Definitions
- Animal Welfare Division (AWD): Division of Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) tasked with regulating facilities involving animals.
- Pet Animals: Domestic, domesticated, or captive-bred animals for protection, utility, companionship, therapy, value formation, and breeding.
- Pet Shop: Establishments for wholesale and retail of various pet animals.
- Pet Shop Veterinarian: Licensed veterinarian under service agreement with the pet shop.
- Wild Animals: Animals directly captured from the wild.
General Responsibilities and Qualifications for Pet Shops
- Must have appropriate facilities for storing and keeping animals (details in Appendix 1).
- Provide written information to buyers about proper care and responsible ownership (Owner's Pledge in Appendix 2).
- Develop emergency procedures.
Basic Requirements for Pet Shops
- Facilities and Equipment:
- Provide clean water, food, environmental enrichment (toys, carriers).
- Proper perches suited to species size.
- Ensure adequate ventilation, hygiene, and sanitation (Appendix 3).
- Owners, Staff, and Veterinarians:
- Training in animal handling, care, emergencies.
- Knowledgeable about products sold.
- Veterinarians must issue a written veterinary care program.
- Certified caretaker for animal behavior and management required.
- Disease Control and Health:
- Remove dead or sick animals immediately; clean cages.
- Preserve normal animal behavior.
- Only healthy animals sold; buyers advised to continue health program with a veterinarian.
Practices Requiring Special Attention
- Segregate dominant from submissive animals to prevent stress.
- Segregate predator species from non-predators visually and physically.
- Sales of certain birds limited to pet shops and marketplaces with proper ventilation and protection.
- Prohibition on selling animals for experimental or laboratory use.
- Puppies must be properly vaccinated with certificates.
- Use of gadgets and equipment must be approved by AWD.
Identification of Animals
- Dogs and cats must be identified by microchips, tattoos, or temporary marks by a licensed veterinarian.
- Captive-bred birds must be banded with closed leg bands, avoiding trauma.
- Other animals identified by labels on cages detailing description, species, scientific and common names.
- Weekly inventory of all animals maintained.
Period for Displaying Animals
- Dogs and cats cannot be displayed for more than 14 days.
Transport Carriers
- Must be safe and comfortable; plastic bags are prohibited.
- Transport carriers are not to be used as permanent cages.
Commercial Establishments Selling Pets
- Must comply with same rules as pet shops.
- Wild animals must comply with RA 9147 (Wildlife Conservation Act) and other local regulations.
Prohibited Acts
- Birds tied by legs and carried upside down during transport and sale.
- Buying/selling stolen animals or paraphernalia prohibited.
- Veterinary clinics/hospitals and pet shops must not share premises or entrances.
- Turtles must not be stacked.
- Stuffed animals must not be displayed or sold in pet shops or veterinary clinics.
Penalties
- Violations penalized according to existing laws.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared unconstitutional or illegal, other provisions remain effective.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent previous rules or orders are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The regulation takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper or Official Gazette.