[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 9, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2008]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 9CFR3.4]

[Page 48]
 
                  TITLE 9--ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS
 
  CHAPTER I--ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE
 
PART 3_STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
 Subpart A_Specifications for the Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, and 
                   Transportation of Dogs and Cats \1\
 
Sec. 3.4  Outdoor housing facilities.

    (a) Restrictions. (1) The following categories of dogs or cats must 
not be kept in outdoor facilities, unless that practice is specifically 
approved by the attending veterinarian:
    (i) Dogs or cats that are not acclimated to the temperatures 
prevalent in the area or region where they are maintained;
    (ii) Breeds of dogs or cats that cannot tolerate the prevalent 
temperatures of the area without stress or discomfort (such as short-
haired breeds in cold climates); and
    (iii) Sick, infirm, aged or young dogs or cats.
    (2) When their acclimation status is unknown, dogs and cats must not 
be kept in outdoor facilities when the ambient temperature is less than 
50 [deg]F (10 [deg]C).
    (b) Shelter from the elements. Outdoor facilities for dogs or cats 
must include one or more shelter structures that are accessible to each 
animal in each outdoor facility, and that are large enough to allow each 
animal in the shelter structure to sit, stand, and lie in a normal 
manner, and to turn about freely. In addition to the shelter structures, 
one or more separate outside areas of shade must be provided, large 
enough to contain all the animals at one time and protect them from the 
direct rays of the sun. Shelters in outdoor facilities for dogs or cats 
must contain a roof, four sides, and a floor, and must:
    (1) Provide the dogs and cats with adequate protection and shelter 
from the cold and heat;
    (2) Provide the dogs and cats with protection from the direct rays 
of the sun and the direct effect of wind, rain, or snow;
    (3) Be provided with a wind break and rain break at the entrance; 
and
    (4) Contain clean, dry, bedding material if the ambient temperature 
is below 50 [deg]F (10 [deg]C). Additional clean, dry bedding is 
required when the temperature is 35 [deg]F (1.7 [deg]C) or lower.
    (c) Construction. Building surfaces in contact with animals in 
outdoor housing facilities must be impervious to moisture. Metal 
barrels, cars, refrigerators or freezers, and the like must not be used 
as shelter structures. The floors of outdoor housing facilities may be 
of compacted earth, absorbent bedding, sand, gravel, or grass, and must 
be replaced if there are any prevalent odors, diseases, insects, pests, 
or vermin. All surfaces must be maintained on a regular basis. Surfaces 
of outdoor housing facilities--including houses, dens, etc.--that cannot 
be readily cleaned and sanitized, must be replaced when worn or soiled.

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