250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-40-05-4.8

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 250-RICR-40-05-4.8 - Species Specific Standards

A. Dogs

1. The temperature within the animal's living quarters shall be maintained between 45-85 degrees Fahrenheit to be measured at the height at which the animals live. Temperature standards are applicable for dogs whether they are housed indoors or outdoors.

a. If the temperature falls below 45 degrees F for more than four (4) consecutive hours, supplemental heat shall be provided.

b. If the temperature rises above 85 degrees F for more than four (4) consecutive hours, supplemental cooling shall be provided.

2. The ventilation within the animal's living quarters must be maintained so as to ensure that noxious, contaminated, or harmful odors or fumes are not present in the area where animals are housed. Ventilation shall be draft free and may consist of passive or active systems.

3. Sanitation

a. Urine and feces must be removed at least once daily or more frequently in order to maintain animals in a clean and sanitary manner. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted within the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

b. Disinfectants must be used in a manner consistent with label directions and all disinfectants must be approved for use in animal housing.

c. All soiled bedding or other materials/objects that are contaminated with urine or feces must be cleaned or replaced daily. A written history log documenting the time, and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted in the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

d. All feeding and watering dishes/bowls/receptacles must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Any such dish/bowl/receptacle that is permanently stained must be replaced.

4. Lighting must be sufficient to allow inspection of all dogs to assess health, sanitation, food, and water.

5. Minimum Space Requirements for Primary Enclosures:

a. A separate primary enclosure must be available for every dog excluding bitches with litters, which can occupy the same primary enclosure.

b. Sufficient space shall be provided to allow animals to turn around freely, exercise normal movements, stand, sit, and lie in a comfortable natural position.

c. The minimum height of the primary enclosure shall be equal to 1.5 times the height of the dog at the shoulder plus six (6) inches or a minimum of eighteen (18) inches.

d. The minimum area of the primary enclosure shall be equal to the length of the dog measured in inches from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, plus six inches multiplied by the length of the dog measured in inches from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, plus six (6) inches. (length of dog in inches + 6) X (length of dog in inches + 6) = area.

6. Multiple Dogs Occupying the Same Enclosure:

a. If more than one dog occupies a primary enclosure, floor space will be calculated for the largest dog, with each additional dog needing one half of the minimum space required.

b. Dogs occupying the same enclosure shall be behaviorally compatible.

c. Females in estrus (heat) shall be housed apart from males (unless breeding is intended).

d. Pregnant dogs in whelp or by estimate close to whelping shall be housed in a separate enclosure.

e. Dogs under four (4) months of age shall be housed in a primary enclosure apart from adult dogs other than their mother.

f. Whelping areas shall allow the mother to lie stretched out on her side thus permitting all of the puppies to nurse. A whelping box shall be provided for all pregnant bitches and bitches with puppies. The primary enclosure for bitches with litters shall be large enough to permit the bitch to leave the whelping nest for exercise.

g. Under no circumstances are dogs owned by different owners allowed to be housed together in the same primary enclosure without the expressed written permission of the owners or legal guardians of all dogs to be housed together.

7. Exercise: If multiple dogs are exercised simultaneously in the same area the following conditions must be met:

a. All dogs must be exercised in behaviorally compatible groups.

b. All dogs must be observed for the entire time that they are being exercised. An adult person who is sufficiently capable of maintaining order and avoiding any conflict between individual dogs must observe dogs that are being exercised together.

c. Each dog must have a minimum area of twenty-four (24) square feet.

8. Safety

a. All enclosures must be escape proof.

b. Dogs must not be allowed to have contact with hazardous materials, objects, fixtures, chemicals, or substances.

c. All enclosures must be constructed and maintained so as to prevent entry of other animals or vermin.

d. Wire mesh floors are permissible provided that the gauge of the wire is sufficient so as to not cause discomfort for the animal, provided that the spacing of the mesh is not so large that the dog's foot can pass through, and provided that the construction is sturdy enough so that the mesh floor does not sag.

9. Transportation: All standards set forth above that are required to be met for temperature, safety, ventilation, sanitation, and health of dogs while in their living quarters shall apply for dogs while being transported within the state.

10. Prohibited Actions:

a. Contact, by the public or any other animal, with an animal, or the saliva of an animal that is being held for rabies quarantine.

b. Holding an animal for rabies quarantine in a facility that has not received prior approval by the state veterinarian or his/her agent to conduct such rabies quarantine.

c. Possession of a dog for more than fourteen consecutive days that is eligible to be rabies vaccinated but is not currently vaccinated against rabies unless lawfully exempted. (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 4-13).

d. Possession of any dog that has been imported into the state in violation of state importation regulations.

11. Exemptions

a. Exemptions from the minimum requirements may be granted for the temporary emergency housing of dogs as authorized by the state veterinarian.

b. Exemptions from the minimum space and exercise requirements may be granted on a case-by-case basis for veterinary medical treatment or as is authorized in writing by a veterinarian licensed to practice within the state of Rhode Island.

B. Cats

1. The temperature within the animal's living quarters shall be maintained between 45-85 degrees Fahrenheit to be measured at the height that the animals live at. Temperature standards are applicable for cats whether they are housed indoors or outdoors.

a. If the temperature falls below 45 degrees F for more than four (4) consecutive hours, supplemental heat shall be provided.

b. If the temperature rises above 85 degrees F for more than four (4) consecutive hours, supplemental cooling shall be provided.

3. Sanitation:

a. Urine and feces must be removed at least once daily or more frequently in order to maintain animals in a clean and sanitary manner. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted in the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

b. Disinfectants must be used in a manner consistent with label directions and all disinfectants must be approved for use in animal housing.

c. All soiled bedding or other materials/objects that are contaminated with urine or feces must be cleaned or replaced daily. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted in the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

d. All feeding and watering dishes/bowls/receptacles must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Any such dish/bowl/receptacle that is permanently stained must be replaced.

e. All cats and kittens must have access to a litter box or pan. The litter box or pan must contain a suitable litter and be maintained as stated above in § 4.8(B)(3)(a) of this Part.

f. Litter boxes or pans must be a minimum of ten (10) inches by fourteen inches in dimension.

g. A minimum of one litter box or pan must be provided for every three adult cats, or every five weaned/orphaned kittens, if the cats are housed in a manner where multiple cats use the same enclosure. Queens with a litter can share the same litter box.

4. Lighting must be sufficient to allow inspection of all cats to assess health, sanitation, food, and water.

5. Minimum Space Requirements for primary enclosures:

a. Individual cats use following table.

WEIGHT OF CAT	MINIMUM AREA OF CAGE
less than 8 pounds	3 square feet
8 pounds or over	4 square feet

b. Multiple cats may share a primary enclosure if they are compatible and the area of the enclosure is increased by one-half of the minimum area referenced in § 4.8(B)(5)(a) of this Part.

c. Pregnant queens and queens with litters are not to be housed in the same primary enclosure with other cats.

d. Queens with litters (litters of any size) are required to have a minimum area of eight square feet until the kittens reach an age of ten weeks.

e. The minimum height for enclosures for all cats is twenty-two (22) inches.

f. Multiple cats may be kept in colony/common housing provided that:

(1) All cats have an individual primary enclosure available on the premises.

(2) The minimum colony enclosure shall be thirty-six (36) square feet of floor space and a minimum of six (6) feet in height.

(3) Cats must be of compatible behavior and sex (intact sexually mature males and intact sexually mature females should not be allowed in colony housing), and temperament. Kittens (less than six (6) months of age) are not permitted to be housed in a colony with adult cats.

(4) The number of cats allowed into the colony is not to exceed one cat per ten (10) square feet of floor space for adult cats; one cat per seven and one-half (7 1/2) square feet of floor space for kittens (less than six (6) months of age).

6. Safety:

a. Mesh floors are not acceptable for housing of cats.

b. All enclosures must be escape proof.

c. Cats must not be allowed to have contact with hazardous materials, objects, chemicals, fixtures, or substances.

d. All enclosures must prevent the entry of other animals or vermin.

7. Transportation: All standards set forth above that are required to be met for temperature, safety, ventilation, sanitation, and health of cats while in their living quarters shall apply for cats while being transported within the state.

8. Prohibited Actions

a. Contact, by the public or any other animal, with an animal, or the saliva of an animal that is being held for rabies quarantine.

b. Holding an animal for rabies quarantine in a facility that has not received prior approval by the state veterinarian or his/her agent to conduct such rabies quarantine.

c. Possession of a sexually intact cat unless possession is consistent with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 4-24.

d. Possession of a cat for more than fourteen consecutive days that is eligible to be vaccinated against rabies but is not currently vaccinated. (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 4-13).

e. Possession of any cat that has been imported into the state in violation of state importation regulations.

9. Exemptions

a. Exemptions from the minimum requirements may be granted for the temporary emergency housing of cats as authorized by the state veterinarian.

C. Rabbits

1. The temperature within the animal's living quarters shall be maintained between 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit to be measured at the height that the animals live at. Temperature standards are applicable for rabbits whether they are housed indoors or outdoors.

a. If the temperature falls below 50 degrees F for more than two (2) consecutive hours, supplemental heat shall be provided.

b. If the temperature rises above 85 degrees F for more than two (2) consecutive hours, supplemental cooling shall be provided.

3. Sanitation

a. Urine and feces must be removed at least once daily or more frequently in order to maintain animals in a clean and sanitary manner. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted in the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

b. Disinfectants must be used in a manner consistent with label directions and all disinfectants must be approved for use in animal housing.

d. All feeding and watering dishes/bowls/receptacles must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Any such dish/bowl/receptacle that is permanently stained must be replaced.

4. Lighting must be sufficient to allow inspection of all rabbits to assess health, sanitation, food, and water.

5. Minimum Space Requirements:

a. For general space requirements for primary enclosures please use the following: (weight is to be measured in pounds; area is to be measured in square feet).

SIZE OF RABBIT	WEIGHT	AREA
Small	< 4.4	2
Medium	4.4-8.8	3
Intermediate	8.8-12	4
Large	>12#	6

b. For general space requirements for does with litters please use the following: (weight is to be measured in pounds; area is to be measured in square feet).

SIZE OF DOE	WEIGHT	AREA
Small	< 4.4	4
Medium	4.4-8.8	5
Intermediate	8.8-12	6
Large	>12#	8

c. The minimum height for all rabbit enclosures shall be fourteen (14) inches or allow the rabbit to stand on hind legs without their head touching the top of the enclosure.

d. A nesting box that is a minimum of eighteen (18) inches length, by eighteen (18) inches width, by eighteen (18) inches height must be provided for all pregnant does and does with litters.

e. Wire mesh floors must not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the entire floor surface of the primary enclosure. The remainder must be a solid surface.

f. Multiple rabbits may be housed together provided that:

(1) They are housed in compatible groups based on size, age, sex, and temperament. Intact sexually mature bucks should only be housed with intact sexually mature does if breeding is desired.

(2) No more than twenty-five (25) rabbits of any age may be housed in the same primary enclosure regardless of the size of the enclosure.

(3) If more than one rabbit occupies a primary enclosure, floor space will be calculated for the largest rabbit, with each additional rabbit needing one half of the minimum floor space required.

6. Safety

a. Wire mesh floors are acceptable for use in rabbit housing provided that the space between the wires that make up the mesh is no greater than one-half (1/2) inch by one-half (1/2) inch, and in no case should allow the foot of a rabbit to pass through it.

b. All enclosures must be escape proof.

c. Rabbits must not be allowed to have contact with hazardous materials, objects, chemicals, fixtures, or substances.

d. All enclosures must prevent the entry of other animals or vermin.

7. Transportation: All standards set forth above that are required to be met for temperature, safety, ventilation, sanitation, and health of rabbits while in their living quarters shall apply for rabbits while being transported within the state.

8. Prohibited Actions:

a. Housing rabbits in the line of sight with carnivores.

b. Use of cedar shavings, rugs, carpets, or clumping cat litter is prohibited for use in the housing of rabbits or as bedding.

c. Retail sale of rabbits for use as pets unless the owner of the rabbits is in possession of a valid pet shop license pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 4-19. Retail sale of rabbits intended to be slaughtered as livestock is permissible without a pet shop license.

d. Use of aquaria for primary enclosures of rabbits is prohibited.

9. Exemptions

a. Exemptions from the minimum requirements may be granted for the temporary emergency housing of rabbits as authorized by the state veterinarian.

b. Exemptions from the minimum space requirements may be granted on a case-by-case basis for veterinary medical treatment or as is authorized in writing by a veterinarian licensed to practice within the state of Rhode Island.

D. Rats and Mice

1. The temperature within the animal's living quarters shall be maintained between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit to be measured at the height that the animals live at. Temperature standards are applicable for rats and mice whether they are housed indoors or outdoors.

a. If the temperature falls below 60 degrees F for more than two (2) consecutive hours, supplemental heat shall be provided.

b. If the temperature rises above 85 degrees F for more than two (2) consecutive hours, supplemental cooling shall be provided.

3. Sanitation

a. Urine and feces must be removed at least once daily or more frequently in order to maintain animals in a clean and sanitary manner. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted on the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

b. Disinfectants must be used in a manner consistent with label directions and all disinfectants must be approved for use in animal housing.

c. All soiled bedding or other materials/objects that are contaminated with urine or feces must be cleaned or replaced daily. A written history log documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted on the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

d. All feeding and watering dishes/bowls/receptacles must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Any such dish/bowl/receptacle that is permanently stained must be replaced.

4. Lighting must be sufficient to allow inspection of all rats/mice to assess health, sanitation, food, and water.

5. Minimum Space Requirements

a. Minimum space requirements for mice is as follows: In no case will the space requirement be less than one (1) sq. foot; the minimum height for mouse enclosures shall be no less than six (6) inches and must allow the mouse to stand in its hind legs without head touching the top of the enclosure.

SIZE of MOUSE	WEIGHT(grams)	# Per Sq. Foot
Small	<18	12
Medium	18-25	8
Large	>25	6

b. Minimum space requirements for rats is as follows: The minimum height of rat enclosures shall be nine (9) inches.

SIZE of RAT	WEIGHT(grams)	Sq. Inches Per Animal
Small	<85	60
Medium	85-175	100
Large	>175	144

6. Safety

a. Wire mesh floors are not permitted for housing rats and mice.

b. All enclosures must be escape proof.

c. All enclosures must prevent entry of other animals and vermin.

7. Transportation: All standards set forth above that are required to be met for temperature, safety, ventilation, sanitation, and health of rats and mice while in their living quarters shall apply for rats and mice while being transported within the state.

8. Prohibited Actions

a. Housing rats and mice in the line of sight of carnivores.

b. Use of cedar shavings, rugs, carpets, or clumping cat litter is prohibited for use in the housing of rats and mice.

c. When live rats and mice are used as feeders for reptiles and other animals, any rat or mouse that is not consumed by the animal within thirty (30) minutes is to be removed from the predator animal's enclosure and returned to a proper enclosure for the rat or mouse. Upon return to that enclosure the animal must be cared for as defined in the above standards.

E. Hamsters/Gerbils and Guinea Pigs

1. The temperature within the animal's living quarters shall be maintained between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit to be measured at the height that the animals live at. Temperature standards are applicable for hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs whether they are housed indoors or outdoors.

a. If the temperature falls below 60 degrees F for more than two (2) consecutive hours, supplemental heat shall be provided.

b. If the temperature rises above 85 degrees F for more than two (2) consecutive hours, supplemental cooling shall be provided.

3. Sanitation:

a. Urine and feces must be removed at least once daily or more frequently in order to maintain animals in a clean and sanitary manner. A written history documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted on the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

b. Disinfectants must be used in a manner consistent with label directions and all disinfectants must be approved for use in animal housing.

c. All soiled bedding or other materials/objects that are contaminated with urine or feces must be cleaned or replaced daily. A written history documenting the time and date at which such duties were accomplished initialed by the staff person who accomplished the task shall be posted on the room where the animals are housed. This log is to be maintained and subject to inspection for a period of six (6) months.

d. All feeding and watering dishes/bowls/receptacles must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Any such dish/bowl/receptacle that is permanently stained must be replaced.

4. Lighting must be sufficient to allow inspection of all hamsters/gerbils/guinea pigs to assess health, sanitation, food, and water.

5. Minimum Space Requirements

a. Minimum space requirements for guinea pigs is as follows: The minimum height of the primary enclosure shall be no less than nine (9) inches.

GUINEA PIG	WEIGHT (grams)	Sq. Inches Per Animal
Small	<175	80
Large	175 or greater	144
Nursing females with litter	Any	144

(1) A pregnant sow or sow with a litter must be housed in accordance with the above referenced standard provided that they are housed in a separate primary enclosure from other guinea pigs.

b. Minimum space requirements for hamsters/gerbils is as follows: In no case less than one (1) Sq. foot

SIZE of HAMSTER/GERBIL	WEIGHT (grams)	# Per Sq. Foot
Small	<60	12
Medium	61-100	8
Large	>100	6

(1) For hamsters the minimum height of the enclosure shall be nine inches.

(2) For gerbils the minimum height of the enclosure shall be six (6) inches.

(3) Pregnant hamsters and gerbils and/or hamsters and gerbils with a litter must be housed in accordance with the above referenced standard provided that they are housed in a separate primary enclosure from other hamsters and/or gerbils.

6. Safety

a. Cedar shavings shall not be used in or around guinea pig enclosures.

b. Wire mesh floors are not permitted for housing hamsters/gerbils or guinea pigs.

c. All enclosures must be escape proof.

d. All enclosures must prevent entry of other animals and vermin.

7. Transportation: All standards set forth above that are required to be met for temperature, safety, ventilation, sanitation, and health of hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs while in their living quarters shall apply for hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs while being transported within the state.

8. Prohibited Actions

a. Housing hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs in the line of sight of carnivores.

b. Use of cedar shavings, rugs, carpets, or clumping cat litter is prohibited for use in the housing of hamsters, gerbils and guinea or as bedding.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-40-05-4.8

Amended effective 1/30/2020
Amended effective 4/24/2023