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.