The Colorado Department of Agriculture has proposed updates to the rules pertaining to the administration and enforcement of the state’s Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA). The reasonable updates would implement changes required by Senate Bill 24-045, which requires animal shelters and rescues to sterilize dogs and cats prior to adoption. The proposal also:
- Adds clarifying definitions
- Updates enclosure requirements for some species
- Updates cleaning, sanitation, and isolation rules
- Updates rules regarding commingling of animals
- Adds a new rule requiring certain vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets imported into Colorado
- Updates recordkeeping requirements for dogs and cats in grooming, boarding/training, and pet handler facilities
- Updates notification requirements of pet transporters.
How to Comment:
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends that all potentially impacted facilities review the proposed rule changes. Those with comments, questions, or concerns are encouraged to do the following:
1) Attend the virtual public hearing. The hearing will take place at 9AM (Mountain) on April 14, 2025, on Zoom. Call-in information: 1-719-359-4580 (use Meeting ID: 847 8579 1996 and Passcode 146918).
While not required, those interested in participating in the hearing are encouraged to pre-register by completing this form, or by sending your name and telephone number to cda_rulemaking@state.co.us.
2) Submit written comments before the April 14, 2025, hearing by emailing the hearing officers at cda_rulemaking@state.co.us.
For more information, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org; or the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners at Kharahs@comcast.net.