian’s examination and results of the examination within a time frame set by the department.

       67.3(4) Personnel.

        a.           The owner or personnel shall be present at least once in each 24-hour period to supervise and ascertain that the care of animals and maintenance of facilities conform to all of the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 162.

        b.           A sufficient number of employees shall be utilized to provide the required care of animals and maintenance of facilities during normal business hours.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 162.1 and 162.2.