02 NCAC 52J .0302          PRIMARY ENCLOSURES USED IN TRANSPORTING DOGS AND CATS

(a)  Primary enclosures such as compartments or transport cages, cartons, or crates used by persons subject to the Animal Welfare Act to transport cats and dogs shall be constructed, ventilated and designed to protect the health and ensure the safety of the animals. Such enclosures shall be constructed or positioned in the vehicle in such a manner that:

(1)           Each animal in the vehicle has adequate fresh air for normal breathing.

(2)           The openings of such enclosures are always easily accessible for emergency removals.

(3)           The animals are adequately protected from the elements.

(4)           The temperature in any area of a vehicle holding an animal shall be maintained between 50 degrees F and 85 degrees F. A facility shall be deemed as being in compliance if its vehicles' animal holding areas are equipped with operable heating and air-conditioning or forced-air heating and cooling, or other temperature control that are adequately utilized. A functional thermometer shall be present in the animal holding area of the vehicle.

(b)  Animals transported in the same primary enclosure shall be of the same species. Puppies or kittens less than four months of age shall not be transported in the same primary enclosure with adult dogs and cats other than their dams.

(c)  Primary enclosures used to transport dogs and cats shall be large enough for each animal to turn about freely, and to easily stand, sit, or lie down in a natural position. Primary enclosures used to transport dogs and cats shall be secured to the vehicle to prevent sliding or tipping of the enclosure during transit.

(d)  Special provisions during transport shall be provided to any animal that cannot maintain its normal body temperature during the transport. These special provisions shall be adequate for the animal to maintain its normal body temperature and shall be documented in the animal's record.

(e)  Animals shall not be placed in primary enclosures over other animals in transit unless such enclosure is constructed to prevent animal excreta from entering lower enclosures.

(f)  All primary enclosures used to transport dogs and cats shall be sanitized between use for shipments.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 19A-24;

Eff. April 1, 1984;

Amended Eff. March 23, 2009; January 1, 2005;

Readopted Eff. September 1, 2022.