The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) recently posted an updated version of its Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations booklet. The new version contains regulatory changes implemented since November 2013, including the “Retail Pet Store Rule” and “Importation of Live Dogs Rule.”
The Animal Welfare Act and regulations establish federal standards for humane care and treatment of certain animals that are bred for commercial sale, transported commercially, used in biomedical research, and exhibited to the public.
A printed copy of the booklet can be requested by contacting USDA/APHIS at aceast@aphis.usda.gov, (919) 855-7100 (Eastern U.S.) or acwest@aphis.usda.gov, (970) 494-7478 (Western U.S.)