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.