Each guard dog company and investigations company using dogs to conduct investigations licensed by the board shall comply with the following rules:

1. (1) All pens, spaces, rooms, runs, cages, compartments or hutches where guard dogs are housed, exercised, trained or placed shall be kept clean and maintained in a sanitary condition. Excreta shall be removed as often as necessary to prevent contamination of the inhabitants and reduce disease hazards and odors. Adequate shelter shall be provided to protect animals from any form of overheating or cold or inclement weather.
2. (2) All animals shall be fed at least once a day except as otherwise might be 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 animal. Food receptacles shall be accessible to all animals and shall be located so as to minimize contamination by excreta. Feeding pans shall be durable and kept clean and sanitary. Disposable food receptacles may be used but must be discarded after each feeding. Self-feeders may be used for the feeding of food, and shall be kept clean and sanitary to prevent molding, deterioration, or caking of feed.
3. (3) All animals shall be furnished ample water. If potable water is not accessible to the animals 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. Watering receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary.

4. (4) All animals shall be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian against rabies by the time they are four months of age and within each subsequent 12-month interval thereafter. Official rabies vaccination certificates issued by the vaccinating veterinarian shall contain certain standard information as designated by the Texas Department of Health. Information required is as follows:

   1. (A) owner's name, address and telephone number;
   2. (B) animal identification, including species, sex, age (three mo. to 12 mo., 12 mo. or older), size (lbs.), predominant breed, and colors;
   3. (C) vaccine used, producer, expiration date and serial number;
   4. (D) date vaccinated;
   5. (E) rabies tag number; and
   6. (F) veterinarian's signature and license number.

Source Note:The provisions of this §35.131 adopted to be effective October 21, 2004, 29 TexReg 9686.