16 Tex. Admin. Code § 91.101

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 48, November 29, 2024

Section 91.101 - Standards of Care-Indoor Housing Facilities

(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).

16 Tex. Admin. Code § 91.101

The provisions of this §91.101 adopted to be effective May 1, 2012, 37 TexReg 3075; Amended by Texas Register, Volume 48, Number 52, December 29, 2023, TexReg 8361, eff. 1/1/2024