King County, Wash., which includes the city of Seattle, has updated proposed regulations for pet-related business, including pet shops and specialty pet food retailers. A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 21.

The proposed regulations, which were originally introduced in 2009, would require pet shops, pet food retail businesses, pet grooming services, pet daycare facilities, commercial breeders and animal shelters to receive permits from the King County department of public health. They set forth a permit fee structure as well as a fee structure for the county board of health to review business plans as per the permit application process. Both fees are scheduled to increase over the next few years.

Currently, pet shops, kennels, some shelters, and pet daycares in Seattle are permitted by King County’s public health department, according to the county’s website. Pet shops, groomers, animal shelters and commercial kennels located outside of Seattle (with some exceptions) are permitted by King County’s records and licensing department. If the updated regulations are approved, the public health department will take over the responsibility for permitting and inspecting these businesses county-wide.

The proposed regulations provide a long list of requirements for pet shops. For example, pet shops would have to follow certain facility construction and equipment standards, primary animal enclosure requirements, sanitation standards and animal health, care and disease prevention standards.  Pet shops would also be required to provide certain information to customers at the time of purchase, such as a rabies vaccination certificate (for dogs, cats and ferrets only). Record keeping and reporting requirements are also provided.

Pet food retail businesses would be required to follow sanitation standards and guidelines for handling and storing pet food. “Pet food retail business” means a retail establishment selling any of the following for consumption by pets:

1. Foods or treats requiring refrigeration or freezing to prevent spoilage; or
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2. Uncooked or partially cooked animal derived pet foods or treats not requiring refrigeration or freezing. “Partially cooked animal derived pet foods or treats” are those that are cured, dried, dehydrated or smoked and include but are not limited to pig ears, beef hooves, dried tendons, smoked bones, chicken or salmon jerky, and freeze dried seafood, meat or animal organs.

The guidelines for refrigerated or frozen food are different than those for uncooked or partially-cooked animal derived pet foods or treats.

Under the proposed regulations, commercial kennels, pet daycare facilities, animal shelters and pet grooming facilities would have to follow the same standards for indoor facility construction and equipment, outdoor facilities, primary animal enclosures, sanitation and recording keeping. However, each type of business is provided with individualized standards for animal health, care and disease prevention.

Under the proposed regulations, pet shops, commercial kennels, pet daycare facilities, animal shelters and grooming facilities would have to develop and maintain a written infection control plan.

Overnight boarding would be permitted at commercial kennels, pet daycare facilities and animal shelters. Overnight boarding would not be permitted at pet grooming services or pet shops unless the owner obtains a separate commercial kennel, pet daycare facility or animal shelter permit.

The King County Board of Health is scheduled to vote on the proposed regulations during a public hearing on Jan. 21, 1:30 p.m. PST, in the county council chambers. If approved, the regulations will take effect March 1.

Members of the public interested in making a comment on the regulations may do so in person at the meeting or submit written testimony. Written testimony must be submitted by 5 p.m. PST on Jan. 18. Written testimony may be sent to:

Donna Oberg
Board of Health Administrator
401 5th Ave., Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98104

Or email to: Donnna.Oberg@kingcounty.gov.

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