Animal Facility Inspections
Overview of Animal Facility Inspections
Institution: U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE)
Responsible for upholding standards of care, welfare, and ethical treatment within various animal facilities and programs.
References
Critical Task 081-68T-1646 Inspect Animal Facilities
Title 9 Part 3 Code of Federal Regulations Animals and Animal Products
AR 190-12 Military Working Dog Program
Kennel Design Guide
AR 40-905 Veterinary Health Services {SECNAVINST 6401.1B; AFI 48-131}
TB MED 298
Government Facilities
Types of Facilities:
Military Working Dog (MWD) Kennels: Specialized areas designed for the training, housing, and care of military dogs essential for various operations.
Military Working Equid (MWE) Stables: Facilities for the care of equines employed in military service, emphasizing proper housing and management.
Caisson/Cavalry: Historical units utilizing trained horses for ceremonial and operational purposes, requiring tailored care protocols.
Miscellaneous Facilities: Including but not limited to mascots, training aids, wildlife in care, and strays, necessitating flexible operational guidelines.
Inspection Frequency:
VCO Required: Inspections must be conducted quarterly by the Veterinarian Credentialed Officer (VCO) to ensure compliance with health standards.
68T Recommended: Inspections are recommended monthly by 68T personnel, focusing on routine care and facility maintenance.
Focus of Inspection for Government Facilities
Objectives:
Quickly detect early signs of disease, presence of injuries, and inadequate management or diet through thorough examination of animal health records and environment.
Inspect feeding protocols, weight records, and training logs to ensure adherence to proper care standards.
Evaluate the adequacy of animal husbandry practices to ensure they align with best practices for animal welfare.
Conduct detailed evaluations of construction, maintenance, and sanitation to prevent disease, injury, or adverse welfare effects that could jeopardize animal health and well-being.
Morale Welfare Recreation (MWR) Facilities
Types of Facilities:
Equestrian Center/MWR Stables: Facilities that provide recreational riding and horse care services to military families, necessitating high standards of equipment and care.
Grooming Facilities: Establishments that offer grooming services for pets, requiring strict adherence to cleanliness and hygiene standards.
Boarding Kennels: Places where pets can stay temporarily, emphasizing sanitation and appropriate animal care practices.
Inspection Frequency:
VCO Required: Quarterly inspections by the VCO ensure ongoing compliance with health and safety standards.
68T Recommended: Monthly inspections by the 68T team to monitor adherence and address minor issues.
Child Development Services
Types of Facilities:
Child Development Centers (CDC): Facilities providing care for children of military families, which should also include provisions for safe interactions with animals.
Family Child Care (FCC) Programs: Home-based programs that offer child care services, requiring checks if on-post to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Focus of Inspection:
Emphasis on ensuring that animals:
Are free from disease and properly immunized as appropriate for their species.
Are maintained in sanitary conditions, with living environments that promote their overall health.
Receive adequate nutrition and humane care as part of daily routines.
Inspection Frequency:
Conducted monthly by 68T personnel and annually by the VCO to ensure adherence to regulations and standards.
Animal Facility Sanitation Checklist (DD Form 2342)
Sections Included:
Administrative Info
Sanitary Conditions
Animal Preventive Health Measures
General Rating
Inspections Rating Definitions
SAT (satisfactory): All sections marked appropriately, indicating compliance with required standards.
UNSAT (unsatisfactory): Indicates violations of laws, regulations, or SOPs, with specific infractions noted in remarks for that section to allow for corrective action.
Section I: Sanitary Conditions
Item No. 1 – Premises:
Cleanliness must be upheld, including trash management, removal of feces, and identification of potential hazards that could impact animal health and safety.
Item No. 2 – Stalls/Kennels:
Essential checks for cleanliness and proper drainage must be conducted, alongside noting any repairs needed to maintain safe conditions.
Item No. 3 – Tack/Equipment Rooms:
Evaluate the cleanliness and maintenance of equipment; ensure all items are stored properly and in good working condition.
Item No. 4 – Feed Quality and Storage:
Ensure that feed is stored properly, pest control measures are in place, and feed quality meets regulatory standards to support animal health.
Item No. 5 – Water Troughs/Pans:
Inspect for cleanliness and ensure there are no signs of contamination that could impact water quality.
Item No. 6 – Animal Waste Disposal:
Must comply with legal standards for proper waste disposal, preventing potential health hazards for both animals and staff.
Item No. 7 – Trash Disposal:
Ensure lids are utilized on trash containers and regular disposal schedules are followed.
Item No. 8 – Insect & Rodent Control:
Assess efficacy of pest control programs in preventing infestations that could threaten animal health.
Item No. 9 – Quarantine & Isolation Area:
Assess proper distance from main facilities and procedures in place to prevent contamination protocols.
Item No. 10 – Equipment Maintenance:
Equipment must be cleanable, in serviceable condition, and properly stored to ensure safety and hygiene.
Item No. 11 – Water Supply:
Ensure a potable water supply from an approved source, with monitoring for any leaks or contamination.
Item No. 12 – Pastures/Training Areas:
Must be inspected for cleanliness and safety hazards that could injure animals during use.
Section II: Animal Preventive Health Measures
Item No. 1 – Condition/Grooming:
Verify adherence to grooming schedules and ensure approved supplies are being utilized for animal health.
Item No. 2 – Personnel Training:
Ensure all personnel have proper documentation of their training and that they meet regulations for animal care.
Item No. 3 – Feed and Water Schedule:
Verify posted schedules for feeding and watering are current and adhered to responsibly.
Item No. 4 – Quarantine Measures:
Ensure staff are trained and enforcement measures are in place to manage quarantine situations effectively.
Item No. 5 – Required Vaccinations:
Confirm that species-appropriate vaccinations are administered on schedule to prevent the spread of disease.
Item No. 6 – Safety Measures:
Verify that emergency plans are established and staff are trained to respond appropriately to potential disasters affecting animal welfare.
Remarks and Recommendations
Documentation must include:
Observations made during inspections detailing specific findings.
Positive or negative comments aiding in performance evaluation.
Recommendations geared toward compliance improvement and enhancing facility standards.
General Ratings
"Excellent": Facilities demonstrating immaculate conditions, excellent maintenance, and adherence to current SOPs.
"Satisfactory": Indicate minor yet correctable issues were noted during the inspection.
"Unsatisfactory": Serious threats observed to animal welfare that prompt immediate reporting to relevant authorities.
Inspection Procedures
Tracking and Updating:
Utilize the Veterinary Services Information Management System (VSIMS) for inspection records and compliance verification, ensuring organized tracking of animal welfare standards.
Mandatory fields marked with RED must be filled to ensure completeness of reports.
Use of correct agency and installation references is required for documentation purposes.
Final Recommendations for Inspections
Adhere to the guidelines established in AR 40-905, TB MED 298, and related regulations. Ensuring that animals are treated humanely and facilities are maintained to high standards is vital to the health of both animals and staff, fostering a safe and productive environment for care and service.