Hi All,

So, realized that because I produced 4 litters last year, I need to apply for my state license. I only have 5 intact dogs at the moment, but we are adding 3 (1 adult, and 2 puppies) to my program over the next year. The inspector that I spoke with said any more than 2 litters per year because of the PACFA law requires a license. So, we are in the process of giving our 3 runs and the dogs crates a refreshing of fresh mildew resistant paint & new lino tile (currently have lino, but of course a couple in each needed replaced, so am just doing new in all), nicer ramps, and I've been wanting to put up a fancier shade above the runs (this gave me the excuse to get the hubby to finally help me put it up ). I know that inspectors are individuals, but what exactly do they look for the most? I really just want the inspector coming out the one time, and pass my inspection. I tend to stress out, and make my family crazy until things like this are over with... LOL. So, I thought I would see what experiences you had to maybe put my mind at ease

With all the views, there isn't anyone with any advice?

Okay... so is this a taboo subject to talk about or something? Am I hated here? Not worthy of advice? What's the deal?

No, no, no! We don't hate you!

I don't have any advice, as I haven't been through the process, but I just had to let you know we like you!!!

Jenny

Sometimes people just don't have any advice

LOL... thanks, Jenny. I was beginning to think that with no responses to my post at all, that I had offended somehow. I know how a lot of breeders feel about the PACFA law taking away our rights as breeders, which I do feel the same. But, that said, in my state, if I don't comply, I could be faced with a ton of fines, or even have my dogs taken away. That, I don't want, as I love my dogs, and what I do. So, I came to the forum for advice, so that I can continue to do what I love.

Maybe if I tell you all what I have going in my set up, then people can kind of tell me what they have going in their kennels, and what has passed their inspections...

I've been breeding for 5 years, but I usually only have 2-3 litters per year, and just recently found out that Colorado now has the PACFA law enacted. I want to be an ethical breeder, and I had 4 litters last year.

We only have 3 crates and runs. Our runs are made of welded wire, and are 12'L x 5'W, and are gated. I think our crates are nice (3'6" x 3'.). My husband does hardwood flooring, so he made them out of plywood, and oak hardwood. Then, we painted the inside, glued down very pretty lino tile, and caulked around the edges to keep the wood from getting wet and the tile from pulling up. Our door frames are solid wood, recessed for wind, and then we have really nice hard plastic dog doors (no rubber flaps), that close with magnets so that when the dogs go in/out, they close by themselves. The fronts are slatted, and we have 30 oz stainless steel coop cups that hang on the sides so that food/water doesn't spill all over. They sleep on washable dog beds. Rarely are all 3 occupied. We clean every couple days with an antibacterial and tea tree solution, because I don't like bleach because it's toxic. We poop scoop the same days. And then, our runs have ramps covered in faux grass material, and we have a 14'W x 10'H tarp slanted covering for shade (we'll be putting that up after it snows).

Exercise-the kids play with the dogs all of the time, taking them out in the yard and throwing their balls-n-such. Or, they'll pick one or two and march them on leash around the neighborhood. Our dogs do not lack for attention . My vet comes here to my house, so he sees the pack every few months, so he usually gives everyone the quick once-over. I think there is a couple that do need updates on rabies, so I'll check and have my vet do that before the inspection. Not worried about the dog room, as it's here in the house, and I keep it immaculate because I can't handle poopy or doggie smells here in the house. Can you tell from what I told you, anything that I may need to do, or change?

I was licensed in Illinois. You have to be if you have 5 or more breeding females. I had 6 3x8 runs on each side and a 12x20 kennel. In Illinois your dogs have to be on concrete and it has to be bleached once daily. If you have any exposed wood it has to be painted. I used wire crates for my pens on the inside because it was easy to take the pans out and bleach them daily. I had lineoleum in the floor of the kennel and then I put down indoor outdoor carpeting and the clear vinyl over that before I put the crates in. This way I could mop the vinyl if the males marked outside the crates. I had doggie doors and used plexiglass with a piano hinge to get them to swing.

The main thing they checked here was concrete floors, covered wood, cleanliness as far as bleaching daily and the food bowls clean at all times and fresh water.

Akc was more picky than the usda was. I no longer have dachshunds so I do not have a kennel anymore, but I did have covered runs and heat and air in the kennel.

Good luck

Kate

Here are some ideas you may see what you need to do and or have

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?bl ... inary=true

http://sanityshome.blogspot.com/2009/05 ... e-law.html

http://www.coloradostatesman.com/kopel/ ... -gone-dogs

Hope some of these give you some info on what to expect...doesn't sound too good for Colorado...

Thanks for the links... the very last one was especially interesting to me. Not sure what licenses cost before, but I'm paying $345 for mine. And they say they lowered the cost? Geez... what was it before??

I'm not a breeder, just a pet owner and lover of dogs...I also volunteer for rescue groups...I think they are just trying to make it harder for everyone, because some bad apples, make the good apples look bad. So everyone has to be looked at and pay fees to help rescue the bad apples in the end. There are always going to be someone to spoil the good...and the good have to pay the for the bad!

the USDA will send you a booklet of what they expect. Just call or write them. They were very nice to me and very helpful.

Makes me think they are looking to see if we can "eat the dog"...with it being the USDA...funny how the government works....

So, here's an update. I feel pretty foolish. I fall under the 'hobby breeder' category, so I am exempt from licensing and inspections. I had someone tell me that since I had 4 litters last year, that I would have to apply for my license. I always have went by AKC standards at the 4 or more litters per year, so it didn't sound far fetched. And, the inspector that I spoke to, said two litters, but failed to include any more information. And, like I said, I want to do what's right. After 'beanie' gave me the links, I did more research on my own. Just FYI for anyone who doesn't already know. And it may vary a bit per state- "2.00 APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE AND CONDITIONS FOR LICENSURE- D. Pursuant to § 35-80-103(2), the following are exempt from the licensing fees and inspection requirements of PACFA and these rules and regulations: 3. Any bird hobby breeder facility as defined in § 35-80-102(1) of PACFA, canine hobby breeder as defined in § 35-80-102(2), feline hobby breeder facility as defined in § 35-80-102(8), small animal hobby breeder facility as defined in § 35-80-102(12), or any other hobby breeder facility as defined in Section 1.00 above."

And the PACFA law statute is under 35-80-102. Defininitons of breeders- "#(2) "Canine hobby breeder facility" means any facility which transfers no more than twenty-four dogs per year or breeds no more than two litters per year, whichever is greater." "(6.7) "Dog breeder, small scale operation" or "small scale operation dog breeder" means a dog breeder that transfers at least twenty-five but no more than ninety-nine dogs per year." "(6.6) "Dog breeder, large scale operation" or "large scale operation dog breeder" means a dog breeder that transfers at least one hundred dogs per year, excluding racing greyhounds that are not intended to be companion pets."

Well, I certainly don't fall under the small scale, or the large scale breeder, when the largest litter I had last year had 4 puppies in it. I had exactly 15 puppies. And, over the last 5 years that I've been breeding, I've had only two litters with 5 puppies in them. You would've thought I hit the jackpot!

Ah well... It's given me the excuse to freshen up everything. The applications here have to be done by March 1st, so that's why there was the hurry. At least now, we can concentrate on taxes. Woo- hoo?

Glad some of the links got you thinking and looking into it more. They tend to make everyone confussed....Taxes...already working on mine...not to happy yet, haven't gotten all those deductions in yet. I wish the "4, 4 legged ones counted"....