Code of Colorado Regulations
1000 - Department of Public Health and Environment
1010 - Division of Environmental Health and Sustainability
6 CCR 1010-7 - RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE HEALTH AND SANITATION OF CHILD CARE FACILITIES IN THE STATE OF COLORADO
Section 6 CCR 1010-7.13 - Care Of Animals

Universal Citation: 6 CO Code Regs 1010-7 § 13

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, March 25, 2025

No more than three adult animals for every 25 children may be cared for at a child care facility unless the animals are utilized as part of a developed educational program or therapy program with a written plan that outlines the intended goal and need for the animals. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the properly located, stabled and corralled livestock, such as horses associated with equestrian programs at children's camps or fish in bowls or aquariums.

7.13.1 Prohibited Animals

A. The following animals are prohibited in child care facilities:
1. Psittacine birds, ferrets, and primates;

2. Poisonous animals inclusive of spiders, venomous insects, venomous reptiles including snakes, and venomous amphibians;

3. Stray or wild animals; and,

4. Aggressive animals.

B. Live poultry including adult birds, chicks, and ducklings, reptiles, and amphibians shall be prohibited from:
1. The premises of facilities caring only for children under the age of five;

2. Classrooms with children kindergarten age or younger or communal areas that these children use in facilities that also care for children over the age of five.
a. Because infections from these animals spread via fecal-oral transmission (hand to mouth behaviors), use of these animals in other classrooms where older children engage in frequent hand to mouth behaviors is discouraged.

C. Animals other than non-aggressive fish are prohibited in infant programs.

7.13.2 Animal Bite Control

A. All dogs and cats shall have current rabies vaccinations administered by a licensed veterinarian. Record of rabies vaccinations shall be available at the child care facility whenever the dog or cat is on site.
1. All animal bites involving species that are known reservoirs of rabies, including but not limited to dogs, bats, cats, ferrets, raccoons, skunks and foxes, shall be immediately reported to the Department or other appropriate agencies.

7.13.3 Enclosures

A. Enclosures for small animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits and the like, shall be constructed to be non-absorbent and easily cleanable and shall be cleaned as needed so as not to create nuisance conditions. Animal waste, used bedding and other waste material shall be removed from the premise and not left to accumulate.

B. Enclosures for larger animals and poultry shall be cleaned daily to remove animal waste, soiled bedding and other debris. Run off from enclosures, barns, corrals, and manure storage areas shall be managed in an approved manner so as not to pollute wells and waterways. Adequate fly and mosquito control measures shall be utilized as needed.

C. All animal waste on outdoor play areas shall be promptly removed and placed in a closed disposal container.

7.13.4 Child Participation

A. Children's contact with animals, enclosures and waste products shall be supervised. Children under the age of five years shall not be involved with the cleaning of animal enclosures or the removal and handling of animal waste products.
1. Children and individuals involved with the care, feeding or handling of animals shall thoroughly wash their hands in accordance with 7.10.3(B)(4)(d) immediately after any contact with animals, animal enclosures or animal waste products.

7.13.5 Designated Animal Areas

A. Specific areas shall be designated for animals. Live animals shall be prohibited from the following areas:
1. Food preparation, food storage and dining areas; and,

2. Areas where children routinely play (e.g., sandboxes, playgrounds).

B. Animal feed and bedding shall be stored separate from human food, food supplies and food preparation areas.
1. Animal feed shall not be located in food preparation areas or on eating surfaces.

2. Animal feed that requires refrigeration may be stored in an impervious secondary container to separate it from human food and make it inaccessible to children.

C. Location and/or presence of animals shall be determined based on the protection of the health of children and caregivers with allergies.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Colorado may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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