Current through Vol. 42, No. 1, September 16, 2024
(a) Each
home that allows residential or visiting animals shall adopt and comply with
policies that meet or exceed 310:680-7-6(a) and 310:680-7-6(b). The facility's
policies shall describe the schedule of animal care and zoonotic infection
control for the respective facility. The facility shall not allow any animal to
reside in the facility until all of the following requirements are met:
(1) The animal is a dog, cat, fish, bird,
rabbit, or guinea pig. If a home desires to include other types of animals in
their program, the home shall submit a supplemental request accompanied by its
policies, procedures, and guidelines to the Department and receive written
approval from the Department prior to implementation.
(2) For residential pets, excluding fish, the
number of animals in a home shall be limited to no more than one dog per 50
residents; 1 cat, rabbit, or guinea pig per 30 residents; or 1 bird per 20
residents, unless the home has received the Department's prior approval of a
greater number of pets through a supplemental request pursuant to
310:675-7-19(a)(1).
(3) The home adopts policies ensuring
non-disruption of the home.
(4) All
pets are housed and controlled in a manner that ensures that neither the pet
nor the residents are in danger. A pet cage or container must not obstruct an
exit or encroach on the required corridor width.
(5) The following veterinary medical services
are obtained for each pet, when applicable to species, and a record of service
is maintained on file at the home:
(A) A
health certificate from a veterinarian licensed to practice in Oklahoma stating
the animal is healthy on physical exam and of acceptable temperament to be
placed in the home;
(B) Proof of
evaluation by a veterinarian licensed to practice in Oklahoma for presence of
internal parasites on a semi-annual basis and for the presence of external
parasites as needed;
(C) Proof of
current rabies immunization for dogs and cats, and leptospirosis immunization
for dogs administered by a licensed veterinarian;
(D) Proof of spaying/neutering for dogs and
cats over six months of age; and
(E) Statement from a licensed veterinarian
certifying that each bird tested negative for Chlamydia
psittaciinfection (psittacosis) within 30 days prior to placement in
the home. Birds equal in size to or larger than a parakeet shall receive a
serologic test. Culture from fresh droppings or cloacal swab will be acceptable
test in smaller birds, such as canaries and finches.
(6) The pet's skin appears normal, and its
coat or feathers are free of ectoparasites, matted hair, feces, and other
debris.
(7) Residential pets shall
be the responsibility of the administrator, who shall designate at least one
attendant to supervise the care and maintenance of resident animals. The
administrator and the designated attendants shall at least annually review the
home's policy on residential and visiting pets, and shall document that they
have read and understood the policy.
(8) The home provides for the cleaning and
disinfecting of any areas contaminated by urine or excrement, and for the
regular cleaning of aviaries, aquariums, and animal cages. Water in aquariums
and fish bowls shall be appropriately maintained to prevent bacterial growth in
the water.
(9) Residential dogs and
cats shall not be allowed to remain in the resident areas after visiting hours.
No animal shall be allowed in an area used for food storage or preparation,
dining, medication preparation or administration, or clean or sterile supply
storage.
(10) If there is more than
one resident per room, permission shall be obtained from each resident in the
room before allowing animal visitation.
(b) The home may allow other animals to visit
the home. Visiting animals shall be under the control of the person bringing
the pet into the home. The attendant of visiting animals shall adhere to the
home's policies and procedures for residential pets. Proof of current rabies
immunization must be provided to the administrator before any dog, cat or
ferret can be allowed as a visiting pet in the home.
(c) The Department shall publish and
distribute to homes recommended husbandry and veterinary care guidelines for
residential pets. The guidelines shall include but not be limited to
recommendations for housing, cleaning needs, exercise, diet, fecal
examinations, grooming, attendant training on animal care and nutrition, and
preventive health care. The guidelines shall be used for the information and
education of homes.
(d) Section
310:680-7-6 does not supersede any local or state rules that regulate
animals.
Added at 14 Ok Reg 3145,
eff 7-25-97; Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2526, eff 6-25-99; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2550,
eff 6-25-01
