New Licensing Rule for Animal Welfare: Enhanced Veterinary Care for Dogs

In May 2020, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service APHIS published a new regulation often referred to as the Licensing Rule APHIS-2017-0062. This rule modifies requirements for mntning licenses under the Animal Welfare Act while adding new criteria for water supply and veterinary care specifically for dogs.

A key requirement is that all regulated facilities must collaborate with their atting veterinarian to develop a written program of veterinary care med at dog welfare. This applies regardless of whether they have full-time on-site veterinarians, underscoring the essential role of professional veterinary oversight in animal care.

The regulations stipulate several aspects that must be included within this care plan:

1. Annual Visits by Atting Veterinarian: At least once every 12 months, the atting veterinarian is expected to conduct a site visit. This ensures the vet has real-time information about the health and conditions of animals and facilities in their care.

2. Physical Examination: A comprehensive 'head-to-tl' checkup on all dogs, conducted annually to monitor their overall health and well-being. The examination should adhere to standards of veterinary medicine.

3. Vaccination Regimens: Vaccinations agnst rabies, parvovirus, distemper are mandatory due to their significant threat as contagious diseases in dogs. These vaccinations may include additional pathogens recommed by the vet or vaccine manufacturers based on local conditions and professional standards.

4. Parasite Control: A regimen of sampling and treatment for parasites including fleas, worms, coccidia, giardia, and heartwor prevent clinical illness.

5. Preventive Care Programs: An emphasis on mntning a healthy coat, well-trimmed nls, clean eyes, ears, skin, and teeth as part of routine care.

The new rules allow for flexibility regarding when these tasks are performed-whether during the site visit or at other times that may be more convenient-but they emphasize their importance in ensuring dog welfare.

Facilities should update this written veterinary care program if there are changes to its practices; an existing plan remns valid as long as it continues to align with regulatory requirements.

In addition, mntning detled medical records for dogs is now essential and must be accessible during inspections. This includes all necessary documentation of vaccines, preventive treatments, husbandry routines, and any clinical concerns noted by veterinarians.

The new rule emphasizes the need for inclusivity in care, recognizing that wolves and wolf hybrids are still classified as dogs under current regulations. Annual physical examinations may require sedation in some cases due to handling challenges; the atting veterinarian must decide on the best course based on animal welfare principles.

For further guidance on specific veterinary care practices such as flea control or heartworm prevention, resources provided by APHIS can offer additional insights and recommations tlored to different environments and conditions.
This article is reproduced from: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-welfare/attending-veterinarians/veterinary-care-new-rule

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