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WHAT DO TDLR INSPECTORS LOOK FOR AT A BREEDER FACILITY?

BY DOUG VANPELT

“My main concern at a breeding facility is the condition of the dogs” – James McEachern, TDLR inspector.

“Dog and Cat Breeding is Regulated in Texas” is the slogan of the Licensed Breeder program at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The agency strives to spread awareness across the state about the laws and rules on the books in Texas for both dog and cat breeding. Educating the public about these requirements helps ensure the health and safety of the animals can be protected, and Texas consumers can make betterinformed choices when purchasing a dog or cat.

All breeders subject to the Dog or Cat Breeders Act must pass an initial inspection before they can obtain a license from TDLR. Once they are licensed, each facility is inspected at least once every 18 months. The Dog or Cat Breeders Act, passed in 2011, can be found on the TDLR website at: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/bre/ brelaw.htm

The agency’s administrative rules, which clarify the do’s and don’ts of the Act, can be found at: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/bre/ brerules.htm

During a typical inspection, TDLR inspectors look for violations of the laws and rules and pay close attention to the general well-being of the animals. Inspectors have a checklist they use to look for violations such as: • medical records for the animals; • exercise protocols; • annual inventory of the animals; • breeding dates; • proper shelter and housing facilities including temperature and climate considerations; • maintaining proper documents; • proper display of TDLR license; and • unsafe or dangerous conditions. Examples of the top violations typically found during an inspection include: • Surfaces of non-porous material (most commonly unfinished wood). • Not following the standards of veterinary care related to breeding cycles. • No required contract provisions in each contract for the sale of a puppy or kitten. • Not providing property shelter or housing facilities. • This can include everything from not providing proper shade coverings to having sharp edges that could hurt the animals. • Not following the proper exercise requirements for daily exercise. • No personnel on-site or no properly trained personnel onsite for the required time periods. • Failure to perform required yearly examinations and/or not keeping proper records of required yearly examinations. * No proper medical records for routine and preventative healthcare. Things that stand out during an inspection: • Not cleaning excrement: in these cases, the facility will be cited by TDLR inspectors, and local animal control and/or the sheriff’s department will be contacted. To learn more about the TDLR Licensed Breeder program, visit us at: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/bre/bre.htm PICTURED: OUR INSPECTORS OUT IN THE FIELD AT LICENSED BREEDER FACILITIES