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Pet business code updates
King County is updating the code (rules) for pet-related businesses. Through this process, we can make sure the new codes are streamlined, incorporate current science around zoonotic disease prevention, enhance consumer protection and transparency, and reflect big changes in pet businesses and how pets are cared for in the last several years.
The codes are due for an update. There haven’t been major revisions since the codes were established more than 15 years ago, when the pet business world looked very different.
Read the current code: King County Board of Health Title 8: Zoonotic Disease Prevention (322 KB)
What does the pet business code cover?
The King County Board of Health code for pet businesses focuses on protecting people’s health, animal’s health, and the environment through disease prevention, sanitation, and improving facility conditions.
The code includes standards for:
- Housing and supervision of pets
- Infection control
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Training for pet business staff
Key topics for the code updates
Below are some of the topic areas of focus and/or topics we’ve received feedback about for the code updates. Note that this list isn’t exhaustive.
- Adequate staffing and supervision
It’s important that businesses have enough staff and adequately supervise pets. Considerations include but are not limited to proper supervision during the nighttime (if overnight services are provided) and when animals are playing together. - Safe and healthy outdoor spaces
Like indoor spaces, outdoor spaces should be safe and healthy for pets. Outdoor spaces must have safe fencing, and the ground surface must be cleaned and sanitary. Natural lawn/ grass and bark can be used when certain conditions are met, and other surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected at least daily. - Prevention of disease spread between pets
Pet businesses need to have processes in place to keep diseases from spreading between pets. This includes having a plan in place to keep pets isolated, if needed.
Background
Public Health inspects and permits more than 500 pet business in King County, including pet shops, pet daycares, pet grooming facilities, animal shelters, boarding facilities, pet food retailers, and more. In addition to inspections, we ensure pets are safe by providing education and technical support and ensure best practices for cleaning and disinfecting are being followed.
There are other agencies that work on pet and pet business issues. Public Health focuses on health, safety, and preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases. We work as partners with agencies that focus on other issues, including pet licensing, investigate animal cruelty, interstate sales, and breeding.
Timeline
The code update process includes multiple rounds of outreach and feedback.
Right now, Public Health is in the process of getting initial feedback from businesses and consumers about the pet business code. We will use this feedback and other information to develop draft changes to the code.
When these draft proposed changes are ready, we will circulate them for public comment and make additional improvements to incorporate the comments.
When we have finalized the proposed revisions, we will present the proposed changes to the Board of Health for their review and vote.