Comment Period Opens for Proposed Companion Animal Rule Changes

Comments can be submitted online until 4:30 p.m./CT on Oct. 30, 2019

DES MOINES, Iowa (Oct. 9, 2019) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is proposing administrative rule changes that would elevate the standard of care for companion animals in all licensed commercial facilities in Iowa. Beginning today, the public can visit rules.iowa.gov to read the proposed changes to Iowa Administrative Rules Chapter 67. Public comments will be accepted online until 4:30 p.m./CT on Oct. 30, 2019.

These changes would affect all licensed commercial breeders, animal shelters, animal dealers including rescues, commercial and boarding kennels including doggy daycares, groomers and trainers, and in-house facilities in the state.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture’s proposed changes include:

• More stringent temperature and humidity requirements
• Solid resting surfaces for animals kept on wire flooring
• Larger primary enclosure requirements
• More stringent cleaning and sanitation requirements
• Increased access to water
• Isolation area requirements to improve biosecurity and reduce the risk of disease spread

If approved, the proposed administrative rule changes will go into effect on Jan. 8, 2020. Commercial establishments may be granted a temporary grace period to implement the required changes to their facilities before the penalty period begins. Visit rules.iowa.gov to review the proposed changes.