Colorado DEpartment of agriculture
 Inspection & Consumer Services Division
rules pertaining to the administration and enforcement of the pet animal care and facilties act
8 CCR 1202-15
Part 1.		Definitions and Abbreviations	
1.1.	”Behavioral-control device” means any apparatus used to control a pet animal’s behavior.
1.2.	“Building” means any structure that has a roof and walls especially a permanent structure. It can be any structure that is designed or intended for support, enclosure, shelter or protection of persons, animals or property having a permanent roof that is supported by columns or walls. 
1.3.	”Cleaning” means mechanical removal of organic matter and waste through application of soap, detergent, or other cleaning agent followed by rinsing of all surfaces with clean water.
1.4.	“Commissioner” means the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture or the Commissioner’s designee.
1.5.	“Commingle” means combine animals from different owners in a common area or enclosure. 
1.6. 	“Common area” means play yards or areas where dogs are commingled for exercise or social interaction. 
1.7.	”Crate” means an enclosure that, at a minimum, permits normal postural movement and allows the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down in a manner that is specific to the species held within the enclosure.
1.8.	“Department” means the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
1.9.	“Direct supervision” means to be physically present with the pet animals being supervised.
1.9.1.10	“Facility” means all buildings, yards, pens, and other areas, or any portion thereof, at a single location in which any animal is kept, handled, or transported for the purpose of adoption, breeding, boarding, grooming, handling, selling, sheltering, trading, or otherwise transferring animals.
1.9.1.1.10.1	“Animal rescue” means any firm, person, or corporation that accepts pet animals for the purpose of finding permanent adoptive homes for these animals and does not maintain a central facility for keeping animals.
1.9.2.1.10.2	“Animal sanctuary facility” means a sub-classification of “animal shelter,” is any private facility that harbors pet animals, that is not used for impoundment purposes, and that is used exclusively for the purpose of caring for or housing pet animals indefinitely.
1.9.3.1.10.3	“Animal shelter facility” means any firm, person, or corporation, whether public or private, that houses pet animals for impoundment purposes; or a centralized, private facility that accepts or houses pet animals and whose facilities are self-contained and used exclusively for the purpose of caring for and housing pet animals according to these Rules.
1.9.4.1.10.4	“Bird breeder facility” means any firm, person, or corporation engaged in the operation of breeding and raising birds that produces or transfers more than 30 birds per 12-month period.
1.9.5.1.10.5	“Boarding/training facility” means any firm, person, or corporation that cares for, or houses more than three pet animals at one time, or trains pet animals in the absence of the owner, or such owner's designee, and receives compensation for said services or correctional facility pet animal training programs regardless of compensation.
1.9.6.11.10.6	“Cat breeder facility” means any firm, person, or corporation that is engaged in the operation of breeding and raising cats and that produces more than three litters of kittens or transfers more than 24 cats per 12-month period.
1.10.7	“Commercial pet animal facility” means any firm, person, or corporation, whether on a permanent or temporary basis that uses pet animals exclusively for commercial exhibition, recreation or sporting purposes.
1.9.7.1.10.8	“Dog breeder facility” means any firm, person, or corporation that is engaged in the operation of breeding and raising dogs and that produces more than two litters of puppies or transfers more than 24 dogs per 12-month period.
1.9.8.1.10.9 “Groomer” means any person engaged in the operation of changing the physical appearance of the skin, coat, hair, or feathers of pet animals at a licensed pet animal groomer facility for compensation.
1.9.9.1.10.10	“Groomer facility” means any permanent or mobile establishment where a person pays a fee to have his pet animal’s skin, coat, hair, or feathers cleaned, styled, or maintained or where a person pays to have his animal’s physical appearance changed.
1.9.10.1.10.11	“Pet transporter” means any firm, person, or corporation that accepts pet animals for transportation or relocation for the purpose of adoption, rescue, selling, harboring, sheltering, trading, or otherwise transferring from one location to another. 
1.9.11.1.10.12	“Pet handler” means a firm, person, or corporation that does not maintain a central permanent facility for the purposes of training or housing dogs but that maintains a mobile or temporary facility for the purposes of transporting or training a pet in the absence of the owner and receives compensation for his services.
1.9.12.1.10.13	“Pet animal dealership-retail” means any place or premises, used in whole or part, whether on a permanent or temporary basis, for the sole or exclusive purpose of either wholesale commerce or retail sale selling, trading, bartering, or otherwise transferring pet animals directly to the public.
1.10.14 “Pet animal dealership-wholesale” means any place or premises, used in whole or part, whether on a permanent or temporary basis, for the sole or exclusive purpose of selling, trading, bartering, or otherwise transferring pet animals to a retail pet animal dealership.
1.9.131.10.15	“Reptile/Amphibiamn (Herptile) breeder facility” means any firm, person, or corporation that is engaged in the operation of breeding and raising reptiles/amphibians (herptiles) and that produces or transfers more reptiles/amphibians (herptiles) than the maximum number established by the Commissioner by Rule for each particular species. 
1.9.14.1.10.16	“Retail aquarium only pet animal facility” means any place that trades, sells, barters, or otherwise transfers fish, hermit crabs, or aquatic pet animals to the public.
1.9.15.1.10.17	“Small animal breeder facility” means any firm, person, or corporation that is engaged in the operation of breeding and raising small mammals and produces or transfers more small mammals than the maximum number established by the Commissioner by Rule for each particular species.
1.10.1.11 “Enclosure” means any location within a facility where a pet animal is housed primarily for the purpose of eating and sleeping, which is not a common area used for exercise or social interaction. 
1.11.1.12	“Foster dam” means a lactating female animal placed with unweaned animals of similar species for the purpose of nutritional support.
1.12.1.13 “Foster home” means a site that, through a written agreement with a licensed shelter or rescue facility, provides care for pet animals that are otherwise the responsibility of the shelter or rescue.
1.13.1.14 “Indoor” means the area or space inside a building.
1.14.1.15 “Infirm” means not physically or mentally strong, especially through age or illness. 
1.15.1.16 “Isolation” means the separation, for the period of communicability, of infected animals from others in such place and under such conditions to prevent the direct or indirect transmission of the infectious agent from those infected to those that are susceptible or that may spread the agent to others.
1.16.1.17	“Isolation area” means a location where animals infected with disease may be placed to contain, control, and limit the spread of the disease.
1.17.1.18 “Isolation room” means an isolation area enclosed with walls that reach ceiling to floor, a ceiling, and door, having separate ventilation to the outside.
1.18.1.19	“Nonhuman primate” means all animals in the families lemuridae, indriidae, daubentoniidae, lorisidae, tarsiidae, cebidae, callithricidae, cercopithecidae, and pongidae.
1.19.1.20 “Outdoors” means in or into the open air; outside a building or shelter. 
1.20.1.21	“PACFA” means the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act, §§ 35-80-101 through 117, C.R.S.
1.21.1.22	“Pool” means a man-made structure used to hold water that uses a filtration system and is chemically treated, or in which the water is changed as needed, to maintain adequate cleanliness.
1.22.1.23	“Research institute” means a governmental or private institution that uses or intends to use live animals in research, tests, or experiments for scientific investigation or in a systematic search for facts.
1.23.1.24	“Sink” means a wide bowl that has a faucet for water and a drain at the bottom and is usually positioned in a counter or on a pedestal.
1.24.1.25	“Surgery” means the act of incising living tissue; an operative procedure.
1.25.1.26	“Temporary facility” means any pet animal facility operating only as a temporary sales or adoption site.
1.26.1.27	“Temporary single retail event” means a show or exhibit held once in a calendar year for a maximum of 48 hours, where animals are sold from a single temporary location.
1.27.1.28 “Tether” means to restrain a pet animal by tying the pet animal to any object or structure, by any means, including, but not limited to, a chain, rope, cord, leash, or running line. Tether does not include using a leash to walk a dog.
1.28.1.29 “Transfer” means adopt, sell, give away, trade, barter, exchange, return, or any other conveyance of ownership of a pet animal.
1.29.1.30 “Water-resistant” means that which repels water.
1.30.1.31 “Year” means any twelve-month period.
1.32	“Zoological park” means a facility accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association or licensed as a zoological park pursuant to § 33-4-102(13)(a), C.R.S., as amended.
Part 2.		Application for Licensure and Conditions for Licensure
2.1.	The 12 month-license period commences on March 1. An application for a renewal of licensure must be received in the Commissioner’s office on or before March 1st the year following the year the license was issued.
2.2.	Any person seeking a new license or a change or addition of a license category must apply for the change on a form furnished by the Commissioner. The applicant shall provide all information requested on the form, including, but not limited to, a valid mailing address where the applicant may be contacted and a valid premises address where animals, animal facilities, and records are located. All premises, facilities, or sites where an applicant operates or keeps animals must be shown on the application form. The application must be filed with the Commissioner and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee.
2.2.1.	Detailed plans and specifications may be submitted to the Department for each new application for licensure, any change or addition of a license category, or any remodel of any animal housing area of any animal facility.
2.2.2.	Plans for remodeling of an existing facility must show an outline of the facility. In any such plans, only the portions being remodeled need to be detailed. Plans pertaining only to plumbing or electrical upgrades do not require a plan submission.
2.3.	Plan Specification Content Requirements
2.3.1.	Final plans and specifications if submitted must include (as applicable): a floor plan; a description of the ventilation system and heating and cooling system; plumbing equipment, including sink for hand-washing and container-cleaning and location of backflow preventer; waste-water drainage system; electrical and lighting supply and fixtures; finishes of floors, walls, and ceilings; location, size, and type of indoor and outdoor cages, runs and pens; isolation area; proximity of perimeter protective fence and height of the perimeter fence; location of potable water supply; exterior area lighting; shelter from the elements in outdoor enclosures; food storage and preparation area.
2.3.2.	Plans and specifications need not be professionally drawn, provided that the plans accurately depict the intended construction or remodeling and are legible and drawn or sketched to consistent scale with dimensions indicated.
2.3.3.	Temporary pet animal facilities must identify themselves as such on an application for licensure as a pet animal facility and provide a street address for each place or premises where they will keep or transfer pet animals.
2.3.4.	All final plans, if submitted, and specifications must comply with these Rules and regulations.
2.4.	Each separate physical facility that operates a pet care facility must obtain a separate license.
2.5.	The Commissioner may issue a license to any applicant who has met the requirements of PACFA, paid the required annual license fee, and passed the application inspection or routine inspection, except as set forth in § 35-80-112 and 112.5, C.R.S., and Part 9. below.
2.6.	Any facility or person who houses or transfers, as set forth below, more animals than the limits set forth in this Part must have a license to operate a pet animal care facility. Specific licensing thresholds by species:
2.6.1.	The thresholds for small animal and reptile/amphibian (herptile) breeders are:
2.6.1.1.	Rat, mouse, gerbil, and hamster breeders: produce, house, or transfer more than 200 of any combination of these small mammals per year.
2.6.1.2.	Rabbit and guinea pig breeders: produce, house, or transfer more than 65 of any combination of these small mammals per year.
2.6.1.3.	Hedgehog, chinchilla, ferret, and sugar glider breeders: produce, house, or transfer more than 24 of any combination of these small mammals per year.
2.6.1.4.	Snake breeders: produce, house or transfer more than 400 of any combination of these herptiles per year. 
2.6.1.5.	Lizard and gecko breeders: produce, house or transfer more than 300 of any combination of these herptiles per year. 
2.6.1.6. Turtle and tortoise breeders: produce, house or transfer more than 200 of any combination of these herptiles per year. 
2.6.1.7. Amphibian breeders: produce, house or transfer more than 900 of any combination of these herptiles per year. 
2.6.2.	The threshold for shelter of dogs and cats or any combination of these pet animals: more than 24 transfers per year or more than 15 housed in a central facility.
2.6.3.	The threshold for shelter or rescue of birds: more than 30 transfers per year or more than 30 housed in a central facility.
2.6.4.	The threshold for shelter or rescue of ferrets, hedgehogs, chinchillas, and sugar gliders or any combination of these pet animals: more than 24 transfers per year or more than 24 housed in a central facility.
2.6.5.	The threshold for shelter or rescue of rabbits and guinea pigs or any combination of these pet animals: more than 65 transfers or more than 65 housed in a central facility more than of any combination of these pet animals per year. 
2.6.6.	The threshold for shelter or rescue of mice and rats: more than 200 rats, mice or gerbils housed in a central facility.
2.6.7.	The threshold for shelter of multiple species in aggregate is more than 50% of the threshold for breeder or shelter definition of 3 or more species housed in a central facility.
2.7.	Pet animal grooming licensure conditions and exceptions.
2.7.1.	Any licensed groomer may groom as an independent contractor at up to 3 
PACFA-licensed grooming facilities with the same groomer license. On the application for licensure, such groomers shall identify themselves as such and shall provide a facility name and street address for each premises at which they groom pet animals. Any groomer who adds or removes a location or premises from which or at which he or she intends to groom shall notify the Department of any change within 15 days of such change. 
2.7.2.	Persons providing any of the following services exclusively do not require licensure with PACFA: dog and cat nail trims, pet animal oral hygiene, pet animal ear cleaning, or pet animal anal gland expression.
2.8.	A retail pet animal dealership may submit a written request to the commissioner for an exemption to purchase animals from an unlicensed individual on a wholesale basis. Such exemption shall be granted at the sole discretion of the commissioner, and must be obtained before any purchase is made. Each purchase of an animal shall require a separate exemption.  Any such submission must demonstrate adequate provisions and safeguards to protect the health and safety of the public and the animals in the facility.
Part 3.		Facility License Requirements
3.1.	Each location of a pet animal facility must be separately licensed. The classifications of licensure are: Retail and Wholesale Pet Animal Dealership; Temporary Retail Event; Dog Breeder Facility; Bird Breeder Facility; Cat Breeder Facility; Pet Grooming Facility; Pet Animal Boarding and/or Training Facility; Animal Rescue; Animal Shelter Facility; Reptile/Amphibian (herptile) breeder facility; Pet Animal Handler; Pet Animal Transporter;  and, Small Animal Breeder Facility.
3.2.	If a pet animal facility operates under more than one business name from a single location:
3.2.1.	No additional pet animal facility license will be required for the different business names;
3.2.2.	The pet animal facility operator must maintain separate records for each business name, pursuant to § 35-80-107, C.R.S., and to these regulations; and
3.2.3.	The name of each business providing services that are related to those of a pet animal facility must be listed with the Commissioner on the application, in the form and manner designated.
3.2.4.	The Commissioner may require that a separate fee be paid for each such business name.
3.3.	If a pet animal facility owner operates more than one business from a single location, which businesses would constitute more than one classification of licensure:
3.3.1.	The applicant for licensure will pay for the classification that has the highest annual fee and pay an additional fee for each license category.
3.3.2.	Each business operated from a single location must comply with all Rules pertaining to each classification of licensure that would correspond to each business operated at the facility.
3.4.	Licenses issued pursuant to PACFA and these Rules are not transferable.
3.5.	A license issued under PACFA and these Rules is valid unless.
3.5.1.	The license has been revoked or suspended pursuant to § 35-80-112, C.R.S., or Part 9. of these Rules;
3.5.2.	The license is voluntarily surrendered by written request of the licensee to the Commissioner, and such surrender is accepted by the Commissioner;
3.5.3.	The license has expired or has otherwise terminated by operation of law as set forth in § 35-80-106, C.R.S., and these Rules; or
3.5.4.	The applicant or licensee failed to pay the license fee or the instrument of payment was returned by the bank.
3.6.	There will be no refund of fees if a license is invalidated for any reason before its expiration.
3.7.	All licenses expire each year on March 1. If the renewal application is not postmarked on or before March 1 for the year of renewal, a penalty fee of10 25 percent (10%) (25%) of such renewal fee will be assessed. No license will be renewed until the renewal fee and any penalty fee are paid. Any person whose license has expired and who has not timely applied for renewal may not conduct any activity for which a license is required by PACFA until all requirements for issuing such license have been met and until a valid license has been duly issued.
3.8.	No license that has expired and for which timely renewal has not been made may be reinstated. Any application for reinstatement or renewal after April 1 of the year following the year of issue will be treated as a new application, subject to the procedures required of new applicants for a license, as set forth in Part 2.
3.9.	A license that is invalid under PACFA and Part 9 of these Rules must be returned to the Commissioner. If the license cannot be found, the licensee shall provide a written statement to the Commissioner so stating.
3.10.	All licenses for psittacine leg bands must be renewed on or before March 1.
3.11.	Each holder of a bird leg band number must pay an annual renewal fee on or before March 1 each year.
3.12.	Each licensed pet animal facility shall display in a conspicuous place signage that contains contact information for the Colorado Department of Agriculture Pet Animal Care Facilities Program or other appropriate Department subdivision.
Part 4.	License Fees
4.1.	In addition to a completed application for a license or a license renewal, each applicant or licensee must submit to the Commissioner an annual license fee as set by the Commissioner.
4.2.	Any applicant whose check is returned by the bank for any reason will be referred to collections through the state’s collections process. An application or renewal that is accompanied by a check that is returned by the bank will be deemed an incomplete application or renewal, and no license will be issued.
4.3.	If the license fee for a public animal shelter is overly burdensome, a public animal shelter may petition the Commissioner yearly, at each application, in written form, for the Commissioner to waive said fee.
4.4.	The PACFA license fees are:
4.4.1.	Aquarium only $350;$450
4.4.2.	Bird Band Fee $17.50;
4.4.3.	Cat Breeder $300;$400;
4.4.4.	Commercial pet animal facility $450;
4.4.45.	Bird Breeder $200;$275;
4.4.56.	Dog Breeder Large Scale Operation $400;$550;
4.4.67.	Dog Breeder Small Scale Operation $350;$450;
4.4.78.	License category fee for each additional category per application $50;
4.4.89.	Pet animal rescue $225;
4.4.9.1	small, 100 or fewer transfers per year $325;
4.4.9.2 large, more than 100 transfers per year $425;
4.4.910.	Pet Animal Shelter;
4.4.910.1.	Small, 3000 or fewer transfers per year $350;$450;
4.4.910.2.	Large, more than 3000 transfers per year $400;$600;
4.4.1011.	Pet Boarding/Training $400;$500;
4.4.1112.	Pet Grooming facility $320;$400;
4.4.11.113.	Independent contractor pet groomer: $350
4.4.12.2.	Self-wash only grooming facility
4.4.1214.	Pet Handler $175;$225;
4.4.1315.	Pet Retail/Wholesale $400;$600;
4.4.1416.	Pet Transporter $225 $350;
4.4.1517.	Reptile/amphibian (herptile) breeder $225 $275;
4.4.1618.	Small Animal Breeder $350;$425
Part 5.	Annual Report by Licensee
In addition to the annual renewal application, the following facilities must also submit an annual report on form(s) furnished by the Commissioner: dog breeder facility, bird breeder facility, cat breeder facility, animal shelter, animal rescue, pet transporter, reptile/amphibian (herptile) breeder facility and small animal breeder facility.  Annual report(s), if required, must be submitted to the commissioner prior to closing a licensed business.
Part 9.	Disciplinary Actions and Denial of Licensure
9.1.	A license will not be issued to any applicant who:
9.1.1.	Is not in total compliance with PACFA and these Rules and regulations, including payment of fees and any fines.
9.1.1.1.	An initial applicant for licensure will be allowed a maximum of three (3) inspections within a time period to be determined by the Commissioner. Failure of these three inspections will result in denial of licensure, requiring the applicant to reapply. The initial license fee will not be returned upon denial of licensure. Any subsequent reapplication must be accompanied with the proper license fee.
9.1.1.2.	An initial applicant must not conduct any activity for which a license is required by PACFA until such license is issued. An applicant may request an exemption from this requirement to the Commissioner, which request will be accepted only in written form.
9.1.1.3.	Subsequent applications by a person who has been denied a license under this Part will be considered as an initial application, subject to the provisions of these Rules and regulations.
9.1.1.4.	Persons denied a license under this Part may reapply after twelve (12) months from the date of the notice of the denial.
9.1.1.5.	Any person who petitions the Commissioner for a hearing on any denial of the applicant’s application may apply for re-licensure 12 months after the initial date of denial when the initial denial is upheld.
9.2 9.1.2. Has had a license revoked within the prior two years or whose license is currently suspended. The two-year period of ineligibility applies to a principal, officer, director, manager or any other person who has substantial control or authority over the daily operations of the entity, whether the person applies individually or as a principal, officer, director, manager or other person who has or would have substantial control or authority over the daily operations of the same or a different entity.
9.1.3 	Has been convicted of a local, state or federal offense involving the theft, importation, capture, neglect, or abuse of an animal, or animal cruelty as defined in article 9 of title 18, C.R.S., or any similar statute of any other state. As used in this section, “convicted” means having entered a plea of guilty, including a plea pursuant to a deferred judgment and sentence under section 18-1.3-102, C.R.S., or a plea of no contest, or a verdict of guilt from a judge or jury.
9.2.	In addition to those grounds set forth in § 35-80-112, C.R.S., the Commissioner may issue letters of admonition, deny, suspend, refuse to renew, restrict, or revoke any license on the following grounds:
9.2.1.	Submitting falsified information or making a material and deliberate misstatement on the application for any original license or for any renewal license, including, but not limited to, failing to identify all facilities, failing to provide full violation history, or providing a false name or address.
9.2.2.	Making false or fraudulent statements or providing false or fraudulent records to the Commissioner.
9.2.3.	Having been fined, sentenced to jail, convicted, or having entered a plea of guilty or plea of no contest under any local, state, or federal law pertaining to the importation or capture of animals, theft or cruelty, neglect, or abuse of animals. Having been convicted of a local, state, or federal offense involving the theft, importation, capture, neglect or abuse of any animal, or cruelty to any animal as defined in article 9 of title 18, c.r.s., or any similar statute of any other state. As used in this section, “convicted” means having entered a plea of guilty, including a plea of guilty entered pursuant to a deferred judgment and sentence under section 18-1.3-102, c.r.s., or a plea of no contest, or a verdict of guilt from a judge or jury.
9.2.4.	Failure to comply with any provision of these Rules and regulations.
9.2.5 	Refusal to allow the inspector designated by the Commissioner free and unimpeded access upon consent or upon obtaining an administrative search warrant to inspect those portions of all buildings, yards, pens, and other areas in which any animals are kept, handled, or transported for the purpose of carrying out any provision of PACFA or these Rules and regulations and to all records required to be kept and may make copies of such records for the purpose of carrying out any provision of PACFA or these Rules.
9.2.6.	Failure on three (3) inspections within any twelve-month period.
Part 12.	Enclosures
All pet animal enclosures must meet these minimum requirements respective to species:
12.1.	Dogs
Dogs: Enclosure Sizes (dogs over 22 weeks or over 30 lbs.)	
Length: tip of nose to base of tail	
Formula: (length of the dog in inches + 6) x (length of the dog in inches + 6)/144 = required sq. ft.	
Up to 5 days: formula	
>5 to 30 days: formula x 1.5	
>30 days to 6 months: formula x 2	
6+ months: formula x 3	
12.1.1.	When three or more dogs occupy an enclosure, space is to be calculated for the largest dog with the third, fourth, and fifth dogs each requiring an additional one-half of the space required for the largest dog.
12.1.2.	The minimum height of the enclosure must be at least 6 inches higher than the head of the tallest dog in the enclosure when the dog is in a normal standing position.
12.1.3.	Crates may be used in any facility for 14 hours or less within any 24-hour period with dogs housed in appropriately sized enclosure (based on length of stay) for the remaining hours in this period.
12.1.4.	Housing boarded dogs in crates requires written consent of the owner.
12.1.5.	Crates of the minimum dimensions set forth in these Rules may be used to house one dog only.
12.1.6.	Puppies that are weaned and are under 22 weeks of age and under 30 pounds must be housed according to the puppy chart.
12.1.7.	Dogs over 22 weeks or over 30 pounds shall be housed according to the adult dog chart.

Puppy		Under 16 Weeks	16-22 Weeks	
Size	Weight – lbs.	Sq. Ft.	Sq. Ft.	
X-Small	0-4	1.25	1.875	
Small	>4 and up to 10	2	3	
Medium	>10 and up to 20	2.5	3.75	
Large	>20 and up to 30	5	7.5	
12.1.8.	The floor of the enclosure may be made of the following:
12.1.8.1.	Wire, provided that the wire is of a gauge adequate to prevent sagging under the weight of the animal or injury to the feet and provided that the wire is coated and the mesh is small enough to prevent the foot from passing through and to prevent discomfort to the animal.
 12.1.8.1.1.	When wire flooring is used, a solid resting surface, large enough to allow all dogs to simultaneously lie recumbent, must be provided; and
 12.1.8.1.2.	Solid resting surfaces must be able to be easily cleaned and sanitized.
12.1.8.2.	Approved flooring consisting of slatted flooring, galvanized, expanded metal flooring or expanded metal coated with a flexible plastic surface, or other surface approved by the Commissioner; or
12.1.8.3.	Any solid material that is water-resistant and able to be cleaned and sanitized.
12.1.9.	Standing water must be removed from enclosures.
12.1.10. Any request for an exemption from these minimum size requirements must be made to the Commissioner in writing and must be accompanied by a plan to provide exercise at a minimum of 60 minutes per animal, per day. To be considered for an exemption, the facility may have no pending disciplinary actions as contemplated by PACFA or these Rules.
12.2.	Cats

Cats: In facility up to 90 Days		Cats: Housed >90 Days	
Weight -lbs.	Sq. Ft.	Sq. Ft.	
< 2 	2.5	5	
>2 and up to 6 	3	6	
>6 and up to 10	6	10	
>10 and up to 15	7	10	
>15	8	10	
12.2.1.	Each enclosure for housing cats must be at least 21 inches high.
12.2.2.	Each additional cat in the same enclosure requires additional square footage as designated by the chart.
12.2.3.	The space occupied by any litter box without a flat hood may not be included in the calculation of the total floor space.
12.2.4.	The floors of enclosures for cats must be constructed of solid material.
12.2.5.	Outdoor enclosures for cats must include one or more shelter structures that are accessible to each cat in each enclosure and that are large enough to allow each animal housed within to sit, stand, lie in a normal manner, and to turn freely.
12.2.6.	An elevated resting surface is required after a cat has been housed in a facility for longer than 90 days. The elevated resting surface must be positioned to allow the cat to exercise normal postural movements while perching on the elevated resting surface. The space underneath the elevated resting surface may be included in the calculation of the total floor space if the elevated area is high enough that the cat can exercise normal postural movements underneath it.
12.2.7.	Litter boxes designed to capture a cat’s excrement within an enclosure must be provided in sufficient number, be of adequate size, and be located in a manner to enable each cat within the enclosure access to the litter box.
12.2.8.	Enclosures housing three or more cats are considered colonies and must provide a minimum of 10 square feet of floor space per cat over 4 months of age. In addition, an elevated solid resting surface or surfaces must be provided. The resting surface must be high enough so that the cat can fit underneath and minimally provide 1.5 square feet of additional space per cat. Kittens over 6 8 weeks of age and under 22 weeks housed in colonies must be provided 7.5 square feet of floor space per kitten with an additional square foot of resting surface space per kitten that is high enough for the kitten to get underneath.
12.2.9.	No more than 25 cats or kittens may be housed in the same enclosure.
12.2.10. Kittens from weaning up to 22 weeks of age must be housed according to the kitten chart.
12.2.11. Cats over 22 weeks of age must be housed according to the adult cat chart.

Kittens		Under 16 Weeks	16-22 Weeks	
Size	Weight – lbs.	Sq. Ft.	Sq. Ft.	
Small	up to 3	1	1.5	
Medium	over 3	2	3	
12.3.	Birds

Weaned Birds	Days in the Facility			
Length of each bird – inches	Up to 10 days	10 days to 60 days	Over 60 days	
Up to 6	1 cubic ft. per 18” of bird in aggregate	x 2	x 4	
Up to 24	(length of bird in inches) cubed = cubic inches required	x 2	x 4	
Over 24	(length of bird in inches) cubed = cubic inches required	x 2	x 4	
				
	1 cubic ft. = 1,728 cubic inches			
12.3.1.	Unweaned birds must have enough space to exercise normal postural movement.
12.3.2.	Sufficient perching space is required to allow all birds housed to perch simultaneously.
12.3.2.1.	A single, well-placed perch may be adequate for Psittacines. Well-placed means that the bird can stand completely upright on the perch without having any head contact with the ceiling of the cage and, at the same time, without the tail touching the floor or grate of the cage.
12.3.2.2.	At least two perches, one at each end of the cage, must be provided for all species that prefer flying or jumping rather than climbing.
12.3.2.3.	Perches must be strategically placed to prevent droppings from contaminating other birds and the birds’ food and water supply and also to prevent the birds’ tails from making contact with the food and water.
12.3.3.	The cage must be large enough to allow every bird to sit comfortably on a perch, fan its tail, and spread both wings without touching the sides of the cage or any other bird in the enclosure.
12.3.4.	Cage measurements are based on the actual living space and do not include T-stands or perches attached to the outside of the cage or the space below the cage grate.
12.4.	Rabbits

Rabbits	Up to 30 Days	Over  30 Days	
Weight – lbs.	Sq. Ft.	Sq. Ft.	
Up to 2	1	2.5	
Up to 4	2	4	
Up to 12	3	6	
Up to 20	5	8	
12.4.1.	Each additional rabbit within the enclosure requires additional square footage as designated by the chart.
12.4.2.	The floor of a rabbit's enclosure must be constructed of material that prevents pododermatitis (foot problems) and that can be adequately cleaned and sanitized. Mesh flooring must be small enough to prevent the animal’s feet from passing through and to prevent discomfort to the animal.
12.4.3.	Does with litters require 1.5 times the minimum square footage as designated by the chart.
12.4.4.	Enclosures housing rabbits in colonies must provide a minimum of 10 square feet of floor space per rabbit over 4 months of age. Rabbits over 6 weeks of age and under 4 months of age must be provided 7.5 square feet of floor space. No more than 25 rabbits may be housed in the same enclosure.
12.4.5.	The minimum height for any rabbit’s enclosure is 15 inches.
12.4.6.	Enclosure must provide adequate ventilation to prevent odor build-up and to maintain appropriate ambient temperature for the rabbits.
12.5.	Guinea Pigs

Guinea Pigs		
Weight – gms.	Sq. In.	
Up to 350	60	
350-500	90	
Over 500	120	
12.5.1.	Each additional guinea pig within the enclosure requires additional space as designated by the chart.
12.5.2.	Minimum height for enclosures is 12 inches.
12.5.3.	The horizontal floors of enclosures for guinea pigs must be constructed of solid material.
12.5.4.	Sows with litters require 1.5 times the minimum square footage per chart until weaned.
12.6.	Chinchillas, Hedgehogs, and Sugar gliders
12.6.1.	Enclosures must provide no less than 360 square inches of floor space per adult chinchilla, hedgehog, sugar glider or a female animal with one litter until weaned. When more than one hedgehog occupies an enclosure, each additional hedgehog requires one half of the space of the first hedgehog.  
12.6.2.	For chinchillas, a security shelter is required and a dust bath is required no less than twice weekly.
12.6.3.	An elevated perching platform is required. for chinchillas and sugar gliders.
12.6.4.	The horizontal floors of enclosures for chinchillas, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders must be constructed of solid material.
12.6.5.	Minimum height for enclosures for these animals chinchillas and sugar gliders is 16 inches.
12.6.6	Minimum height for enclosures for hedgehogs is 12 inches
12.7.	Mice

Mice		
Weight in gms.	Sq. In. per animal	
Up to 10	6	
Up to 15	8	
Up to 25	12	
>25	15	
12.7.1.	The horizontal floors of enclosures for mice must be constructed of solid material.
12.7.2.	Enclosure sizes based on the weight of the female are accepted for a mouse with 1 litter until weaned.
12.7.3.	An enclosure’s height must be a minimum of 3 ½ inches above the substrate.
12.7.4.	No more than 200 mice may be housed in any enclosure at any time.
12.8.	Rats 

Rats		
Weight – gms.	Sq. In. per animal	
Up to 100	17	
Up to 200	23	
Up to 300	29	
Up to 400	40	
Up to 500	60	
>500	70	
12.8.1.	A rat’s enclosure height must be 7 inches with a minimum of 5 ½ inches above the substrate.
12.8.2.	The horizontal floors of enclosures for rats must be constructed of solid material.
12.8.3.	Enclosure sizes based on the weight of the female are accepted for a rat with 1 litter until weaned.
12.8.4.	No more than 200 rats may be housed in any enclosure at any time.
12.9.	Hamsters and Gerbils 

Hamsters and Gerbils		
Weight – gms.	Sq. In. per animal	
Up to 60	10	
Up to 80	13	
Up to 100	16	
>100	19	
12.9.1.	Hamsters’ and gerbils’ enclosures height must be 7 inches with a minimum of 5 ½ inches above the substrate.
12.9.2.	The horizontal floors of enclosures for hamsters and gerbils must be constructed of solid material.
12.9.3.	Enclosure sizes based on the weight of the female are accepted for a hamster or gerbil with 1 litter until weaned.
12.10.	Ferrets 
Ferrets		
Age	Sq. Ft. Per Animal	
Up to 10 weeks	1	
10-16 weeks	1.5	
Over 16 weeks	2	

12.10.1.	 Each additional ferret within the enclosure requires additional square footage as designated by the chart or for a jill with kits.
12.10.2.	The horizontal floors of enclosures for ferrets must be constructed of solid material.
12.10.3.	The minimum height for a ferret’s enclosure is 18 inches.
12.10.4.	No aquaria may be used to house ferrets.
12.10.5.	Enclosures for ferrets when constructed using a steel mesh must be of small enough mesh to prevent humans from putting their fingers into the cage and to prevent the ferret from being able to get its snout through the mesh. Other suitable cage designs are subject to approval by the Commissioner. If enclosures do not meet these standards, there must be a sign attached to the enclosure stating that ferrets may bite.
12.11.	Reptiles and Amphibians (Herptiles)
12.11.1.	The floors of enclosures for herptiles must be constructed of solid material.
12.11.2.	The enclosure must be constructed to maintain appropriate humidity and ventilation.
12.11.3.	The bottom of the enclosures must be covered with a substrate material that is suitable for the particular species.
12.11.4.	The enclosure must contain a variety of structures, materials, and plants, as appropriate, to meet the needs and satisfy behavioral characteristics of different species. Suitable landscaping must protect the animal, reduce stress, and help recreate the animal's natural habitat.
12.11.5.	Security shelters, as appropriate to the species, must be provided in the enclosure to allow the animal security, protect the animal from stress, and help recreate the animal’s natural habitat. Number and placement of shelters in the enclosure must ensure no animal is forced to choose between its security and maintaining its proper body temperature.
12.11.6.	When appropriate to the species, a basking area affording both heat and light must be provided. Enclosures must be large enough to provide a temperature gradient to allow for the animal’s normal thermoregulation.
12.11.7.	At least 30% of the floor space must be left open for the reptile to move about easily, feed, water, and defecate, and to make movements necessary for thermoregulation when appropriate to the species.
12.11.8.	A thermometer must be used to determine the temperature inside the enclosure. Enclosures that do not contain a thermometer must record the temperature weekly and anytime a new reptile or amphibian is added to the enclosure.
12.11.9.	Humidity within the enclosure must be maintained as appropriate to the species. A hygrometer must be used to determine the humidity inside the enclosure. Enclosures that do not contain a hygrometer must record the humidity weekly and anytime a new reptile or amphibian is added to the enclosure.
12.11.10.	As appropriate to the species, UVB lighting must be provided as part of the enclosure. UVB bulbs must be metered to ensure appropriate output. The enclosure must be constructed to allow UVB light to penetrate the enclosure. Facilities housing reptiles must have the ability to meter the available UVB by means of a metering device. UVB lighting must be recorded monthly and anytime a new reptile is added to the enclosure.
12.11.11.	Wholesale only facilities keeping herptiles fewer than 14 days may submit written request to the Commissioner for an exemption from the UVB requirement.
12.11.12.	Lizards
12.11.12.1.	Regardless of the minimum space required, the dimensions of the enclosure must allow all animals to exhibit normal postural movement and be appropriate to the species.
12.11.12.2.	The required space per lizard is to be calculated as: (1.5L)(L)(.5L) = required cubic inches.
12.11.12.3.	No enclosure may house more than 36 lizards regardless of calculated space.
12.11.12.4.	In addition to the minimum space requirement, a basking area is required as appropriate to the species.
12.11.12.5.	For lizards housed in groups the following space must be provided for each additional lizard:
(L = length of individual lizard in inches measured from tip of nose to tip of tail)
 12.11.12.5.1.	Each lizard over 12 inches added to an enclosure must have a minimum of 500 cubic inches.
 12.11.12.5.2.	Each lizard over 16 inches added to an enclosure must have a minimum of 1800 cubic inches.
 12.11.12.5.3.	Each lizard over 20 inches added to an enclosure must have a minimum of 3000 cubic inches.
 12.11.12.5.4.	Each lizard over 24 inches added to an enclosure must have a minimum of 5000 cubic inches.
12.11.12.5.5.	Lizards housed over 90 days shall have double the space for each lizard in the enclosure.
12.11.13.	Turtles
	12.11.13.1.	Land Turtles must be provided clean, potable water at all times in a shallow pan that the turtle can easily get into or out of with a water depth no deeper than the turtle’s chin when its head is straight out.
	12.11.13.2.	Water turtles must have clean, potable water available at all times. The depth of water in the enclosure must be at least equal to the carapace length of the turtle with a gradual access leading to a basking area.
	12.11.13.3.	Enclosure must provide minimum square footage of 70 square inches per 4 inches of carapace length per turtle.
	12.11.13.4.	The following must be subtracted (not counted) from the square footage: basking area, food dish, water dish, and security shelter.
(All turtles must be measured by straight carapace length.)
12.11.14.	Frogs
	12.11.14.1.	The length of the enclosure for hopping frogs must be four (4) times the length of the frog, and the height must be three (3) times the length of the frog.
	12.11.14.2.	The length of the enclosure for tree frogs must be two (2) times the length of the frog, and the height must be three (3) times the length of the frog.
	12.11.15.	For all other amphibians, the area of the enclosure must be five (5) square inches per inch of length of animal and must have a height of two (2) times the length of the animal.
12.11.16.	Snakes: At least 30% of the floor space must be left open for the snake to move about easily, feed, water, and defecate, and to make movements necessary for thermoregulation. Arboreal snakes must be provided with a perch. 
12.12.	An enclosure containing poisonous or venomous animals must be clearly labeled “Poisonous.” The enclosure must prevent injury to the public by the animal or escape by the animal.
12.13.	Fish
12.13.1.	Aquaria and ponds must maintain adequate water levels to sustain aquatic life.
12.13.2.	Aquarium lids may not provide an airtight barrier.
12.13.3.	Substrate material must cover the bottom of the freshwater aquarium if an underground filter is utilized. Filter-bed material must be a minimum of 1 inch thick across the entire bottom of the aquarium.
12.13.4.	Harmful nitrogenous waste products must be managed by the use of biological or chemical filtration.
12.13.5.	Labyrinth fish, such as Bettas, do not require the use of filtration systems, but the water in the enclosure must be changed weekly or more often if necessary.
12.13.6.	Water chemistry must be tested and recorded weekly to make sure the following specific criteria are within prescribed limits for established aquaria:
12.13.6.1.	Free ammonia concentration - the presence of free ammonia indicates that the biological filter is not working properly or the aquarium is overcrowded or overfed. The maximum acceptable level of free ammonia in a healthy aquarium is 1 ppm.
12.13.6.2.	PH - measures the acidity or the alkalinity of the water. The PH reading can vary from 5.5 to 9.0 depending on the requirements of a particular species of fish.
12.13.7.	Any time more than 30% of a tank’s water is replaced with chlorinated water, the aquarium must be treated with a water conditioner that will specifically remove chlorine or chloramines.
12.13.8.	Dead fish must be removed from the enclosure once daily or more often if necessary.
12.13.9.	Water in aquaria must be maintained at a temperature appropriate to the species. Accurate water temperature will be measured by a suitable aquarium thermometer.
12.13.10.	Fish must be fed food appropriate to the species on a routine basis to maintain good fish health and to maintain good water quality.
12.14.	All enclosures must allow each pet animal to turn around, exercise normal postural movements, and experience necessary socialization with cage mates, when applicable.
12.15.	Pet animal holding or drying areas must be large enough to allow the animal to stand, lie down, and turn around.
12.16.	In exigent circumstances, impoundment facilities may provide minimum space that allows each pet animal to turn around and exercise normal postural movements. These circumstances may not be of a routine nature and must be approved by the Commissioner.
12.17.	Any enclosure must be well-constructed, maintained in good repair, and constructed to allow animals to remain dry (when applicable) and clean.
12.18.	Enclosures must contain animals, protect them from injury, and keep predators out.
12.19.	Enclosures must provide all environmental conditions necessary for health and safety of the animals contained in them.
12.20.	All surfaces of indoor enclosures must be constructed of materials that are water-resistant and can be cleaned and sanitized. Wood accessories for birds and small animals are accepted.
12.21.	Animal shelters must have solid walls between enclosures in all dog and cat housing areas. The walls in dog and cat housing areas must prevent water and waste material from flowing between enclosures and must be high enough to prevent nose-to-nose contact of animals between enclosures. After a pet dog or cat has been housed in a animal sanctuary facility for longer than 180 days (6 months), solid walls are no longer required for that animal’s enclosure.
12.22.	Every facility must have the ability to accurately weigh each species of animal housed or transferred according to weight.
12.23.	The photoperiod and photo spectrum must be appropriate to the species.
12.24.	Cedar shavings must not be used as litter material.
12.25.	Minimum space requirements for other animals will be determined by the Commissioner on an individual basis.
Part 13.	Cleaning and Sanitation
13.1.	Sanitation of a facility may be achieved only by using one of the two methods listed below:
13.1.1.	“Chemical Sanitation” means the application of a Disinfectant, per the manufacturer’s label instructions, to a clean surface; or
13.1.2.	“Heat Sanitation” means the application of heat to raise surface temperature to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. 
13.2.	All enclosures, cages, benches, tables, tubs, etc., must be cleaned and then sanitized/disinfected after any one animal or group of animals ceases to occupy the space and before any other animal or group of animals occupies the same space or more often if necessary to maintain clean and sanitary conditions.
13.3.	With the exception of enclosures of small animals and birds, visible animal wastes must be removed from enclosures daily or more often if necessary. All visible waste must be removed from the enclosures of small animals and birds at least weekly or more frequently if necessary to prevent contamination of the pet animals and to reduce disease hazards and odors.
13.4.	Animals must be protected from exposure to water under pressure or to chemical solution used in cleaning the enclosure.
13.5.	Litter boxes must be kept clean inside and out.
13.6.	Food and water containers, including self-feeders and self-waterers, must be cleaned and sanitized at least weekly, or more often if necessary, and between use by different animals or groups of animals.
13.7.	Disposable food and water containers may be used if discarded after each use.
13.8.	All bird and small animal cage accessories (ladders, toys, perches, etc.) made of unsealed wood must be cleaned or replaced as often as necessary to maintain clean conditions. Perches, nests, or nest boxes in cages where birds are incubating eggs or brooding chicks must be cleaned and sanitized between breeding seasons or after all offspring have been permanently removed from the breeding cage.
13.9.	All pet animal enclosures, cages, runs, isolation rooms, or areas that contain pet animal(s) (except fish) suspected or being treated for communicable disease must be cleaned and sanitized daily. Fish enclosures must be cleaned and treated as appropriate for the species.
13.10.	Cross-contamination in isolation areas must be minimized by limiting handling of the animals and taking precautions to prevent contaminating other animals.
13.11.	Outdoor gravel, sand, or soil must be removed or replaced when permeated with urine or fecal matter, or when odors are present.
13.12.	Towels used to dry pet animals in a grooming or boarding/training facility must be adequately laundered before they are used on any other pet animal.
13.13.	Equipment used in a grooming or boarding facility such as brushes, combs, and clipper blades must be cleaned and sanitized between uses on different animals.
13.14.	Hair on the floor around a grooming station must be removed after an animal is groomed and before any other animal may be groomed.
13.15.	Animal and food wastes, used bedding, debris, and any other wastes must be removed from the pet animal facility daily and must be removed from the premises weekly or more frequently as necessary to control infestation, odors, disease hazards, and nuisances.
13.16.	Unopened pet food must be stored in waterproof, closed containers or at least 4 inches off the floor. Opened pet food must be stored in waterproof, closed containers. Expired food must be immediately discarded.
13.17.	The building and grounds must be kept clean, in good repair, and free of trash and unnecessary or unused items.
13.18.	Weeds and grass must be mowed or cut down in and around enclosures where animals are kept or exercised.
13.19.	Pests must be controlled. Food or bedding contaminated by pests must be discarded.
Part 14. 	Classification and Separation
14.1.	Pet animals exhibiting aggressive behavior must be housed in enclosures that prevent them from biting or injuring humans or other animals.
14.2.	Pet animals suspected of having a communicable disease must be isolated from other susceptible animals and the public.
14.3.	Pet animals housed together must be compatible and have similar environmental requirements.
14.4.	Any animal boarded in a licensed retail facility must be physically separated from sale animals.
14.5.	Dogs, cats, and other species in animal shelters and boarding/training facilities must be housed in separate rooms. Facilities may submit a written request to the Commissioner for an exemption from this requirement. Separate isolation for each species is not required.
14.6.	Any facility that operates as both a boarding/training facility and an animal shelter must have separate ventilation and full-wall separation between the boarding/training and shelter areas. Facilities may submit a written request to the Commissioner for an exemption from this requirement. Any such submission must demonstrate provisions for the health and safety of the animals in the facility if such exemption were to be granted.
14.7.	Puppies, kittens, and rabbits under the age of 22 weeks may not be housed in the same enclosure with adults other than their dam or foster dam, unless under direct supervision. Facilities may submit a written request to the commissioner for an exemption from this requirement. Any such submission must demonstrate adequate provisions and safeguards to protect the health and safety of the animals in the facility.
14.8.	With the exception of a licensed breeding facility, females in season (estrus) must not be housed in enclosures with other animals. In animal shelters, animals that have reached sexual maturity must be housed separately from the opposite sex unless spayed or neutered. Birds and reptiles are exempt from this requirement.
14.9.	Any bitch or queen in whelp must be housed individually a minimum of one week prior to its whelping date.
14.10.	Unless under constant and direct supervision, no more than 5 dogs over 6 months of age may be housed in any one enclosure or common area, with the following exceptions.
14.10.1.	Dog breeder facilities may submit written request to the Commissioner for an exemption from this requirement if the facility has no disciplinary matters pending. Any such submission must demonstrate provisions for the safety and well-being of dogs in the facility if such submission were to be granted.
14.10.2.	In boarding/training facilities and grooming facilities dogs from different households may be commingled in common areas, under constant and direct supervision, with the written consent of the owners.
14.10.3.	There must be a minimum of one human supervisor (at least 16 years of age) present, at all times, who has immediate access to and is able to directly supervise and constantly view each  common area where dogs from different owners are commingled. Under no circumstances will viewing by video camera or through windows be considered acceptable supervision to satisfy this requirement. Employees who are engaged in performing other tasks, including grooming other pet animals, do not satisfy this requirement.
14.10.4.	Employees who are engaged in performing other tasks, including grooming other pet animals, do not satisfy this requirement.
14.10.5.4	There must be at least one human supervisor for every 15 dogs commingled within each common area. If more than 15 dogs are commingled in a common area, then the supervisor-dog ratio becomes:
	2-15 dogs – one supervisor;
	16-30 dogs – two supervisors;
	31-45 dogs – three supervisors;
	45-60 dogs – four supervisors.
14.10.6.5	No more than 60 dogs may be commingled in any enclosure or common area at any time.
Part 15.	Veterinary Care and Disease Control
15.1.	Shelters, rescues, and retail/wholesale facilities that do not have a veterinarian on staff shall have a signed and dated written agreement with a licensed veterinarian for services and consultation regarding animal health needs. This agreement must be updated each licensing period. The name and phone number of the veterinarian must be included. Pet animal grooming, boarding/training and breeding facilities shall have a working relationship with a veterinarian to provide timely veterinary care. The name and phone number of the veterinarian must be available to the inspector upon request.
15.2.	Pet animals must be observed daily for signs of injury or illness by the person in charge of the facility or by an employee working under his/her direct supervision.
15.3.	Sick, diseased, or injured animals, except for fish and invertebrates, must be provided with timely veterinary care or euthanized in a humane manner under the direction of the facility’s veterinarian. Euthanasia must be consistent with § 35-80-102(7), C.R.S.
15.4.	Grooming facilities may not administer tranquilizers, sedatives, or any other pharmaceutical drug designed to calm an animal during the grooming process.
15.5.	Boarding/training facilities acting as agents for the owner may administer supplements and medications to pet animals being boarded as directed by the owner’s veterinarian. If the operators agree to administer prescription medications, the medications must be in the original container issued by veterinarian or pharmacy and administered according to label directions. The label must include: client name/pet name, dosage, drug name, veterinarian’s name, and date issued. All supplements or non-prescription medications must be in their original containers.
15.6.	Boarding/training facilities may not administer tranquilizers, sedatives, or any other pharmaceutical drug designed to calm an animal unless the drug is administered under the direction of the animal’s veterinarian, with a written prescription from the animal’s veterinarian, and with written permission from the animal’s owner.
15.7.	Prescription medication, including prescription bathing products, may only be administered to pet animals under the written direction of a licensed veterinarian.
15.8.	Expired medication may not be administered to pet animals under any circumstance and must be discarded.
Part 18.	Special Requirements
18.1.	Pet animals must be groomed to prevent matted hair, overgrown nails, and overgrown beaks and so that they have freedom of movement and so that they may perform normal bodily functions and so that the health and welfare of the animal is protected.
18.2.	Reasonable care must be taken to transfer only those pet animals that are free from undisclosed disease, injury, or abnormality.
18.3.	Any pet animal, excluding reptiles, fish, and rodents, transferred into a PACFA-licensed facility from outside Colorado must be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued by an accredited veterinarian within the state of origin and within 30 10 days prior to the animal’s arrival in Colorado. Facilities must meet all import requirements as determined by the Colorado state veterinarian.
18.4.	It is unlawful to sell, transfer, or adopt dogs or cats under the age of eight weeks.
18.5.	The acceptance by a licensed pet animal shelter or rescue or exchange between licensed pet animal shelters or rescues of underage animals that have been abandoned or relinquished shall not constitute a transfer for the purposes of § 35-80-108, C.R.S. In such acceptance or exchange, the underage animals shall be kept with the dam, whenever possible.
18.6.	A facility may not sell, transfer, or adopt cats less than two pounds of body weight unless written documentation is provided by the facility’s veterinarian stating that the cat has been examined and is of sufficient physical development and general health to be safely transferred or that the cat is greater than 12 weeks of age.
18.7.	A facility may not sell, transfer, or adopt guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, or any other pet animal species as may be specified by the Commissioner, under the age of four weeks. This does not include birds.
18.8.	No person or entity may sell, barter, exchange, or otherwise transfer, import or cause to be imported into this state any type of turtle with a straight carapace length of less than four inches.
18.9.	Tethering of pet animals is prohibited except for dogs and cats for grooming and for dogs when cleaning their enclosures.
18.9.1.	Tethering must be done in a manner that prevents the tethered animal from entanglement with other pet animals or other objects.
18.9.2.	Dogs or cats tethered on a raised surface must have constant direct human supervision.
18.9.3.	Tethers must be attached to the animal by means of a well-fitted and non-tightening collar or loop with a swivel on the collar or non-tightening loop.
18.10.	Untethered dogs or cats groomed on a raised surface must have constant and direct human supervision. 
18.11.	The use of dog houses with chains (tethering) as an enclosure is prohibited.
18.12.	Facilities that breed, train, or house Alaskan dog breeds or Alaskan breed crosses, specifically for the purpose of pulling dog sleds, and that have no current disciplinary matters pending before the Commissioner, may submit a written request to the Commissioner for a waiver from the prohibition against dog houses with chains (tethering) as an enclosure.
18.12.1.	Any request for waiver of the prohibition must be accompanied by a written plan for training and conditioning of the dogs for a license year, which plan will be in place for each successive year. The plan must be signed by the facility owner and the consulting veterinarian and compliance with the plan must be documented.
18.12.2.	If dog houses with chains are used as an enclosure, the facility must keep a record monthly of the training and conditioning of each dog, showing the number of months per year the dogs are used for pulling sleds, number of days per week spent pulling sleds, and average amount of time dogs spend pulling sleds.
18.12.3.	The facility must also record the number of months of the year the dogs are not used for pulling sleds, the number of days per week dogs are trained or conditioned off the tether when they are not pulling sleds, and for how much time each day the dogs are trained or conditioned during this time.
18.12.4.	The licensee must document in writing, and keep on file while the dog is in the facility, evidence of the exercise of these dogs.
18.12.5.	No female dogs in whelp or with puppies may be tethered.
18.12.6.	If dog houses with chains are used as enclosures for dogs kept outdoors, the chains used must be so placed or attached that they cannot become entangled with the chains of other dogs or any other objects. Such chains must be a minimum of 6 feet long and of a type commonly used for the size of dog involved and must be attached to the dog by means of a well-fitted, non-tightening collar or harness. All tethering chains must have a swivel.
18.12.7.	If tethering is used, a fence perimeter must surround the entire tethering area to protect the tethered dogs from predators, stray animals, and humans.
18.13.	Whelping area
18.13.1.	A whelping area containing a whelping box with a solid floor is required for cats and dogs in whelp.
18.13.2.	The whelping box must allow the dam to lie stretched out on her side, permitting all puppies or kittens to nurse, and must be large enough to accommodate the puppies or kittens until weaned.
18.13.3.	The whelping area must be large enough to allow the dam to leave the whelping box.
18.13.4.	Nursery enclosures with wire flooring must have a solid resting surface large enough to accommodate all dogs housed in the enclosure simultaneously.
18.14.	Dryers that produce heat must be equipped with a timer that will automatically shut the dryer off after 30 minutes unless the dryer is used as a hand-held dryer or is a dryer directly attended by a person.
18.15.	Dryers with heating elements may not cover more than 20% of the total open area of the cage surface.
18.16.	Pet animals must be bathed in water at a temperature appropriate to the species/breed, age, and condition of the animal.
18.17.	Each breeding dog or cat must be individually identified by collars, microchips, or tattoos. The Commissioner may approve alternate methods of identification upon written request.
18.18.	In animal shelters each animal must be identifiable through cage/run cards, identifying collars, leg bands, or alternate methods of identification approved by the Commissioner.
18.19.	Behavioral control devices may be used for the safety of pet animals and handlers. Behavioral control devices must be humane and used humanely per the manufacturer’s intended use. All self-tightening collars, pinch collars, muzzles or choke chains may be used when dogs are directly attended and otherwise must be removed.
18.20.	Battery operated or electrical behavioral control devices, such as shock collars, shock prods, or electrical fences, as well as pinch-collars and choke collars, may be used only with the written consent of the owner.
18.21.	Pools
18.21.1.	Whenever water in a pool is deeper than the height at the shoulder of the shortest dog in the pool area, an ingress-egress area shall be provided.
18.21.2.	No dog may have access to the pool or pool area without constant and direct supervision. Facilities may submit written request to the Commissioner for an exemption from this requirement if the facility has no disciplinary matters pending.   Any such submission must demonstrate provisions for the safety and well-being of dogs in the care of the facility if such submission were to be granted.
18.21.3.	Facilities must be constructed, maintained, and managed to protect animals from illness, injury, and death resulting from access to pools or pool areas.
18.21.4.	Pools with a capacity of less than 100 gallons must have the water changed and be cleaned and sanitized daily.
18.22.	Animal rescue facilities shall use a system of fostering in private homes or keeping pet animals in licensed pet animal facilities. No more than eight dogs or cats may be housed in any foster home at any time. A female dog with puppies under 8 weeks of age or a queen with kittens under 8 weeks of age will be considered one adult. Facilities may submit a written request to the commissioner for an exemption from this requirement. Such an exemption shall be granted at the commissioner’s sole discretion and only upon a finding that the rescue facility has demonstrated adequate provisions and safeguards that ensure the safety and well-being of the animals in the care of the foster provider.
18.23.	In the event a public shelter is unable to comply with any of the facility standards due to lack of funding, the public animal shelter must inform the Commissioner in writing, and the facility may request a waiver of the particular requirement with which it is unable to comply.
Part 19.	Recordkeeping
19.1.	Each licensee must keep and maintain records in the form and manner designated by the Commissioner as set forth by these Rules. The licensee must maintain requisite records at the physical facility address specified in the license application for a period of two years after disposition of the animal for which the record was originally made. All required records must be made available to any inspector authorized by the Commissioner.
19.2.	Acquisition records are required and must include, at a minimum: the date the animal was transferred; source or how acquired; name, address and phone number of the source if known; number of animals received; animal breed or species; specific identifying characteristics if available; bird band number or other identification approved by the Commissioner, if applicable; date of birth of dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
19.3.	Disposition records are required, for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, psittacine birds, and hamsters and herptiles and must include the date of birth for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters. For dogs, and cats, The disposition records must include breed or species, gender, and physical description of the animal and name, address, phone number, and signature of purchaser or adopter the recipient of the animal. For kittens under 12 weeks of age the weight at the time of transfer must be included. For psittacine birds, the bird band number must be included.
19.4.	Facilities must record date of death or euthanasia for dogs, cats and psittacine birds. Records of euthanasia shall include species or breed, date, and method of euthanasia including dosage.
19.5.	Maintenance
19.5.1.	A maintenance record must be kept for each dog and cat housed permanently at a facility. These records must include the name, date of birth, breed, gender, color, any identifying characteristics, and required permanent identification information.
19.5.2.	Records of animals boarded, or trained or groomed must be kept by the facility and must include the name and address of the owner of the pet animal, date of transaction, species/breed, specific identifying characteristics, gender and age, and name of the owner’s veterinarian.
19.5.3.	A record must be kept of immunizations for each boarded animal at a facility, recording the date on which the immunization was given or the expiration date of the immunization. These records may be transferred to and kept on kennel forms.
19.6.	Zoonosis
19.6.1.	Any facility selling, adopting or otherwise transferring psittacine birds to the public must furnish the buyer or adopter of each psittacine bird a Psittacine Bird Sales Record approved by the Commissioner, giving the business name of the facility, the name, address and phone number of the person buying or adopting the bird, and the number, species and leg band identification number, or other identification approved by the Commissioner, for each bird. Printed on this sales record must be a warning to the buyer or adopter of a possible psittacosis hazard. This warning must include a description of the disease signs in birds, symptoms in humans, and a statement regarding the critical need for prompt medical diagnosis and treatment when symptoms are present.
19.6.2.	Any facility selling, adopting, or otherwise transferring reptiles must have each retail purchaser or adopter of one or more reptiles read an educational document approved by the Commissioner. This educational document must state the possible salmonellosis hazard to people and describe common hygienic practices to help prevent salmonella exposure to humans. The purchaser must sign a dated register provided by the pet animal dealer after reading this educational document.
19.6.3.	Any facility selling, adopting, or otherwise transferring dogs, cats, or ferrets must provide an educational document prescribed by the Commissioner to each retail purchaser or adopter describing the benefits of rabies vaccination and the risk of rabies infection. This document must state the potential risk to humans posed by the rabies virus and the methods to prevent human and animal exposure. The retail purchaser or adopter must sign or initial that this document has been received.
19.7.	In accordance with § 35-108-108(1)(i), C.R.S., no person may import or have in his possession for the purpose of selling, trading, giving away, or otherwise transferring any psittacine bird that has not been legally banded with a type of leg band authorized by the Commissioner  and appropriate to the size and species of the bird. The Commissioner authorizes any traceable leg band or microchip. 
19.7.1.	No licensed pet animal facility may use another licensee's registered leg band, nor may a licensee sell or transfer his registered leg band to another person.
19.7.2.	Application for a traceable leg band must be made to the Commissioner. 
19.7.3.	A leg band that is causing injury to a bird may be removed provided the Commissioner is notified in writing. Upon sale, trade, or other means of transfer, the bird must be accompanied with a traceable leg band approved by the Commissioner. If the bird is unable to wear a leg band, the band must be attached to a photograph of the bird to prove identification and be kept with the acquisition/disposition records. 
19.7.4.	The Commissioner may require other species of birds to be banded. In such event, the Commissioner will notify any licensee affected.
19.8.	Written permissions
19.8.1.	In boarding/training facilities and grooming facilities, pet animals of different ownership may be housed in the same enclosure, under constant and direct supervision, with the written consent of the owners.
19.8.2.	Housing boarded dogs in crates requires written consent of the owner.
19.8.3.	Products not labeled for use on pet animals may be used only with the written consent of the owner.
19.8.4.	Records for animals boarded, or trained or transported by a pet handler animals must include a written agreement concerning veterinary care to treat diseased or injured animals and must address disposition of animals that die at the facility.
19.8.5.	Battery-operated or electrical behavioral control devices, such as shock collars, shock prods, or electrical fences as well as pinch-collars and choke collars, may be used only with the written consent of the owner.
19.9.	Written disclosure
19.9.1.	Written disclosure of all treatments received while in the care of the pet animal facility involving immunizations, medications, and any other veterinary treatments, administered prior to transfer, must be provided at the time of transfer to the transferee for all pet animals excluding fish, feeders, and invertebrates. A record detailing the product used, the dosage, and the date(s) administered must be included. Proof of disclosure, signed by purchaser the recipient of the animal, must be kept with facility records.
19.9.2.	For grooming, and boarding/training and pet handler facilities, an incident file must be kept within each facility for animals sustaining injury or illness requiring veterinary care or death or for any escape. Each report must include date of incident, pet’s name, breed/species, age, owner’s name and contact information, description of incident, and course of action.
19.9.3.	In the event of either death or escape at a boarding/training facility, pet handler, pet transporter facility or at a grooming facility, the licensee must notify PACFA in writing within 72 hours.
19.9.4.	Treatment records must be kept on all pet animals (except fish and invertebrates) that receive any medications or immunizations used in the treatment or prevention of illness, or the treatment of injury, while in the care of the pet animal facility. These records must include the identification of the pet animal receiving medical treatment, signs of illness, reason for medical treatment, or veterinary diagnosis, the name of the medication or immunization used, the amount of medication used, and the time and date on which the medication or immunization was administered.
19.9.5.	In connection with the adoption, sale or transfer, each pet animal facility shall provide, in good faith, the prospective purchaser/adopter, upon request at the time of sale or adoption, a written statement that contains the following information:
19.9.5.1.	The date the animal was transferred; source or how acquired; name, and address of the breeder; animal breed or species; specific identifying characteristics if available; bird band number, USDA identifying tag, tattoo, microchip, or other identification approved by the Commissioner; if known, the date of birth of dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs; and any medical treatment or medication received prior to arrival at the pet animal facility, if known. 
19.9.5.2.	The purchaser shall acknowledge in writing receipt of the information required in Part 19.9.5.1.
19.9.5.3.	A record of the written disclosure and the receipt acknowledgement shall be retained by the facility.
19.10.	Unless expressly exempted by the commissioner, an animal shelter or pet animal rescue shall not release a dog or cat to a prospective owner unless the animal has been sterilized by a licensed veterinarian. A facility with limited access to licensed veterinarians, or public shelters eligible for waiver of licensing fees, can apply to the commissioner for an exemption to this rule and the requirements of section 35-80-106.4, C.R.S.
19.10.	Spay/neuter
	19.10.1.	For animal shelters and rescues, except as provided in § 35-80-106.4(3)(a),(b),(c) and (d), C.R.S., it is unlawful to transfer any dog or cat that is not spayed or neutered prior to leaving the facility unless the prospective owner has paid a deposit to the facility and signed a written agreement with the facility to have the animal spayed or neutered.
	19.10.2.	The written agreement to have the animals spayed or neutered must include: age, sex, species, breed, and general descrption of the animal; date of adoption and date by which the animal must be sterilized; adopting party’s name, address, and phone number, and signature; and facility name, address, and phone number.
	19.10.3.	Shelter and rescue facilities must record spay/neuter status upon adoption and amount of deposit, if required, that is retained.
	19.10.4.	The amount of the deposit is $50.
	19.10.5.	The deposit may be reclaimed upon presentation of written correspondence from a licensed veterinarian that the animal has been spayed or neutered within 90 days of transfer. The facility may extend the 90 day requirement upon presentation of written correspondence from a licensed veterinarian stating that the life or health of the adopted pet may be jeopardized by sterilization. If the deposit is not reclaimed after 90 days, it becomes the property of the adopting agency and must be deposited annually upon license renewal with the Pet Overpopulation Fund or a local dedicated spay and neuter fund.
	19.10.6.	Animal shelter and animal rescue facilities must report to the Commissioner on a yearly basis whether they spayed or neutered all dogs and cats prior to transfer, the total dollar amount of deposits paid to the facility, and the total dollar amount of unclaimed deposits.
19.11.	Foster
19.11.1.	Shelter and rescue facilities using foster homes or licensed pet animal facilities to foster their pet animals, must maintain a list containing the name of the foster care provider, phone number, and current street address for each place or premises at which pet animals are housed. Name, breed/species, physical description, age, gender, and foster home location must be recorded for each pet animal fostered. The Commissioner may, upon request, have access to any part of a foster home in which fostered pet animals are kept.
19.11.2.	The licensee shall inspect each of its foster homes care providers at least once annually and before any animal is fostered at the location and maintain a record of those inspections at the physical facility address. The inspection record must include the date of inspection, the number and species of pet animals that permanently reside at each foster home care provider, the signature of the foster care provider and the signature of the person inspecting the foster care facility.
19.11.3.	The licensee shall obtain have a written, signed foster agreement with each of its foster care providers before any animal is fostered at the location and maintain such record at the physical facility address. homes, which Such foster agreement shall include a statement that the foster home care provider understands and agrees to adhere to all relevant zoning and animal control codes and ordinances, whether local, county, or state. 
19.11.4.  	The licensee must provide written disclosure of all diseases, injuries or abnormalities in the written, signed foster agreement. 
Part 25.	Statements of Basis, Specific Statutory Authority and Purpose
25.4.	Adopted September 17, 2019 – Effective October 30, 2019
Statutory authority:
The commissioner of agriculture adopts these rules pursuant to § 35-80-109(1) and (2), c.r.s.
Purpose:
The purpose of this rulemaking is to effect the changes from the 2018 Sunset Report and Senate Bill 19-158, including: changes to pet animal sterilization requirements; the addition of disciplinary actions related to convictions for violations of local, state or federal laws involving animal theft, importation, capture, cruelty, neglect or abuse in any jurisdiction; and the extension of a two-year period of ineligibility to all parties with substantial control over the daily operations of an entity. This rulemaking also adds new definitions, revises fees for all license categories, clarifies and adds requirements for small mammal and reptile enclosures, and updates reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 
Factual policy and issues:
The changes from the 2018 Sunset Report and Senate Bill 19-158 simplify animal sterilization requirements and ensure licensees are compliant with all areas of law that affect animal welfare. The new sterilization requirements eliminate the option to re-home a dog or cat without sterilization by making a deposit and signing an agreement to have the animal sterilized in the future; this ensures dogs and cats are safely sterilized before they are re-homed. The addition of disciplinary actions related to convictions of local laws and specific animal-related laws ensures PACFA licensees are compliant with all animal welfare laws.
Additionally, the reviewers added new definitions, including a new license category for commercial pet animal facilities, and separate definitions for retail and wholesale facilities. A new category of commercial pet animal facility was added at the request of stakeholders to better represent exhibition, recreation and sporting businesses like hunt clubs and sled dog facilities that do not breed animals as part of their business model. A separate wholesale license category was added for hobby and other breeders that sell to retail establishments in an effort to improve the health and welfare of animals placed in commerce.
The reviewers also added a definition of ‘direct supervision’ to clarify that licensees must have staff members physically present in the same space as the animals being supervised to provide for animal safety and welfare; supervision from another location via a window or recording equipment is not sufficient. 
Enclosure requirements were revised to better reflect industry standards for housing lizards, hedgehogs, chinchillas and sugar gliders. Additionally, weekly reporting requirements were added to aid inspectors in ensuring that enclosures for reptiles and fish are maintained properly for the health, safety and welfare of the animals.
Recordkeeping requirements were also revised to ensure accountability and document animal welfare. Licensees must now keep and maintain disposition records for herptiles, and facilities that use foster care providers must keep and maintain a foster agreement, that includes disclosure of disease, injury or other abnormality, before any animal is transferred to the care of a foster provider.  These changes will limit the transmission of disease and improve traceability of disease. Additionally, any animals transferred from out of state must meet all import requirements of the Colorado State Veterinarian.