02 NCAC 52J .0203 OUTDOOR FACILITIES
(a) In outdoor facilities that are subject to the Animal Welfare Act, primary enclosures, common areas and walkways with which an animal comes in contact:
(1) shall have groundcover constructed of sealed concrete or other surfaces so long as it is impervious to moisture, and/or;
(2) may use gravel for groundcover so long as it is maintained at a minimum depth of six inches and maintained in a sanitary manner as prescribed in Rule .0207 of this Subchapter.
(b) Exercise areas of outdoor facilities:
(1) shall have flooring or groundcover constructed of sealed concrete or other surfaces impervious to moisture; and/or
(2) use gravel for groundcover so long as it is maintained at a minimum depth of six inches and kept in a sanitary manner; and/or
(3) artificial turf may be allowed so long as it is adequately maintained in good repair, is replaced when damaged, and is cleaned and sanitized in accordance with 02 NCAC 52J .0207; and/or
(4) may contain established grass so long as the animal(s) do not have access to bare dirt and the grass covered area(s) must be kept properly cleaned and sanitized as prescribed in Rule .0207 of this Subchapter. In the event of a contagious disease outbreak, the sanitation, management, and use of the grass area shall be addressed in the veterinarian's written protocol required by 02 NCAC 52J .0210(b) and (c).
(c) Sand and organic materials such as mulch, pine straw, or other similar non-approved material shall not be used as ground cover in primary enclosures, common areas, exercise areas and/or walkways.
(d) Dogs and cats in outdoor primary enclosures shall be provided housing to allow them to remain dry and comfortable during inclement weather:
(1) housing shall be constructed of material which is impervious to moisture and which can be cleaned and sanitized in accordance with 02 NCAC 52J .0207;
(2) one house shall be available for each animal within each primary enclosure. The house(s) shall be of adequate size for the animal housed in the enclosure. In the case of a mother and her unweaned offspring, one house of adequate size to comfortably house the mother and all the offspring together must be provided;
(3) housing structures in outdoor facilities must contain clean, dry bedding or a heat source when the temperature falls below 32 degrees F;
(4) special provisions shall be provided to any animal that cannot maintain its normal body temperature when housed outside. These special provisions shall be adequate for the animal to maintain its normal body temperature and shall be documented in the animal's record. If the animal cannot maintain its normal body temperature even with special provisions, then that animal shall not be housed outside. No infirm animal may be housed outdoors; and
(5) in addition to housing, the enclosure shall provide protection from excessive sun and inclement weather.
(e) Dogs and cats in outdoor areas shall be provided adequate protection from inclement weather and the Sun. This protection shall be sufficient to protect all animals simultaneously in the exercise area. If an animal cannot maintain its normal body temperature in an outdoor exercise area, the animal shall not be placed in an outside exercise area.
(f) Outdoor common areas used for play, enrichment and elimination shall be maintained in good repair and be properly cleaned and sanitized as set forth in 02 NCAC 52J .0207 to protect the animals from injury and/or illness.
(g) Animal owners shall be advised at the time of reservation and admission at a boarding kennel if the animal will be kept in outside facilities. This shall be documented in the animal's record.
(h) A suitable method of drainage shall be provided so that water is adequately drained from the primary enclosures, common areas, exercise areas and walkways and so that the animal(s) does/do not have access to standing water.
History Note: Authority G.S. 19A-24;
Eff. April 1, 1984;
Amended Eff. March 23, 2009; January 1, 2005;
Readopted Eff. September 1, 2022.