1. (1) The Board must be notified, in writing, at least 60 days prior to the opening of veterinary facility.
2. (2) All areas of the premises shall be maintained in a sanitary, clean, orderly condition, and free of objectionable odors, at all times.

3. (3) The minimum standards for all facilities, permanent or mobile, where veterinary medicine is practiced shall be:

   1. (a) Heating and cooling shall be provided for the comfort of the animals and the facility shall have sufficient ventilation in all areas.
   2. (b) Proper lighting shall be provided in all rooms utilized for the practice of veterinary medicine.
   3. (c) Hot and cold running water shall be provided along with toilets and lavatories inside the facility for personnel and clients.
   4. (d) All premises shall have sanitary storage which is adequate for the size of the facility.
   5. (e) The facility shall have receptacles for waste disposal which shall comply with state, county, and municipal health laws, ordinances and regulations.

   6. (f) Disposal of dead animals and waste:

      1. 1. Veterinary facilities shall dispose of dead animals, biological waste, and medical waste (including sharps) in a prompt, sanitary, and aesthetic manner.
      2. 2. The disposal of dead animals, biological waste, and medical waste (including sharps) shall comply with all federal, state, county and municipal laws, ordinances, and regulations.
      3. 3. With the exception of large animals, all dead animals on the premises shall be refrigerated.
      4. 4. Dead animals not claimed within forty-eight (48) hours by the owner or agent shall be disposed at the discretion of the veterinarian.

   7. (g) The facility’s examination rooms shall have the following:

      1. 1. Lined waste receptacles or chutes;
      2. 2. A sink with disposable towels must be readily accessible; and
      3. 3. A table with impervious surface which shall be sanitized between patients.
   8. (h) Cages, exercise areas, pens, and stalls are to be kept in a clean and orderly condition, in a well-lighted area, and in good repair to prevent injury to animals and to promote physical comfort.
   9. (i) Small animals housed outside must have adequate shelter and bedding if the temperature drops below fifty degrees (50°) Fahrenheit and sufficient cooling or shade if the temperature rises above eighty-five degrees (85°) Fahrenheit.
   10. (j) Except as provided in subdivision (k), all veterinary facilities located in retail establishments shall have an entrance into the permitted premises that is directly on a public street or other area which adjoins the establishment, and such entrance shall be separate from the entrance primarily used by regular retail customers. For purposes of this chapter, “retail establishment” means any retail store in excess of two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet that primarily sells goods not related to the practice of veterinary medicine; companion animal retail facilities that primarily sell goods in the categories of companion animal nutrition, food, supplies, and behavioral products; or any veterinary facility located in an enclosed shopping mall or enclosed shopping center.
   11. (k) Veterinary facilities located in retail establishments that were issued a premises permit prior to January 1, 2015, and that have a separate entrance used by regular retail customers shall maintain and utilize the separate entrance in order to comply with subdivision § 63-12-139(c)(2). Veterinary facilities located in retail establishments that were issued a premises permit prior to January 1, 2015, and that do not have a separate entrance used by regular retail customers on July 1, 2016, are in compliance with § 63-12-139(c)(2).

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-12-106, 63-12-124, 63-12-129, and 63-12-139. Administrative History: Original rule filed May 30, 1980; effective August 27, 1980. Amendment filed July 10, 1989; effective August 24, 1989. Repeal and new rule filed April 28, 1995; effective July 12, 1995. Repeal and new rule filed June 10, 1999; effective August 24, 1999. Amendment filed September 12, 2001; effective November 26, 2001. Amendment filed May 26, 2004; effective August 9, 2004. Amendment filed June 24, 2004; effective September 7, 2004. Amendment filed May 23, 2014; effective August 21, 2014. Amendments filed October 17, 2025; effective January 15, 2026.