APHIS has proposed regulation for pet sellers who own 5 or more intact females and sell pets remotely by any means. For sellers, this means every transaction must take place with the buyer physically entering your premises. If you sell dogs, cats, rabbits, small exotic animals, or other small pets and cannot qualify for the revised narrow exemptions then you must obtain a federal license and meet set standards.
Living under USDA licensing is NOT an option for the average retail seller. The average house cannot be converted to a USDA compliant facility. Federal engineered standards for licensed facilities dictate enclosure sizes, sanitation, surfaces that are impervious to moisture, ventilation, bio-hazard control, veterinary care, exercise, temperature controls, waste disposal systems, diurnal lighting, drainage systems, washrooms, perimeter fencing, as well as transportation standards for regulated animals. Breeding stock is not allowed in your home. This means separate facilities for both breeding stock and puppies. It does not matter how well you think you care for your animals, Federal regulations are not flexible and do not allow for your own discretion. You must strictly adhere to what the regulations and your inspector say are acceptable equipment, care, and husbandry practices.
The rule will penalize many hard-working Americans caught up under this regulation who are not operating as true businesses. If required to hold a license, you can be fined by USDA simply for being at work and not being home to let the inspector onto your property.
Add your organization's name to SAOVA's Opposition List.
Send a strong message to Congress! Ask Congress to help stop this proposed rule.
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