Okla. Admin. Code § 310:605-7-5

Current through Vol. 42, No. 4, November 1, 2024

Section 310:605-7-5 - Residential and visiting pets

Each center that permits residential or visiting pets shall have written policies and procedures regarding those pets. The center shall not allow any pet to reside in the center unless all of the following requirements are met:

(1) The pet is a dog, cat, fish, or bird. A center may establish a program which includes animals other than dogs, cats, fish, or birds if the center submits its policies, procedures, and program guidelines to the Department and receives written approval from the Department prior to implementation of the program.

(2) The center has no more than two (2) dogs or cats as residential pets unless the center has received prior approval from the Department as a stated special program pursuant to 310:605-7-5 -(a)(1).

(3) The center's policy ensures non-disruption of the center.

(4) For each pet, the center has or provides the following:

(A) Proof of current rabies immunization and leptospirosis immunizations for dogs and cats administered by a veterinarian licensed to practice in Oklahoma;

(B) A statement from a veterinarian licensed to practice in Oklahoma certifying the pet is free from disease communicable to humans;

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

(D) A statement from a veterinarian licensed in Oklahoma certifying that each bird has been proven free of psittacosis.

(5) The pet's skin appears normal, and its coat is free of ectoparasites, matted hair, feces, and other debris.

(6) The center adopts a policy for control of pets to ensure that neither the pet nor the participants are in danger. If necessary, a pet shall be on a leash or harness, muzzled, caged, or in a container. A pet cage or container must not obstruct an exit or encroach on the required corridor width.

(7) Residential pets shall be the responsibility of the director's designated attendant.

(8) The center provides for the cleaning and disinfection of any area(s) contaminated by urination or excrement, and the center provides for the cleansing of aviaries, aquariums and fish bowls. The aquariums and fish bowls shall be monitored to prevent bacterial growth in the water.

(9) Residential dogs and cats shall not be allowed in the participants' areas after the hours of operation. Pets shall not be allowed in the kitchen, dining room or in areas used for food storage or preparation, dining, medication preparation or administration, or clean supply storage.

(10) The center shall arrange for care of the pet during periods outside of the center's normal operational hours, such as evenings, weekends, and holidays.

(A) The center may allow pets to visit the center. A visiting pet shall be under the control of the person who brought the pet into the center. The visiting pet's attendant shall adhere to the center's policies for residential pets.

(B) Section 310:605-7-5 does not supersede any local or state requirements regulating animals or pets.

Okla. Admin. Code § 310:605-7-5

Added at 14 Ok Reg 3144, eff 7-25-97; Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2513, eff 6-25-99; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2492, eff 6-25-01; Amended at 20 Ok Reg 1182, eff 5-27-03