1. (a) Unless otherwise specified in this article, all veterinary premises shall maintain the following minimum standards:

   1. (1) All veterinary premises where veterinary medicine and its various branches are being practiced, and all instruments, apparatus, and apparel used in connection with those practices, shall be kept clean and sanitary at all times.
   2. (2) If animals are housed or retained for treatment and there are to be no personnel on the veterinary premises during any time an animal is left at the veterinary premises, prior notice of this fact shall be given to the client. For purposes of this paragraph, prior notice may be accomplished by posting a sign in a place and manner conspicuous to the clients at the entrance of the veterinary premises, stating that there may be times when there are no personnel on the veterinary premises.

   3. (3) When animals are kept at the veterinary premises for 24 hours or more, the animals shall be provided with an opportunity for proper exercise when medically appropriate. If exercise is medically appropriate, compliance with this paragraph shall be achieved by the use of exercise runs, exercise areas, or by providing the animal with the opportunity for outdoor walks. When determining whether exercise is medically appropriate, the veterinarian shall consider the following:

      1. (A) What exercise, if any, is appropriate for the particular species.
      2. (B) The animal's physical limitations or ability to be physically active without aggravating the animal's current medical injury, illness, surgical site, or condition.
      3. (C) The amount or duration of exercise considering the animal's current medical condition or post-operative care needs.
   4. (4) The veterinary premises shall maintain a telephone number where clients are able to contact the veterinary premises with questions, concerns, or emergency needs. If a live person is not available to answer calls, the telephone line shall include a recorded message with information about hours of operation and a name, telephone number and location of a veterinary premises where after-hours emergency care is available.
   5. (5) A sign that is clearly readable and visible to the public in at least 20-point type shall be posted outside on or immediately adjacent to the primary entrance with hours of operation of the veterinary premises, and a name, telephone number and location of a veterinary premises where after-hours emergency care is available.
   6. (6) The disposal of waste material shall comply with all applicable state, federal, and local laws and regulations.
   7. (7) The veterinary premises shall have the capacity to render diagnostic radiological services, either on the premises or through another veterinary premises or outside service. Radiological procedures shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws and regulations.
   8. (8) Clinical pathology and histopathology diagnostic laboratory services shall be available within the veterinary premises or through another veterinary premises or outside service.
   9. (9) All drugs and biologicals shall be stored, maintained, administered, dispensed, and prescribed in compliance with state and federal laws.
   10. (10) Sanitary methods for the disposal of deceased animals shall be provided and maintained.
   11. (11) Veterinary medical equipment used to perform aseptic procedures shall be sterilized and maintained in a sterile condition.
   12. (12) Current veterinary reference materials shall be readily accessible to veterinary personnel.
   13. (13) Anesthetic equipment in accordance with the procedures performed shall be maintained in proper working condition and available at all times.
   14. (14) Appropriate drugs and equipment shall be readily available to treat an animal emergency.

2. (b) A veterinary premises that provides aseptic surgical services shall comply with the following:

   1. (1) Storage in the surgery room shall be limited to items and equipment normally related to aseptic surgery and surgical procedures. Equipment not normally related to surgery and surgical procedure includes, but is not limited to, equipment used for dental prophylaxis, autoclaves and non-surgical radiographic equipment.
   2. (2) Open shelving is prohibited in the surgical room.
   3. (3) Provide a means for viewing diagnostic imaging during surgery.

   4. (4) Surgical instruments and equipment shall be:

      1. (A) Adequate for the type of surgical procedures performed.
      2. (B) Sterilized as required by the surgical procedure performed and instruments used.
   5. (5) In any sterile procedure, a separate sterile pack shall be used for each animal.
   6. (6) All instruments, packs, and equipment that have been sterilized shall have an indicator that reacts to and verifies sterilization.

   7. (7) The following attire shall be required for aseptic surgery:

      1. (A) Each member of the surgical team shall put on an appropriate sanitary cap and sanitary mask that covers their hair and mouth, nose and any facial hair, except for eyebrows or eyelashes. All members of the surgical team who will be handling the instruments or touching the surgical site shall wear sterilized surgical gowns with long sleeves and sterilized gloves.
      2. (B) Ancillary personnel in the surgery room shall wear clean clothing, footwear, sanitary cap, and mask.
3. (c) When performing clean surgery, the instruments used to perform such surgery shall have been sterilized, and the surgeon(s) and ancillary personnel shall wear clean clothing and footwear when appropriate.
4. (d) For purposes of this section, “clean surgery” shall mean the performance of a surgical operation for the treatment of a condition and under circumstances which, consistent with the standards of good veterinary medicine, do not warrant the use of aseptic surgical procedures.
5. (e) In addition to the applicable standards in this section, all fixed veterinary premises shall comply with the applicable standards of Section 1251 of Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4808 and 4854, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 4853, 4854 and 4883, Business and Professions Code.

History

1. New Article 4 (Section 2030) filed 6-29-79, effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 26). For prior history, see Register 77, No. 8.

2. Amendment filed 1-22-80 as an emergency; effective upon filing. Certificate of Compliance included. (Register 80, No. 4).

3. Amendment and renumbering from 2031 to 2030 filed 7-16-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 29).

4. Amendment of subsection (d) filed 12-29-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 11).

5. Amendment filed 10-12-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 42).

6. Amendment of section heading, section and Note filed 5-25-2000; operative 6-24-2000 (Register 2000, No. 21).

7. Amendment filed 9-27-2013; operative 1-1-2014 (Register 2013, No. 39).

8. Amendment of section heading, section and Note filed 12-29-2025; operative 1-1-2026 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2026, No. 1).