Late yesterday, the U.S Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released additional guidance in a Question and Answer format to assist pet breeders, brokers, adoption organizations, importers, transporters and other groups who may be subject to licensing under the federal Animal Welfare Act.
The Retail Pet Store Rules and Importation of Live Dogs Rule–Guidance for Breeders, Brokers and Importers provides information on a variety of topics and questions related to USDA regulated animal activities, such as licensing requirements for transportation of regulated animals to their new homes, breeders who sell pets overseas, breeder involvement in rescue activities, importing pets for rescue, the role of intermediate handlers, and other information.
The USDA is still determining impact on regulations from directives in the 2014 Farm Bill, including requirements related to the de minimis licensing exemption.
AKC Government Relations is reviewing the latest guidance document and will be providing additional information, comment and updates as appropriate.