SECTION 310:675-7-19. Residential and visiting pets

(a)   Each facility that allows residential or visiting animals shall adopt and comply with policies that meet or exceed 310:675-7-19(a) and 310:675-7-19(b). The facility's policies shall describe the schedule of animal care and zoonotic infection control for the respective facility. The facility shall not allow any animal to reside in the facility until all of the following requirements are met:

(1)   The animal is a dog, cat, fish, bird, rabbit, or guinea pig. If a facility desires to include other types of animals in their program, the facility shall submit a supplemental request accompanied by its policies, procedures, and guidelines to the Department and receive written approval from the Department prior to implementation.

(2)   For residential pets, excluding fish, the number of animals in a facility shall be limited to no more than one dog per 50 residents; 1 cat, rabbit, or guinea pig per 30 residents; or 1 bird per 20 residents, unless the facility has received the Department's prior approval of a greater number of pets through a supplemental request pursuant to 310:675-7-19(a)(1).

(3)   The facility adopts policies ensuring non-disruption of the facility.

(4)   All pets are housed and controlled in a manner that ensures that neither the pet nor the residents are in danger. A pet cage or container must not obstruct an exit or encroach on the required corridor width.

(5)   The following veterinary medical services are obtained for each pet, when applicable to species, and a record of service is maintained on file at the facility:

(A)   A health certificate from a veterinarian licensed to practice in Oklahoma stating the animal is healthy on physical exam and of acceptable temperament to be placed in the facility;

(B)   Proof of evaluation by a veterinarian licensed to practice in Oklahoma for presence of internal parasites on a semi-annual basis and for the presence of external parasites as needed;

(C)   Proof of current rabies immunization for dogs and cats, and leptospirosis immunization for dogs administered by a licensed veterinarian;

(D)   Proof of spaying/neutering for dogs and cats over six months of age; and

(E)   Statement from a licensed veterinarian certifying that each bird tested negative for Chlamydia psittaci infection (psittacosis) within 30 days prior to placement in the facility. Birds equal in size to or larger than a parakeet shall receive a serologic test. Culture from fresh droppings or cloacal swab will be acceptable test in smaller birds, such as canaries and finches.

(6)   The pet's skin appears normal, and its coat or feathers are free of ectoparasites, matted hair, feces, and other debris.

(7)   Residential pets shall be the responsibility of the administrator, who shall designate at least one attendant to supervise the care and maintenance of resident animals. The administrator and the designated attendants shall at least annually review the facility's policy on residential and visiting pets, and shall document that they have read and understood the policy.

(8)   The facility provides for the cleaning and disinfecting of any areas contaminated by urine or excrement, and for the regular cleaning of aviaries, aquariums, and animal cages. Water in aquariums and fish bowls shall be appropriately maintained to prevent bacterial growth in the water.

(9)   Residential dogs and cats shall not be allowed to remain in the resident areas after visiting hours. No animal shall be allowed in an area used for food storage or preparation, dining, medication preparation or administration, or clean or sterile supply storage.

(10)   If there is more than one resident per room, permission shall be obtained from each resident in the room before allowing animal visitation.

(b)   The facility may allow other animals to visit the facility. Visiting animals shall be under the control of the person bringing the pet into the facility. The attendant of visiting animals shall adhere to the facility's policies and procedures for residential pets. Proof of current rabies immunization must be provided to the administrator before any dog, cat or ferret can be allowed as a visiting pet in the facility.

(c)   The Department shall publish and distribute to facilities recommended husbandry and veterinary care guidelines for residential pets. The guidelines shall include but not be limited to recommendations for housing, cleaning needs, exercise, diet, fecal examinations, grooming, attendant training on animal care and nutrition, and preventive health care. The guidelines shall be used for the information and education of facilities.

(d)   Section 310:675-7-19 does not supersede any local or state rules that regulate animals.

[Source: Added at 18 Ok Reg 2533, eff 6-25-01]