1. (a) Generally.

   1. (1) Structural strength. Housing facilities shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair in order to protect the animals from injury, to contain them, and to prevent exposure to other animals and the public.
   2. (2) Water and electric power. Reliable and adequate electric power, if required to comply with other provisions of these sections, and adequate potable water shall be available.
   3. (3) Storage. Supplies of food and bedding shall be stored in facilities which adequately protect such supplies against infestation or contamination by vermin. Refrigeration shall be provided for supplies of perishable food.
   4. (4) Waste disposal. Provision shall be made for the removal and disposal of animal and food wastes, bedding, dead animals, and debris. Disposal facilities shall be so provided and operated as to minimize vermin infestations, odors, and disease hazards. A suitable method shall be provided to rapidly and safely remove water and other liquid waste from housing facilities. Housing facilities should be designed to have animal excreta removed through sanitary sewers, septic systems, or garbage. All closed drainage systems should be equipped with traps, vents, and acceptable drain covers to exclude rodents and prevent any backup of sewer gas and odors into the facility.
   5. (5) Washrooms and sinks. Facilities for personal hygiene, such as washrooms, basins, or sinks, shall be provided for employees.
   6. (6) Management. The manager of a quarantine facility should be either a licensed veterinarian or an individual who has satisfactorily completed an appropriate TDH training course.
   7. (7) Records. Records shall be kept on each animal processed through the housing facility. At a minimum, the records shall document the animal's description, impoundment date, disposition date, and method of disposition. Records shall be available for inspection by the department.
   8. (8) Heating. Adequate shelter shall be provided to protect animals from any form of cold or inclement weather and direct effects of wind, rain, or snow. Auxiliary heat or clean, dry bedding material shall be provided any time the ambient temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) for more than four consecutive hours when animals are present. If bedding material is used, larger quantities should be used as temperatures drop.
   9. (9) Cooling and Ventilation. Adequate shelter shall be provided to protect animals from any form of overheating and direct rays of the sun. Facilities shall be provided with fresh air either by means of windows, doors, vents, fans, or air conditioning and shall be ventilated so as to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation. Auxiliary ventilation, such as fans or air conditioning, shall be provided in indoor facilities when the ambient temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.5 degrees Celsius) or higher.
   10. (10) Lighting. Housing facilities shall have ample light of sufficient intensity to permit routine inspection and cleaning. Primary enclosures shall be situated to protect the animals from excessive illumination.
   11. (11) Construction. Housing facilities must be constructed in such a manner that they will protect the animal and not create a health risk or public nuisance. The building surfaces shall be constructed and maintained so that they are impervious to moisture and may be readily sanitized. Floors shall be made of durable, nonabsorbent material.

   12. (12) Primary enclosures. Primary enclosures shall:

       1. (A) be structurally sound and maintained in good repair;
       2. (B) provide convenient access to clean food and water;
       3. (C) enable the animal to remain dry and clean;
       4. (D) be constructed and maintained so that they are impervious to moisture and may be readily sanitized;
       5. (E) be constructed so as to protect the animal's feet and legs from injury; and
       6. (F) provide sufficient space to allow each animal to turn around fully, stand, sit, and lie in a comfortable normal position.

2. (b) Feeding.

   1. (1) Dogs and cats shall be fed at least once a day except as directed by a licensed veterinarian. The food shall be free from contamination, wholesome, palatable, and of sufficient quality and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the condition and size of the dog or cat.
   2. (2) Domestic ferrets shall have 24-hour access to food. The food shall be free from contamination, wholesome, palatable, and of sufficient quality and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the condition, size, and age of the domestic ferret.
   3. (3) Food receptacles shall be accessible to all dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets and shall be located so as to minimize contamination by excreta. Food pans or bowls shall be durable and kept clean and sanitary. Disposable food receptacles may be used but must be discarded after each feeding or for domestic ferrets, after 24 hours of use. Self feeders may be used for feeding dry pet foods and shall be kept clean and sanitary.
3. (c) Watering. If potable water is not accessible to dogs and cats at all times, it shall be offered to them at least twice daily for periods of not less than one hour, except as directed by a licensed veterinarian. Domestic ferrets shall have potable water accessible at all times, provided in drinking bottles of appropriate size to maintain a fresh supply. Water receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary.

4. (d) Sanitation.

   1. (1) Cleaning of primary enclosures. Excreta shall be removed from primary enclosures as often as necessary to prevent contamination of the inhabitants, but not less than daily.
   2. (2) Sanitation of primary enclosures. Cages, rooms, and pens shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.
   3. (3) Building and premises. Building and premises shall be kept clean.
5. (e) Pest Control. A regular program for the control of insects, ectoparasites, and other pests shall be established and maintained.

Source Note:The provisions of this §169.26 adopted to be effective April 1, 1980, 5 TexReg 812; amended to be effective February 22, 1993, 18 TexReg 845; amended to be effective February 21, 1996, 21 TexReg 963; amended to be effective August 21, 1996, 21 TexReg 7660; amended to be effective July 12, 1998, 23 TexReg 7224.