Subpart 2H - Compliance with Standards and Holding Period

Question 1

Any live dog or cat acquired by a dealer or exhibitor shall be held by them, under their supervision and control, for not less than how many days? What days are excluded? What group is excluded?

Answer 1

Not less than 5 full days. Does not include the day of acquisition, after acquiring the animal, excluding time in transit. Operators of auction sales are exempt, as they are not considered to have acquired a dog or cat which is sold through an auction sale.

Question 2

How long must dogs or cats acquired from any private or contract animal pound or shelter be held by?

Answer 2

Not less than 10 full days.

Question 3

After dogs and cats have undergone the 5 or 10 day holding period, when can they be sold or otherwise disposed of by subsequent dealers?

Answer 3

After a minimum holding period of 24 hours by each subsequent dealer or exhibitor, excluding time in transit.

Question 4

What occurs if dogs or cats are suffering from disease, emaciation, or injury?

Answer 4

They may be destroyed by euthanasia prior to the completion of the holding period.

Question 5

What is unique regarding the holding period of only live dog or cat, 120 days of age or less, that was obtained from the person that bred and raised the dog or cat?

Answer 5

May be exempted from the 5-day holding requirement and may be disposed of by dealers or exhibitors after a minimum holding period of 24 hours, excluding time in transit. Each subsequent dealer/exhibitor must hold for a 24-hour period.

Question 6

What occurs during the holding period?

Answer 6

Must be unloaded from any means of conveyance in which it was received, for food, water, and rest, and shall be handled, cared for, and treated as per the Act.

Question 7

Whose approval does a dealer or exhibitor need in order to have another person hold animals for the required period?

Answer 7

Prior approval of Deputy Administrator

Question 8

What are the requirements for a dealer or exhibitor to have another person hold animals during the required holding period?

Answer 8

1. Person agrees in writing to agree with the Act and allow inspection of premises
2. Animals remain under the total control and responsibility of dealer or exhibitor
3. Approval not given for a dealer or exhibitor holding a license to have animals held by another licensed dealer or exhibitor. APHIS Form 7009 used for approval
4. Other person or premises must be either directly included in the dealer’s or exhibitor’s contingency plan or must develop their own contingency plan

Question 9

An intermediate handler can obtain prior approval of the Deputy Administrator to have another person hold animals if:

Answer 9

1. Other person agrees in writing to comply with regulations and allow inspection of premises by APHIS official during business hours
2. Animals remain under total control and responsibility of the research facility or intermediate handler
3. Other person or premises must be directly included in intermediate handler’s contingency plan, or must develop their own.