Temperature Requirements for Dogs Animal Care Tech Note
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) provides specific temperature requirements for dogs kept in a variety of housing structures. However, maintaining appropriate temperatures alone may not be enough to ensure a dog’s health and well-being. The following information summarizes AWA temperature requirements and added factors that you, as a licensee or registrant, must consider in providing dogs with care that meets the AWA standards. Temperature Requirements by Housing Type Indoor and Sheltered Housing The temperature must not fall below 45 °F for more than 4 consecutive hours. For dogs that are not acclimated to lower temperatures; breeds that are sensitive to the cold (such as short-haired or toy breeds); and elderly, young, sick, or injured dogs, the temperature must not fall below 50 °F. All other dogs must have some method of conserving body heat (such as dry bedding, solid resting surfaces, heat lamps, or other provisions) if the temperature is less than 50 °F. Dogs cannot be housed in temperatures above 85 °F for more than 4 consecutive hours. If the temperature rises above 85 °F for any length of time, you must provide additional ventilation such as fans, blowers, or air conditioning. Providing ventilation does not replace the requirement to prevent temperatures from rising above 85 ºF for more than 4 hours.
Outdoor Housing
Outdoor enclosures must provide adequate space, shelter from the elements, and protection from temperature and weather extremes. When the temperature is below 50 ºF, outdoor shelters must contain clean, dry bedding. When the temperature is below 35 ºF, dogs must have additional clean, dry bedding of sufficient quantity and material to absorb excess moisture and allow “nestling” to conserve body heat (such as straw, wood shavings, or blankets). All dogs—including Arctic breeds such as the Alaskan malamute or Siberian husky—are susceptible to temperature extremes. Their shelter must offer protection from the wind; cold; and exposure to rain, ice, and snow. This must include a wind break and rain break at the entrance. In addition, every dog must have access to adequate shade outside of the enclosure to prevent overheating and discomfort; shelters for outdoor dogs may become too warm for them to remain inside if that is their only opportunity to avoid direct sunlight. Regardless of housing type, dogs must always have continuous access to water. Dehydration can inhibit a dog’s ability to regulate its body temperature, which puts it at greater risk for heat stroke or hypothermia. Unless specifically approved by the attending veterinarian, outdoor housing is not allowed for dogs that are not acclimated to the local temperatures; breeds that are heat- or cold-intolerant; and elderly, sick, or very young dogs.
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 43
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