What are the health regulations for pet stores?

If you carry out, on a commercial basis, the sale and presentation to the public of pets of domestic species, you are required to comply with decree of April 3, 2014.

This decree specifies the health and animal protection conditions in which activities relating to pets of domestic species must be carried out.

To establish the health regulations mentioned in article R214-30 of the rural and maritime fishing code, the person responsible for the activity identifies any aspect of his activities which is decisive for health, animal welfare, health and hygiene of staff.

For each operation where risks may arise, the manager defines, in collaboration with the health veterinarian designated by him in accordance with article R.203-1-I of the rural and maritime fishing code, preventive measures and the conduct to be followed to ensure control of these risks. These rules are recorded in writing in a document entitled “sanitary regulations”.

The health regulations must contain at least:

• the cleaning and disinfection plan of the premises and equipment;
• the hygiene rules to be respected by staff or the public;
• the maintenance and care procedures of animals including health surveillance, prophylaxis, and the measures to be taken in the event of a health event;
• the duration of isolation periods after receipt of the animals. This quarantine period is not obligatory for aquatic species (chapter IV - 1°).

The health regulations are subject to revision if necessary, in collaboration with the health veterinarian.

The manager ensures that the people called upon to work in the establishment have the means and the training necessary to apply these regulations, the main principles of which are displayed at the entrance to the premises.

All premises, fixed or mobile installations, equipment and small materials used for animal care are kept in perfect condition and cleanliness. The cleaning circuit is organized in such a way as to separate clean and dirty flows.

The cleaning and disinfection plan provides, for each of the pieces of equipment and the different parts of the premises:

The cleaning and disinfection plan provides at least:

• the frequency of the different cleaning and disinfection operations;
• the precise operating mode including, for each product used, the dilution, the temperature of use, the application time and the need for a possible rinsing;
• the person responsible for cleaning and disinfection operations for each sector;
• the fight against pests.

The person in charge has a visit of the premises by the health veterinarian at least twice a year under the conditions provided for in article R214-30 of the rural and maritime fishing code. As an exception, for sales establishments not selling dogs or cats, and other small breeding, care or boarding establishments, keeping at most nine dogs over four months old or nine cats over ten months old, a single annual visit may be carried out, provided that this does not reveal malfunctions likely to harm the animals.

See also: CERFA 15045*02 form to declare an activity and designate your veterinarian