Code of Maryland Regulations
Title 15 - MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Subtitle 01 - OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
Chapter 15.01.11 - Animal Shelters - Minimum Standards of Care
Section 15.01.11.03 - Animal Shelter Buildings
Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 6, March 22, 2024
The responsible individual shall ensure that the shelter is a safe, structurally sound, and sanitary building that meets the following standards:
A. A shelter may not have any structural defects that could cause injury to animals or staff members handling animals;
B. Surfaces in animal areas, such as floors, junctions, walls, doors, shall be made of nonporous material that can easily be disinfected;
C. Ceilings shall be kept in good condition without leaks;
D. All areas where animals are present shall have adequate ventilation and be kept between 60-80 degrees F;
E. By July 1, 2019, all rooms where animals are housed shall have afire alarm system that will alert authorities of fire or heavy smoke;
F. A shelter shall have written policies and protocols in place to maintain adequate capacity to prevent and eliminate overcrowding; and
G. Upon request, a shelter shall allow the Department to inspect the premises for compliance with this chapter.
