Animal Welfare Code of Practice NSW - Animals in Pet Shops

Inspection details

Document No.
Compliance Checklist for Animal Welfare Code of Practice - Animals in Pet Shops
Conducted on
Conducted by
Conducted at
Conducted with which person present?
- Proprietor
- Manager
- Staff member
- Volunteer

Shop details

Shop Details

Proprietor of shop:
Registered Trading name of shop
Actual name of shop
ABN number:
Is the place of trading a market stall. (If the answer to this question is yes please list the locations in which the stall trades and the days trading takes place, by taping on this question and using the text field provided)
Business opening hours
Postal address for shop including any P.O Box numbers
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
Email Address:
What animals are located on the premises.
- Dogs
- Cats
- Birds
- Rabbits
- Guinea Pigs
- Chickens
- Ducks
- Reptiles
- Other
Do the animals remain on premises after closing or do they get removed to another place. (If the answer to this question is yes please specify address by tapping on the question and typing in the text box provided)

Compliance checklist

Please note

C = Compliant NC = Non-Complaint NA = Not Applicable

(4) STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

(4.1) PERSON IN CHARGE

4.1.1.1 The person in charge of the pet shop is responsible for compliance with all enforceable provisions within this Code, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and any other relevant legislation. This includes the provision of appropriate housing and equipment and the supervision of all staff associated with the facility, whether working full or part time and whether or not working for fee or reward.
4.1.1.2 The person in charge of the facility must ensure a copy of this Code and any operating procedures are kept at the facility and are accessible to all staff.
4.1.1.3 The person in charge of the facility must ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities towards animals “and that each species of animal is kept in the care of knowledgeable and experienced staff.
4.1.1.4 Each person who has duties in relation to the care or treatment of animals must be appropriately supervised at all times.
4.1.1.5 Staff and volunteers must be made aware of the public and occupational health risks associated with the care and management of animals and of the appropriate steps that must be taken to reduce or eliminate them.
4.1.1.6 A person in charge must ensure that staff are trained, experienced and competent in:
The care and welfare of animals.
The feeding, and watering, of animals.
The protection of animals from distress or injury caused by other animals or interference by people.
Cleaning and proper hygiene in the facility.

(4.2) STAFF

4.2.1.1 All staff must be aware of their responsibilities as defined within the provisions of this Code, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and any other relevant legislation.

(5) ANIMAL HOUSING

(5.1) ACCOMMODATION

5.1.1.1 Animal enclosures must prevent access to animals by unauthorised people, unless under supervision by a staff member.
5.1.1.2 All solid surfaces of animal enclosures must be impervious or painted, to facilitate cleaning and disinfection.
5.1.1.3 All animal enclosures must meet the minimum requirements for size, as provided in Appendix 1 of this document. The minimum requirements set out in Appendix 1 do not remove the need for animals to have sufficient space to rest, stand, stretch, swim, fly or move freely, as appropriate to the species.
5.1.1.4 All animals when displayed must be within the confines of the pet shop, where they are supervised.
5.1.1.5 Animals must be able to withdraw, where appropriate, to a quiet, dark and well ventilated area within their enclosure to allow them to take sleep breaks.
5.1.1.6 Animal enclosures must be maintained to minimise the risk of injury to animals.

(5.2) ENVIRONMENT

5.2.1.1 Premises in which caged animals are kept must be maintained at temperatures and humidity levels that minimise distress. The room temperature must not exceed 30 degrees Celsius and must not fall below 15 degrees Celsius.
5.2.1.2 Animal enclosures must be placed out of draughts and have adequate shade when exposed to direct sunlight.
5.2.1.3 Animals must be protected from extremes of temperature
5.2.1.4 The duration and intensity of artificial lighting must be as close as possible to natural conditions and must allow for diurnal light cycles.
5.2.1.5 Animal enclosures must be protected from excessive light at night, even if it is generated from outside the premises. The light must be turned off or subdued, or other light protection measures used.
5.2.1.6 Cages constructed of solid material that do not allow natural air movement must be artificially ventilated.

(5.3) SECURITY

5.3.1.1 The pet shop premises must be able to be secured to prevent access to the premises outside trading hours.
5.3.1.2 All animal enclosures (except fish tanks containing fish) must be securely fastened outside trading hours.
5.3.1.3 Functioning fire-fighting equipment must be readily available and staff trained and practised in its use. (Note: some fire retardants may be toxic to animals.)
5.3.1.4 Each pet shop must have a documented procedure for the swift removal of animals from the premises in the case of emergency. This document must be kept in a prominent place on the premises. All staff must be able to produce the document and must be familiar with its content. Any methods detailed in the emergency plan must allow for ready access to animals and ready exit for staff and animals from the premises in the event of an emergency.

(6) HYGIENE

(6.1) CLEANING AND DISINFECTION

6.1.1.1 Dog and cat enclosures must be cleaned and disinfected daily with hospital-grade disinfectant.
6.1.1.2 All other animal enclosures (except aquariums) must be cleaned and disinfected with hospital-grade disinfectant at least once a week.
6.1.1.3 At the completion of cleaning, animal enclosures (except fish tanks containing fish) must not be allowed to remain wet.
6.1.1.4 Food preparation and storage areas must be cleaned daily.
6.1.1.5 Before new animals are introduced, vacant enclosures (except aquariums) must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
6.1.1.6 The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals held must be available to staff.
6.2.1.1 The pet shop must have a documented program in place to control pests such as fleas, flies, lice, mosquitoes and wild rodents. This document must be kept on the premises. All staff must be able to produce the document and must be familiar with its content.

(7) MANAGEMENT

(7.1) CARE OF ANIMALS

7.1.1.1 Animals must be protected from distress or injury caused by other animals.
7.1.1.2 Animals must be protected from distress or injury caused by interference by people.
7.1.1.3 Different species must not be housed in the same animal enclosure, except for compatible species of birds; compatible species of fish, or compatible rabbits and guinea pigs where the minimum cage size conforms to the minimum requirements for rabbits.
7.1.1.4 Animals that may be distressed by the presence of other animals must be housed in a manner that prevents visual contact.
7.1.1.5 Any animal that is exhibiting symptoms of stress, for example due to excessive viewing or handling, must be removed from public view/access and monitored.
7.1.1.7 Animals must receive behavioural enrichment, recognising the physiological status and special needs of differing ages and species, to ensure good psychological health.
7.1.1.8 Animals that are unable to feed themselves must be kept only where adequate facilities and expertise are available for artificial rearing.

(7.2) RECORD-KEEPING

7.2.1.1 Appropriate records must be kept for:
The acquisition/breeding of animals, including the date of birth, date of acquisition and the name and address of the supplier/breeder of the animals.
The sale of animals (except fish), including: the date of sale, and the name and contact details of the new owner.
The death or euthanasia of animals at the premises, including the date of death and, where known, the circumstances surrounding the death or euthanasia.
Veterinary treatment of animals, including routine husbandry procedures such as worming or parasite control.
Trading in animals subject to regulatory control, for example birds traded under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
The date of cleaning and disinfection for all enclosures.
7.2.1.2 Records must be kept for a minimum of 5 years, on the premises, and all staff must be able to produce the records.

(8) HEALTH CARE

(8.1) HEALTH CHECKS

8.1.1.1 All animals must be inspected at least once daily to monitor their health and well-being. The person checking the animals must record all adverse observations (except in the case of cryptic and nocturnal animals) where an animal is not:
eating
drinking
defecating
urinating
behaving normally
showing any obvious signs of illness or distress
able to move about freely
8.1.1.2 All fish tanks and bird enclosures must be inspected at least once daily to monitor the health and wellbeing of the animals contained. New, sick or young birds must be inspected more frequently.
8.1.1.3 Any changes in health status must be promptly reported to the person in charge for appropriate action.
8.1.1.4 Newly acquired animals must not be mixed with existing stock for a minimum of 48 hours.
8.1.1.5 The person in charge and staff must be familiar with the signs of common diseases in the species kept.

(8.3) EUTHANASIA

8.3.1.1 Where treatment to restore the health of an animal while in the facility is impractical or unsuccessful, and where euthanasia is recommended by a veterinarian or an Inspector (appointed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979), the animal must be humanely destroyed.
8.3.1.2 Euthanasia of dogs and cats must be performed only by a veterinary surgeon or a person who is an authorised euthanasia technician.
8.3.1.3 Euthanasia must be conducted in an area that is separated from animal accommodation at the facility and must not be carried out in view of any other animals, or members of the public.

(9) FOOD AND WATER

9.1.1 Animals must receive a balanced and complete diet that allows them to maintain good health and growth, recognising the physiological status and special needs of differing ages and species.
9.1.2 Clean water must be available at all times at a temperature and quality that meet the animal’s physiological needs and that the animal will drink.
9.1.3 Food and water containers must be cleaned daily and must be cleaned and disinfected before transfer to another enclosure.
9.1.4 Food and water containers must be removed and cleaned immediately if noticed to be contaminated.
9.1.5 Animals that are co-housed must be monitored during feeding to ensure that all animals are eating.
9.1.6 Food and water containers must be readily accessible to animals and positioned to avoid spillage or contamination by urine or faeces.
9.1.7 Food must be stored in a way that prevents its deterioration or contamination.

(10) SALE OF ANIMALS

10.1.1 Dogs and cats must not be sold to people less than 18 years of age.
10.1.2 Where no regulatory control exists (for example, birds traded under authorities issued by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service), animals except dogs and cats may be sold to people aged 16 or older.
10.1.3 Animals may be sold only to people aged less than 16 years with the written consent or in the physical presence of their parent or guardian.
10.1.4 At the time of purchase of an animal, clients must be offered, at no charge, accurate written information on the care of animal purchased.
10.1.5 If within 3 days an animal (except a fish) is not acceptable to the purchaser for any reason, the pet shop proprietor is required to take the animal back and refund 50% of the purchase price of the animal.
10.1.6 The guarantee required by Clause 10.1.5 must be displayed in a prominent position on the wall of the shop.
10.1.7 If an animal dies or is euthanased as a result of a disease that is traceable to the point of sale and is verified by an appropriate authority such as a veterinarian, the person in charge will refund the purchase price or offer a replacement animal with the same guarantee.
10.1.8 No animal suspected of being sick, injured or diseased may be sold under any circumstances.
10.1.9 All animals sold must be able to independently sustain themselves if suitable food and water are provided at the appropriate times. The minimum age of animals offered for sale or advertised must be:
dogs: 8 weeks
cats: 8 weeks
rabbits: 6 weeks
guinea pigs: 4 weeks
mice and rats: 4 weeks
birds must not be sold until they are self-sufficient.

(11) TRANSPORT

11.1.1 All animals sold must be boxed or suitably restrained to ensure their security and protection at the point of sale.
11.1.2 The box or animal restraint must protect the animal from injury, other animals, extreme temperatures and excessive stress.

(12) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS AND CATS

12.1.1,Dogs and cats must not be put on display, physically offered for sale or sold until they are 8 weeks of age.
12.1.2 Dogs must not be sold unless microchipped, vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus, and accompanied by a current vaccination certificate.
12.1.3 Cats must not be sold unless microchipped, vaccinated against feline viral respiratory disease(s), and accompanied by a current vaccination certificate.
12.1.4 Floors of animal enclosures must be lined with absorbent disposable material that can readily be removed and replaced.
12.1.5 Cats must be provided with litter trays containing a sufficient depth of suitable clean litter material, such as commercial cat litter, sawdust, shavings, sand or shredded paper.
12.1.6 Litter trays must be changed, washed and disinfected at least once every 3 days.
12.1.7 Dogs must have the opportunity to exercise for at least 20 minutes daily. This can be provided by allowing them access to an exercise area to run freely, or by walking them on a lead.
12.1.7a Dogs must not be walked in unsecured areas unless:
they are on a lead at all times, and
they are under the supervision of a competent person, and
no more than four compatible, suitably aged dogs are being walked by the one person.
12.1.7b Any yard for group exercise must be supervised, and care must be taken to avoid mixing of incompatible dogs, fighting and the transmission of infectious disease.
12.1.8 Dogs and cats must be fed a balanced and complete diet that allows them to maintain good health and growth, recognising the physiological status and special needs of differing ages and species.
12.1.9 Bedding must be provided. It must be clean and changed frequently.

(13) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RABBITS, RATS, MICE AND GUINEA PIGS

13.1.1 Nest boxes must be provided for breeding females.
13.1.2 Wooden gnawing blocks must be provided.
13.1.3 Suitable non-toxic bedding must be provided and discarded daily.
13.1.4 Rabbits, rats, mice and guinea pigs must be fed a balanced and complete diet that allows them to maintain good health and growth, recognising the physiological status and special needs of differing ages and species.
13.1.5 A secluded, darkened sleeping area must be provided

(14) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FISH

14.1.1 Water changes must be adequate to maintain good water quality in relation to population density.
14.1.2 Fish showing signs of illness must be attended to immediately and, where necessary, separated from other fish to prevent the spread of disease or molestation by healthy fish.
14.1.3 Measures must be in place to prevent the escape of fish
14.1.4 Filtration equipment must be adequate for the species and population densities and be effective at all times.
14.1.5 Heaters must be adequate for the species and population densities and effective at all times.
14.1.6 Fish must be fed a balanced and complete diet that allows them to maintain good health and growth, recognising the physiological status and special needs of differing ages and species.
14.1.7 Water chemistry must meet the minimum requirements provided in Appendix 2 of this document. Please see levels below
14.1.8 Fish must be protected from environmental extremes

(15) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BIRDS

15.1.1 Birds showing signs of illness must be attended to immediately and separated from other birds to prevent spread of disease or molestation by other birds
15.1.2 Birds must be caught by the least stressful method and subjected to minimal handling
15.1.3 Only staff that have a specialised knowledge must handle birds.
15.1.4 Pinioning of wings is an unacceptable practice and is defined as an act of cruelty. The clipping of wing feathers is acceptable when undertaken under the guidance of a veterinarian or an experienced bird-keeper.
15.1.5 Hand-reared birds must be fully feathered and self-sufficient before sale
15.1.6 Sufficient perches, roosting areas and feed/water stations must be provided to meet the needs of all birds in a cage or aviary
15.1.7 Perches must be of a diameter, construction and material appropriate to the species held, and must be placed to prevent contamination of food and water containers. Perches must also be positioned to ensure that birds’ tails are not in contact with the cage substrate, and to provide easy access to food and water.
15.1.8 Except where it is a species requirement, birds must be fed out of suitable containers and not directly off the floor
15.1.9 In addition to dry feed, fresh fruit, greens, nectar or seeding grasses must be supplied as appropriate to the species to provide variety and nutrient supplementation.
15.1.10 Environmental enrichment must be provided. This may include the provision of cuttlefish, toys, or other enrichment devices.
15.1.11 Bird enclosures must be protected from environmental extremes.
15.1.12 Birds must be fed a balanced and complete diet that allows them to maintain good health and growth, recognising the physiological status and special needs of differing ages and species.
Standards describe the specific actions needed to achieve acceptable animal welfare levels. These are the minimum standards that must be met under the law. They are identified in the text by the heading ‘ Standards’ and use the word ‘must’. Compliance with the Code does not remove the need to abide by the requirements of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and any other laws and regulations, such as the Local Government Act 1993 or the Companion Animals Act 1998. This Code contains both standards and guidelines for the care of dogs and cats for breeding. The standards have legal effect in three ways:
1. Failure to meet a standard may result in the issue of a Penalty Infringement Notice under Clause 20 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation 2006.
2. Evidence of failure to meet a standard may be used in a prosecution under Clause 20 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation 2006.
3. In more serious cases, failure to meet a standard may support a prosecution for an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.
Proprietor or Person in Charge (please state position)
Inspector

Animal Welfare Code of Practice NSW - Animals in Pet Shops

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Shop Details

(4) STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

(4.1) PERSON IN CHARGE

(4.2) STAFF

(5) ANIMAL HOUSING

(5.1) ACCOMMODATION

(5.2) ENVIRONMENT

(5.3) SECURITY

(6) HYGIENE

(6.1) CLEANING AND DISINFECTION

(7) MANAGEMENT

(7.1) CARE OF ANIMALS

(7.2) RECORD-KEEPING

(8) HEALTH CARE

(8.1) HEALTH CHECKS

(8.3) EUTHANASIA

(9) FOOD AND WATER

(10) SALE OF ANIMALS

(11) TRANSPORT

(12) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS AND CATS

(13) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RABBITS, RATS, MICE AND GUINEA PIGS

(14) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FISH

(15) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BIRDS

Related checklists

Animal Welfare Code of Practice NSW - Animals in Pet Shops

Free Animal Welfare Code of Practice NSW - Animals in Pet Shops Checklist

Go digital today!

Convert your paper checklists into digital forms

Shop Details

(4) STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

(4.1) PERSON IN CHARGE

(4.2) STAFF

(5) ANIMAL HOUSING

(5.1) ACCOMMODATION

(5.2) ENVIRONMENT

(5.3) SECURITY

(6) HYGIENE

(6.1) CLEANING AND DISINFECTION

(7) MANAGEMENT

(7.1) CARE OF ANIMALS

(7.2) RECORD-KEEPING

(8) HEALTH CARE

(8.1) HEALTH CHECKS

(8.3) EUTHANASIA

(9) FOOD AND WATER

(10) SALE OF ANIMALS

(11) TRANSPORT

(12) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS AND CATS

(13) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RABBITS, RATS, MICE AND GUINEA PIGS

(14) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FISH

(15) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BIRDS

Related checklists