LIS

Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
11/12/2024

Chapter 150. Rules and Regulations Governing the Transportation of Companion Animals

Part I
General Provisions

2VAC5-150-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Animal holding area" means any part of the terminal facility where animals are kept, maintained, or housed.

"Carrier" means the operator of any airline, railroad, motor carrier, shipping line, or other enterprise which, for hire, engages in the business of transporting animals.

"Commerce" means trade, traffic or transportation.

"Companion animal" means any domestic or feral dog, domestic or feral cat, nonhuman primate, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit not raised for human food or fiber, exotic or native animal, reptile, exotic or native bird, or any feral animal or any animal under the care, custody, or ownership of a person or any animal that is bought, sold, traded, or bartered by any person. Agricultural animals, game species, or any animals regulated under federal law as research animals shall not be considered companion animals for the purposes of this chapter.

"Dealer" means any person who in the regular course of business for compensation or profit buys, sells, transfers, exchanges or barters companion animals. The following shall not be considered dealers: (i) any person who transports companion animals in the regular course of business as a common carrier or (ii) any person or organization whose primary purpose is to find permanent adoptive homes for companion animals.

"Exhibitor" means any person who has animals for or on public display, excluding an exhibitor licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Such term includes carnivals, circuses, animal acts, and zoos exhibiting such animals, whether operated for profit or not; but such term excludes retail pet stores, organizations sponsoring and all persons participating in state and county fairs, livestock shows, rodeos, purebred dog and cat shows, and any other fairs or exhibits intended to advance agricultural arts and sciences.

"Exotic animal" means any animal that is not a species native to the United States.

"Handling" means petting, feeding, manipulating, crating, shifting, transferring, immobilizing, restraining, treating, training, working or performing any similar activity with respect to any animal.

"Humane society" means any chartered not-for-profit organization incorporated under the laws of this Commonwealth and organized for the purpose of preventing cruelty to animals and promoting humane care and treatment of animals.

"Intermediate handler" means any person, including a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States or of any state or local government who is engaged in any business in which he receives custody of animals in connection with their transportation in commerce.

"Pound" means a facility operated by the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision for the purpose of impounding or harboring seized, stray, homeless, abandoned or unwanted animals; or a facility operated for the same purpose under a contract with any county, city, town or incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

"Primary conveyance" means the main method of transportation used to convey an animal from origin to destination, such as a motor vehicle, plane, ship or train.

"Primary enclosure" means any structure used to immediately restrict an animal or animals to a limited amount of space, such as a room, pen, cage, compartment or hutch. For tethered animals, the term includes the shelter and the area within reach of the tether.

"Terminal facility" means any building or structure, and its grounds, which serves as a point of ingress to or egress from a primary conveyance during transportation.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 1.1, eff. May 13, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 17, eff. June 12, 2008.

2VAC5-150-20. Application of this chapter.

Transportation of companion animals by carriers, dealers, exhibitors, pet shops, auction sales, pounds, cities, counties, animal control officers, and humane societies shall be governed by provisions set forth in 2VAC5-150-30 et seq., 2VAC5-150-120 et seq., and 2VAC5-150-180 et seq. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to apply to or govern the transport of pet animals by private citizens through noncommercial means.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 1.2, eff. May 13, 1987.

Part II
Standards for the Transportation of Companion Animals, Excluding Birds, by Carriers, Dealers, Exhibitors, Pet Shops and Auction Sales

Article 1
General Standards

2VAC5-150-30. Primary enclosures used to transport companion animals.

Companion animals subject to this chapter shall be transported in a primary enclosure that shall be constructed in such a manner that:

1. The structural strength of the enclosure is sufficient to contain the animals and to withstand the normal rigors of transporting;

2. The interior of the enclosure is free from any protrusions that could be injurious to the animal contained therein;

3. The openings of such enclosures are easily accessible at all times for emergency removal of the animal;

4. Apertures are sufficient to provide for proper ventilation and normal breathing;

5. Projecting rims or other devices are on those faces of the outside walls that contain ventilation openings to prevent obstruction of those openings and to provide a minimum air circulation space of 0.75 inches between the primary enclosure and any adjacent cargo or conveyance wall, except that when a primary enclosure is permanently affixed within the animal cargo space of the primary conveyance and the front opening is the only source of ventilation this opening shall:

a. Be constructed so as to open directly to the outside or to an unobstructed aisle or passageway within the primary conveyance:

b. Be at least 90% of the total surface area of the front wall of the primary enclosure; and

c. Be covered with bars, wire mesh, or smooth expanded metal;

6. Portable primary enclosures shall be equipped with adequate handholds on the exterior of the primary enclosure, placed in such a manner that the portable primary enclosure can be lifted and handled without tilting and so that the person handling the portable primary enclosure will not be in contact with the animal;

7. Be large enough to ensure that each animal contained therein has sufficient space to turn about freely in a standing position using normal body movements, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position; however, certain species may be restricted in their movements according to professionally acceptable standards when such freedom of movement would constitute a danger to the animals, their handlers, or other persons;

8. Have solid bottoms to prevent leakage in shipment;

9. Contain clean litter of a suitable absorbent material that is safe and nontoxic to the animals, and in sufficient quantity to absorb or cover excreta;

10. Be clearly marked on top and on one or more sides with the words "Live Animal" or "Wild Animal," whichever is appropriate, in letters not less than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in height, and with arrows or other markings to indicate the correct upright position of the containers, except that this shall not apply to primary conveyances which are used as primary enclosures, or to primary enclosures which are permanently affixed within the primary conveyance;

11. Be cleaned and sanitized after each use; and

12. Contain only companion animals:

a. Of the same species, with the exception that some closely related species may travel together, according to professionally accepted standards;

b. In compatible groups;

c. In groups that separate the young from adults other than their dams, except for hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits; and

d. Separated to prevent females in estrus from contact with adult males, except for hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 2.1, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-40. Primary conveyances.

Primary conveyances used in transporting companion animals shall meet the following provisions:

1. The cargo space of primary conveyances used in transporting companion animals shall be constructed to protect their health and ensure their safety and comfort;

2. The cargo space shall be constructed and maintained in a manner to prevent the ingress of engine exhaust fumes and gases from the primary conveyance during transport;

3. The cargo space shall have a supply of air sufficient for normal breathing for each animal contained therein, and the primary enclosure shall be positioned in such a manner that each animal has access to sufficient air for normal breathing;

4. Temperatures in primary conveyances shall not exceed 75°F for more than 45 minutes without supplemental ventilation through natural or automatic ventilation or air conditioning nor fall below 45°F without auxiliary heat, unless the animals are accompanied by a certificate of acclimation to lower temperatures signed by an accredited veterinarian not more than 10 days prior to shipment, or unless the well-being of the confined animal mandates temperature maintenance above this range;

5. Primary enclosures containing companion animals shall be positioned in the primary conveyance in such a manner that in an emergency the animals can be removed;

6. The interior of the animal cargo space shall be kept clean;

7. Companion animals shall not be transported with any material, substance, or device in such a way that can injure their health or well-being; and

8. Vehicles used by dealers, auction sales, exhibitors, and pet shops to carry companion animals shall be enclosed, including but not limited to, vans, station wagons, and pick-up trucks equipped with camper shells, so that:

a. All sides and top are covered;

b. Adequate ventilation is assured by the use of screens or ventilation systems;

c. The vehicle is insulated to provide protection from weather extremes or has an automatic heating/cooling system.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 2.2, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-50. Terminal facilities.

An animal holding area of a terminal facility of any carrier or intermediate handler shall:

1. Not commingle shipments of companion animals with inanimate cargo;

2. Be cleaned and sanitized often enough to prevent an accumulation of debris or excreta to minimize vermin infestation and to prevent a disease hazard;

3. Have in use an effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites, and avian pests;

4. Be provided with fresh air by means of windows, doors, vents, or air conditioning and shall be ventilated or have air circulated by means of fans, blowers, or an air conditioning system so as to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation;

5. Maintain temperature between 45°F and 85°F at all times, provided that no dog, cat, monkey, or exotic animal be subjected to air temperatures in excess of 75°F for more than four hours at any time, unless the animals are accompanied by a certificate of acclimation to lower temperatures signed by an accredited veterinarian or unless the well-being of the confined animal mandates temperature maintenance above this range; and

6. Use auxiliary ventilation such as exhaust fans, vents, fans, blowers or air conditioning when the air temperature is above 75°F.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 2.3, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-60. Food and water requirements.

Adequate food and water shall be provided for in that:

1. Any individual, dealer, exhibitor, pet shop or operator of an auction sale offering any live rabbits, guinea pigs or hamsters to any carrier or intermediate handler for transportation, in commerce, or any dealer, exhibitor, pet shop or operator of an auction sale transporting such animals in their own primary conveyance, if such transport shall be longer than six hours, shall provide an adequate supply of food and water or a type of food which provides the requirement of food and water within the primary enclosure to meet the requirements of such animals;

2. Any individual, dealer, exhibitor, pet shop or operator of an auction sale offering any companion animal other than those named in paragraph 1 above to any carrier or intermediate handler for transportation shall affix to the outside of the primary enclosure instructions which:

a. State the food and water requirements of such animals;

b. Are written with a permanent marker; and

c. Are affixed in such a manner as to avoid accidental tearing or removal;

3. No carrier or intermediate handler may accept any companion animal for transportation unless the above provision appropriate for the species of animals being transported has been met.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 2.4, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-70. Care in transit.

During transit it shall be the responsibility of the driver, carrier, or other employee to:

1. Visually observe the companion animals as frequently as circumstances may dictate but not less than once every four hours during surface and air transit, except that where the animal cargo space is not accessible during flight, the animals shall be observed during loading and unloading and whenever the cargo space is otherwise accessible;

2. Assure that the animals are receiving sufficient air for normal breathing;

3. Assure that the ambient temperature around the animal is between prescribed limits;

4. Assure that additional ventilation is provided if temperatures are above 75°F unless the well-being of the animal mandates temperature maintenance above this range;

5. Determine whether any of the companion animals are in obvious physical distress;

6. Provide any needed veterinary care as soon as possible; and

7. Assure that companion animals not be removed from their primary enclosures unless placed in other primary enclosures or facilities conforming to these recommended standards, except that exotic animals shall not be removed from their primary enclosure except in case of extreme emergency and only if such removal will not result in danger to human life.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 2.5, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-80. Handling.

Carriers and intermediate handlers, in moving companion animals to or from the primary conveyance and animal holding area of the terminal facility, shall:

1. Move the animals as expeditiously as possible;

2. Provide sufficient shade to protect animals from the direct rays of the sun and ensure that such animals shall not be subject to surrounding air temperatures which exceed 85°F for a period of more than 45 minutes, unless the well-being of the confined animal mandates temperature maintenance above this range;

3. Provide covered transporting devices to protect the animals when the outdoor air temperature falls below 50°F, and ensure that such animals shall not be subjected to surrounding air temperatures which fall below 45°F for a period of more than 45 minutes unless the animals are accompanied by a certificate of acclimation to lower temperatures signed by an accredited veterinarian not more than 10 days prior to shipment;

4. Provide shelter from precipitation sufficient to allow animals to remain dry;

5. Avoid handling of the primary enclosure in such a manner that may cause physical or emotional trauma to the animal contained therein; and

6. Not toss, drop or needlessly tilt primary enclosures nor stack them in a manner which may result in their falling.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 2.6, eff. May 13, 1987.

Article 2
Special Standards for Dogs and Cats in Addition to General Standards

2VAC5-150-90. Primary enclosures for dogs and cats.

1. Dogs and cats shall be transported in a manner that during air transit the following animal or group of animals shall have its own primary enclosure:

a. A dog over six months of age;

b. A cat over six months of age;

c. A puppy weighing over 20 pounds;

d. Two kittens eight weeks to six months of age and weighing less than 20 pounds each;

e. Two puppies eight weeks to six months of age and weighing less than 20 pounds each;

f. Litter mates less than eight weeks of age accompanied by their dam.

2. During surface transit, a maximum of 12 dogs or cats shall share a primary enclosure, provided that subdivisions 7 and 12 of 2VAC5-150-30 are met; and

3. Any aggressive dog or cat, irrespective of age and size, shall have its own primary enclosure.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 2.7, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-100. Food and water requirements for dogs and cats.

A. Potable water shall be offered:

1. Within four hours prior to transport by any carrier;

2. At least every 12 hours after initiation of travel by dealers, exhibitors, pet shops and operators of auction sales in their own primary conveyance;

3. At least every 12 hours after acceptance for transportation by any carrier or intermediate handler, except in those cases where the animal cargo space is inaccessible during flight.

B. Food shall be offered by intermediate handlers and carriers after acceptance of any dog or cat for transportation, and by dealers, exhibitors, pet shops and operators of auction sales who transport dogs and cats in their own primary conveyance after transportation is initiated such that:

1. Each dog and cat over 16 weeks of age shall be fed at least once in each 24-hour period; and

2. Dogs and cats less than 16 weeks of age shall have food made available to them at least every 12 hours.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 2.8, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-110. Identification of dogs and cats.

Each dog and cat being transported by any dealer, exhibitor, auction sale or pet shop shall be tattooed, collared, tagged or otherwise appropriately identified in the event of the animal's escape during transit.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 2.9, eff. May 13, 1987.

Part III
Standards for the Transportation of Companion Animals, Excluding Birds, by Cities, Counties, Animal Control Officers, Pounds and Humane Societies

Article 1
General Standards

2VAC5-150-120. Primary enclosures used to transport companion animals.

Companion animals subject to this chapter shall be transported in a primary enclosure that shall be constructed in such a manner that:

1. The structural strength of the enclosure is sufficient to contain the animals and to withstand the normal rigors of transporting;

2. The interior of the enclosure is free from any protrusions that could be injurious to the animal contained therein;

3. The openings of such enclosures are easily accessible at all times for emergency removal of the animal;

4. Apertures are sufficient to provide for proper ventilation and normal breathing;

5. Projecting rims or other devices are on those faces of the outside walls that contain ventilation openings to prevent obstruction of those openings and to provide a minimum air circulation space of 0.75 inches between the primary enclosure and any adjacent cargo or conveyance wall, except that when a primary enclosure is permanently affixed within the animal cargo space of the primary conveyance and the front opening is the only source of ventilation this opening shall:

a. Be constructed so as to open directly to the outside or to an unobstructed aisle or passageway within the primary conveyance;

b. Be at least 90% of the total surface area of the front wall of the primary enclosure; and

c. Be covered with bars, wire mesh, or smooth expanded metal;

6. Portable primary enclosures shall be equipped with adequate handholds on the exterior of the primary enclosure, placed in such a manner that the portable primary enclosure can be lifted and handled without tilting and so that the person handling the portable primary enclosure will not be in contact with the animal;

7. Be large enough to ensure that each animal contained therein has sufficient space to turn about freely in a standing position using normal body movements, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position;

8. Have solid bottoms to prevent leakage in shipment, with the exception of live traps;

9. Be cleaned to remove all organic debris after each use; and

10. Contain only companion animals:

a. Of the same species;

b. In compatible groups;

c. In groups that separate the young from adults other than their dams, except for hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits; and

d. Separated to prevent females in estrus from contact with adult males, except for hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 3.1, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-130. Primary conveyances.

Primary conveyances used in transporting companion animals shall meet the following provisions:

1. The cargo space of primary conveyances used in transporting companion animals shall be constructed to protect their health and ensure their safety and comfort;

2. The cargo space shall be constructed and maintained in a manner to prevent the ingress of engine exhaust fumes and gases from the primary conveyance during transport;

3. The cargo space shall have a supply of air sufficient for normal breathing for each animal contained therein, and the primary enclosure shall be positioned in such a manner that each animal has access to sufficient air for normal breathing;

4. Temperatures in vehicles operated by cities, counties, animal control officers, or humane societies and carrying only dogs and cats over six months of age shall not exceed 85°F without supplemental ventilation nor fall below 45°F without auxiliary heat for more than two hours; those same vehicles carrying kittens and puppies shall not exceed 85°F without supplemental ventilation nor fall below 45°F without auxiliary heat for more than one hour, provided that suitable bedding is provided for these young animals in that primary enclosure, except that in cases of unforeseen problems (such as vehicle failure or a call to pick up an injured animal), the transport time may be extended, only to reasonably necessary lengths;

5. Primary enclosures containing companion animals shall be positioned in the primary conveyance in such a manner that in an emergency the animals can be removed;

6. The interior of the animal cargo space shall be kept clean;

7. Companion animals shall not be transported with any material, substance, or device in such a way that can injure their health or well-being;

8. Vehicles used by pounds, cities, counties, humane societies and animal control officers to carry companion animals shall be enclosed, including but not limited to, vans, station wagons, and pick-up trucks equipped with camper shells; so that:

a. All sides and top are covered;

b. Adequate ventilation is assured by the use of screens or ventilation systems;

c. The vehicle is insulated to provide protection from weather extremes or has an automatic heating/cooling system;

9. Vehicles used by cities, counties, animal control officers, and humane societies to transport animals in the course of animal control duties shall be identified on the outside as to jurisdiction;

10. Vehicles used by cities and counties, animal control officers and humane societies to transport animals in the course of animal control duties shall be equipped with safety equipment which shall include:

a. A working flashlight;

b. A pair of safety gloves;

c. Proper restraint equipment for the species transported;

d. A first aid kit;

e. At least one gallon of potable water; and

f. A blanket.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 3.2, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-140. Care in transit.

During transit it shall be the responsibility of the driver or other employee to:

1. Visually observe the companion animals as frequently as circumstances may dictate but not less than once every two hours;

2. Assure that the animals are receiving sufficient air for normal breathing;

3. Assure that the ambient temperature around the animal is between prescribed limits;

4. Assure that additional ventilation is provided if temperatures are above 85°F;

5. Determine whether any of the companion animals are in obvious physical distress;

6. Provide any needed veterinary care as soon as possible; and

7. Assure that companion animals not be removed from their primary enclosures unless placed in other primary enclosures or facilities conforming to these recommended standards, except that exotic animals shall not be removed from their primary enclosure except in case of extreme emergency.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 3.3, eff. May 13, 1987.

Article 2
Special Standards for Dogs and Cats in Addition to General Standards

2VAC5-150-150. Primary enclosures for dogs and cats.

1. During surface transit, a maximum of 12 dogs or cats shall share a primary enclosure, provided that subdivisions 7 and 12 of 2VAC5-150-120 are met.

2. Any aggressive dog or cat, irrespective of age and size, shall have its own primary enclosure.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 3.4, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-160. Water requirements of dogs and cats.

Potable water shall be offered at least every four hours after initiation of travel, except that vehicles which are environmentally controlled to maintain temperatures between 45°F and 85°F at all times shall offer water at least every 12 hours.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 3.5, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-170. Identification of dogs and cats.

Each dog and cat being transported by a pound, humane society, city, county, or animal control officer from a facility shall be tattooed, collared, tagged or otherwise appropriately identified in the event of the animal's escape during transit.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 3.6, eff. May 13, 1987.

Part IV
Standards for the Transportation of Birds

2VAC5-150-180. Primary enclosures used to transport birds.

Birds subject to this chapter shall be transported in a primary enclosure that shall be constructed in such a manner that:

1. The structural strength of the enclosure is sufficient to contain the birds and to withstand the normal rigors of transporting:

2. The interior of the enclosure is free from any protrusions that could be injurious to the birds contained therein;

3. The openings of such enclosures are easily accessible at all times for emergency removal of the birds;

4. Apertures are sufficient to provide for proper ventilation and normal breathing;

5. Projecting rims or other devices are on those faces of the outside walls that contain ventilation openings to prevent obstruction of those openings and to provide a minimum air circulation space of 0.75 inches between the primary enclosure and any adjacent cargo or conveyance wall; except that when a primary enclosure is permanently affixed within the animal cargo space of the primary conveyance and the front opening is the only source of ventilation this opening shall:

a. Be constructed so as to open directly to the outside or to an unobstructed aisle or passageway within the primary conveyance;

b. Be at least 90% of the total surface area of the front wall of the primary enclosure; and

c. Be covered with bars, wire mesh, or smooth expanded metal;

6. Portable primary enclosures shall be equipped with adequate handholds on the exterior of the primary enclosure, placed in such a manner that the portable primary enclosure can be lifted and handled without tilting and so that the person handling the portable primary enclosure will not be in contact with the birds;

7. Be large enough to ensure that each bird contained therein has sufficient space to turn about freely in a standing position using normal body movements and to perch comfortably; however, certain species may be restricted in their movements according to professionally acceptable standards when such freedom of movement would constitute a danger to the animals, their handlers, or other persons;

8. Have solid bottoms to prevent leakage in shipments;

9. Allow excreta to be absorbed, covered or separated from the birds by use of a wire mesh flooring above the solid floor or of a clean litter that is safe and nontoxic to the birds, except where these methods pose a threat to the safety of the birds;

10. Be clearly marked on top and on one or more sides with the words "Live Animal" or "Wild Animal," whichever is appropriate, in letters not less than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in height, and with arrows or other markings to indicate the correct upright position of the container, except that this shall not apply to primary conveyances which are used as primary enclosures, or to primary enclosures which are permanently affixed within the primary conveyance;

11. Be cleaned and sanitized after each use; and

12. Contain only birds:

a. Of the same species, with the exception that some species of birds may travel together, according to professionally accepted standards; and

b. In compatible groups.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 4.1, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-190. Primary conveyances.

Primary conveyances used in transporting birds shall meet the following provisions:

1. The cargo space of primary conveyances used in transporting birds shall be constructed to protect their health and ensure their safety and comfort;

2. The cargo space shall be constructed and maintained in a manner to prevent the ingress of engine exhaust fumes and gases from the primary conveyance during transport;

3. The cargo space shall have a supply of air sufficient for normal breathing for each bird contained therein, and the primary enclosure shall be positioned in such a manner that each bird has access to sufficient air for normal breathing;

4. Temperatures in primary conveyances shall not exceed 75°F for more than 45 minutes without supplemental ventilation through natural or automatic ventilation or air conditioning nor fall below 45°F without auxiliary heat, unless the birds are accompanied by a certificate of acclimation to lower temperatures signed by an accredited veterinarian, or unless the well-being of the confined bird mandates temperature maintenance above this range;

5. Primary enclosures containing birds shall be positioned in the primary conveyance in such a manner that in an emergency the birds can be removed;

6. The interior of the animal cargo space shall be kept clean;

7. Birds shall not be transported with any material, substance, or device in such a way that can injure their health or well-being; and

8. Vehicles used to carry birds shall be enclosed; including but not limited to, vans, station wagons, and pick-up trucks equipped with camper shells; so that:

a. All sides and top are covered;

b. Adequate ventilation is assured by the use of screens or ventilation systems;

c. The vehicle is insulated to provide protection from weather extremes or has an automatic heating/cooling system.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 4.2, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-200. Terminal facilities.

An animal holding area of a terminal facility of any carrier or intermediate handler shall:

1. Not commingle shipments of birds with inanimate cargo;

2. Be cleaned and sanitized often enough to prevent an accumulation of debris or excreta to minimize vermin infestation and to prevent a disease hazard;

3. Have in use an effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites, and avian pests;

4. Be provided with fresh air by means of windows, doors, vents, or air conditioning and shall be ventilated or have air circulated by means of fans, blowers, or an air conditioning system so as to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation;

5. Maintain temperature between 45°F and 85°F at all times, unless the birds are accompanied by a certificate of acclimation to lower temperatures signed by an accredited veterinarian not more than 10 days prior to shipment or unless the well-being of the confined bird mandates temperature maintenance above this range.

6. Use auxiliary ventilation such as exhaust fans, vents, fans, blower or air conditioning when the air temperature is above 75°F.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 4.3, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-210. Food and water requirements.

Adequate food and water shall be provided for in that:

1. Any individual, dealer, exhibitor, pet shop or operator of an auction sale offering any live birds to any carrier or intermediate handler for transportation, in commerce, or any dealer, exhibitor, pet shop or operator of an auction sale transporting such animals in their own primary conveyance, if such transport shall be longer than two hours, shall provide an adequate supply of food and water or an alternate source of moisture within the primary enclosure to meet the requirements of such birds except that this may be inappropriate for some birds according to professionally accepted standards.

2. No carrier or intermediate handler may accept any bird for transportation unless the above provision appropriate for the species of bird being transported has been met.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 4.4, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-220. Care in transit.

During transit it shall be the responsibility of the driver, carrier, or other employee to:

1. Visually observe the birds as frequently as circumstances may dictate but not less than once every four hours during surface and air transit, except that where the animal cargo space is not accessible during flight, the animals shall be observed during loading and unloading and whenever the cargo space is otherwise accessible;

2. Assure that the birds are receiving sufficient air for normal breathing;

3. Assure that the ambient temperature around the birds is between prescribed limits;

4. Assure that additional ventilation is provided if temperatures are above 75°F, unless the well-being of the birds mandates temperature maintenance above this range;

5. Determine whether any of the birds are in obvious physical distress;

6. Provide any needed veterinary care as soon as possible; and

7. Assure that birds not be removed from their primary enclosures unless placed in other primary enclosures or facilities conforming to these recommended standards.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 4.5, eff. May 13, 1987.

2VAC5-150-230. Handling.

Carriers and intermediate handlers, in moving birds to or from the primary conveyance and animal holding area of the terminal facility, shall:

1. Move the birds as expeditiously as possible;

2. Provide sufficient shade to protect birds from the direct rays of the sun and ensure that such birds shall not be subjected to surrounding air temperatures which exceed 85°F for a period of more than 45 minutes, unless the well-being of the confined bird mandates temperature maintenance above this range;

3. Provide covered transporting devices to protect the birds when the outdoor air temperature falls below 50°F, and ensure that such birds shall not be subjected to surrounding air temperatures which fall below 45°F for a period of more than 45 minutes unless the animals are accompanied by a certificate of acclimation to lower temperatures signed by an accredited veterinarian not more than 10 days prior to shipment;

4. Provide shelter from precipitation sufficient to allow birds to remain dry;

5. Avoid handling of the primary enclosure in such a manner that may cause physical or emotional trauma to the birds contained therein; and

6. Not toss, drop or needlessly tilt primary enclosures nor stack them in a manner which may result in their falling.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-6501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-02-13 § 4.6, eff. May 13, 1987.

Forms (2VAC5-150)

Animal Shelter Inspection Form, VDACS AC‑10 (rev. 7/2018)

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