Senate Bill 945 which will establish standards of care for pet boarding facilities has been amended and may impact more fanciers and responsible dog owners.
The bill now defines a pet boarding facility as “any lot, building, structure, enclosure or other premises whereupon two or more dogs, cats or other pets in any combination are boarded for compensation.”
Provisions of SB 945 include:
- Primary enclosure is defined as, “a structure, including, but not limited to an exercise run, kennel, or room, used to restrict a pet, that provides for the effective separation of a pet from the pet’s waste products, such as by providing the pet with access to a separate indoor room or outside area. A primary enclosure shall enable the pet to turn about freely, stand easily, and sit or lie in a comfortable position.
- Primary enclosures must “contain an indoor or outdoor area that is no less than three (3) feet wide for a do weighing not more than forty-five (45) pounds and four (4) feet wide for a dog weighing more than forty-five (45) pounds and no less than ten (10) feet long no matter the size of the dog.”
- An adjacent indoor enclosure is required and must meet specific criteria based on the weight of the dog. It is not clear what would happen if the primary enclosure is indoors or if the areas are not adjacent (pets are moved between indoor and outdoor enclosures).
- Temporary enclosure is defined as, “a structure used to restrict a pet, including, but not limited to, a crate or cage that does not provide for the effective separation of a pet from the pet’s waste products.
- A pet may be contained in a temporary enclosure for a maximum of eight (8) hours or the “length of time that is humane for that particular pet, whichever is less. The pet shall remain outside the temporary enclosure for no less than fifteen (15) minutes for each consecutive hour spent in the enclosure.” It is unclear how this would work if an animal is kept in a crate overnight. Experts estimate that dogs sleep anywhere from 10-16 hours a day, and more for puppies and senior dogs.
- “House only one pet in an enclosure at a time unless consented to in writing by the owner.” While this may make sense for temporary enclosures, it is unclear how this would impact large outdoors runs or areas that are designed for dogs to interact, play and socialize.
- Observe each pet at least once every eight (8) hours in order to recognize symptoms of sickness, injury or distress.” Again, it is unclear how this would work overnight.
If you have questions, concerns or suggestions regarding this legislation, please contact Senator Monning’s office. You may also want to forward this information to the facility where you board your dogs.
Senator Bill Monning
Email: Senator.Monning@senate.ca.gov
Phone: 916-651-4017
Senate Bill 945 which will establish standards of care for pet boarding facilities has been amended and may impact more fanciers and responsible dog owners.