Understanding Missouri State Regulations for Boarding Facilities and Commercial Kennels
Ensuring Compliance with Missouri's Animal Care Facilities Regulations for Kennels
The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Division 30—Animal Health; Chapter 9—Animal Care Facilities, sets forth specific regulations that boarding kennels and commercial kennels must follow to ensure the well-being of animals in their care. These regulations, particularly under Section (C) concerning records, detail the comprehensive information that must be recorded and maintained for each animal. Compliance with these regulations not only ensures legal adherence but also promotes the highest standards of animal care and safety.
Key Requirements for Record Keeping
1. Comprehensive Animal Information: Operators of boarding and commercial kennels must keep detailed records for each animal. This includes:
Owner Details: Name, address, and phone number of the pet owner.
Emergency Contact: An alternate contact number for emergencies.
Animal Identification: The animal’s name, age, sex, and breed.
Vaccination Records: Documentation of vaccinations, particularly rabies, with official certificates.
Health Issues: Any preexisting physical problems the animal might have.
Medication: Detailed information and instructions for any medications the animal is receiving.
Veterinarian Information: The preferred veterinarian of the pet owner.
Special Instructions: Any special feeding or boarding instructions provided by the pet owner.
Additional Services: Any extra services to be performed for the animal.
Dates: The dates the animal was received and released from the facility.
2. Animal Cage Cards: Every animal’s primary enclosure must have an attached cage card. This card should contain essential information about the animal to ensure that all staff are aware of the specific needs and conditions of each animal.
3. Daily Records: A daily log must be maintained to record health observations, medications administered, treatments given, and exercise periods. This ensures continuous monitoring of the animal's health and well-being.
4. Records of Sale or Transfer: For animals sold or given away, the facility must record the name and complete mailing address of the new owner. If the new owner is licensed under the USDA or ACFA, their license numbers must also be recorded. This helps maintain traceability and accountability.
5. Interstate Shipment Records: When animals are shipped across state lines, a copy of the health certificate must be retained. This is crucial for compliance with interstate animal transport regulations.
6. Record Retention Period: All records must be kept for at least 60 days. However, if there was a complaint or problem with an animal during its stay, those records must be retained for one year. In certain cases, the director may request that records be kept for a longer period for investigation purposes.
Best Practices for Compliance
Implement a Robust Record-Keeping System: Develop a system that ensures all necessary information is collected and recorded accurately. Digital record-keeping systems can be highly effective, allowing easy access, updating, verification and storage of records. Ensure that all staff are trained on how to use the system and the importance of maintaining accurate records.
Conduct Regular Audits: Regular audits of records can help identify any gaps or errors in documentation. Audits ensure that all necessary information is being recorded correctly and that records are up-to-date. This proactive approach can prevent non-compliance issues and improve overall operational efficiency.
Train Staff Thoroughly: Training is essential to ensure that all staff members understand the regulatory requirements and the importance of accurate record-keeping. Regular training sessions should be held to update staff on any changes in regulations and to reinforce best practices.
Maintain Clear Communication with Pet Owners: Clear communication with pet owners about the information required can help ensure that all necessary details are provided. Providing pet owners with a checklist of required information can streamline the process and ensure nothing is missed.
Utilize Technology: Leverage technology to automate and streamline record-keeping processes. Software solutions can help manage records, verify medical records, track health observations, and ensure compliance with retention periods. Technology can also assist in generating reports and alerts for any missing or incomplete information. VetVerifi’s automated vaccine verification service exemplifies how technology and automation can ensure compliance.
Ensure Physical and Digital Security of Records: Protecting the confidentiality and integrity of records is crucial. Implement security measures to safeguard both physical and digital records from unauthorized access or loss. Regular backups of digital records should be maintained to prevent data loss.
Conclusion
Adhering to the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s regulations for boarding and commercial kennels is essential for legal compliance and the welfare of animals. By maintaining comprehensive and accurate records, conducting regular audits, training staff, and leveraging technology, kennels can ensure they meet these stringent requirements. These practices not only help in regulatory compliance but also enhance the quality of care provided to the animals, thereby building trust with pet owners and the community.