What are the primary enclosure requirements for dogs and cats? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR sources.

Details / How it works

Under 9 CFR § 3.6 (as amended through May 13, 2020), every primary enclosure for dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) must be designed and constructed of suitable materials so it is structurally sound and kept in good repair. It must contain no sharp points or edges, protect animals from injury, contain them securely, keep other animals out, keep them dry and clean, provide shelter from extreme temperatures, offer sufficient shade for all occupants, give easy and convenient access to clean food and water, and let all contact surfaces be cleaned and sanitized per § 3.11(b) or replaced when worn or soiled. Floors must protect feet and legs from injury, and suspended mesh or slatted floors must not allow paws to pass through openings.

Numbers & thresholds

Floor-space minimums exclude food and water pans; a properly cleaned litter pan may count toward cat floor space. Each cat enclosure must include elevated, moisture-impervious resting surfaces large enough for all occupants, plus a receptacle with sufficient clean litter for excreta.

Exceptions & edge cases

• Nursing mothers: Bitches with puppies and queens with kittens get additional floor space based on breed and behavior per the attending veterinarian; if the extra space is under 5% of the minimum, research facilities need attending-veterinarian approval and dealers/exhibitors need APHIS Administrator approval.
• Compatibility: All animals sharing an enclosure must be compatible; females in estrus may not be housed with sexually mature males except for breeding; queens/bitches with litters and kittens/puppies under 4 months cannot share enclosures with other adults outside breeding colonies; vicious or aggressive animals must be housed separately.
• Tethering: Permanent tethering is prohibited as a primary enclosure; temporary tethering is prohibited unless approved by APHIS.
• Traveling shows: While moving between temporary locations, show animals may be kept in transport containers meeting § 3.15 (except its marking requirements).
• Innovative enclosures: Designs that do not precisely meet floor-area and height rules may still be used if they provide sufficient volume and species-typical behavior opportunities — approved by the IACUC at research facilities or by the APHIS Administrator for dealers and exhibitors.