USDA seeks input on dog welfare regulations

Through April 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public input to help determine if/how it needs to update its federal regulations around the humane care of dogs. APHIS is seeking information in the form of public comments, data, research, and stakeholder input in regard to its standards. These standards apply to licensed breeders and other regulated sectors covered under the Animal Welfare Act and have not been updated in roughly 30 years. 

Specifically, APHIS is seeking information on the nutritional and boarding needs of breeding female dogs, how birth-related factors like litter frequency, age, and genetics impact health outcomes, and guidance on best practices for socialization and exercise to promote canine welfare.  

Anyone interested in weighing in can do so by searching for Docket No. APHIS‑2025‑1000 at Regulations.gov and submitting comments there. 

Photo credit: © Mary Swift via Getty Images Plus 

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