Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies
(a) Animals shall be provided with food that is wholesome, palatable, free from contamination and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain animals in good health. Animals, other than certain reptiles which according to normal husbandry practices for their species are not fed at least once daily, must be fed at least once a day, including Sundays and holidays, except as dictated by hibernation, veterinary treatment, normal fasts, or other commonly accepted practices recognized by professionals who are expert in the care of the animals concerned. In the case of young animals, they shall be fed at least two times per day, except when continuous self feeders are provided. Feeding pans shall be durable and sanitized daily. Self feeders may be used for the feeding of dry food provided they are cleaned and sanitized regularly to prevent molding or caking of food. If disposable food receptacles are used, they must be discarded after each feeding. Food shall be stored in facilities which adequately protect the supplies against deterioration, molding or contamination by vermin.
(b) Potable water shall be provided at all times to each animal in accordance with its needs, except as directed by hibernation, veterinary treatment or other commonly accepted practices recognized by professionals who are expert in the care of the animals concerned. Water containers shall be designed and of sufficient number to provide and dispense adequate quantities of water for the particular species and must be placed in such a way as to prevent spillage. Water containers shall be cleaned and sanitized at least once each day, except that sipper-tube type water bottles, if used, must be kept clean and sanitized regularly, kept free of dirt, debris and algae, and must be cleaned and sanitized prior to an animal being placed in an enclosure.
(c) All dogs and cats received for resale shall be housed, separate from other dogs and cats on the premises for a minimum of 48 hours before being released to a purchaser. Each animal shall be observed daily by the licensee or his representative in order to recognize general symptoms of injury, illness or disease. Any dog or cat that exhibits symptoms of injury, illness or disease shall be isolated and treated as prescribed by a veterinarian. Any such dog or cat shall be verified by a veterinarian to be healthy before such dog or cat can be offered for sale.
(d) Dogs confined in cages shall be removed at least once daily for a period of time. Each pet shop shall consult with a veterinarian licensed in Connecticut to determine the place and period of time necessary for exercise for their dogs confined in cages. Each pet shop shall follow the advice of the veterinarian.
(Effective April 26, 1989)