§ 28.1. Ventilation.

 Proper ventilation helps ensure that dogs are healthy and not stressed. Each kennel shall utilize a functional, mechanical ventilation, heating and cooling system that provides ventilation and cooling to satisfy the requirements of this section. The following standards shall be met at all times a dog is present in the facility:

   (1)  Each area of the kennel where dogs are housed shall utilize a mechanical ventilation system that provides ventilation, heating and cooling.

   (2)  Cooling must be used to keep the temperature below 86° Fahrenheit.

   (3)  When the temperature is 50—75° Fahrenheit, the relative humidity must be in the range of 40—60%. The relative humidity shall be measured at standing shoulder level of 10% of the dogs in the kennel, randomly selected from all rooms. Relative humidity may not be measured in a primary enclosure within 30 minutes of the completion of active cleaning of that primary enclosure.

   (4)  When the temperature is above 75° Fahrenheit, the relative humidity must be 1—50%. The relative humidity shall be measured at standing shoulder level of 10% of the dogs in the kennel, randomly selected from all rooms. Relative humidity may not be measured in a primary enclosure within 30 minutes of the completion of active cleaning of that primary enclosure.

   (5)  Ammonia levels must be less than 10 parts per million. The ammonia level shall be measured at shoulder level of dogs housed in the primary enclosure of 10% of the dogs in the kennel at standing shoulder height, randomly selected from all rooms, as well as on the floor of the four corners of the housing facility and at least one location on the floor along each wall of the facility. Ammonia in a primary enclosure may not be measured within 30 minutes of the completion of active cleaning of that primary enclosure.

   (6)  Carbon monoxide shall be maintained below detectable levels in all areas of the kennel. Kennels shall install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors with the ability to monitor the carbon monoxide level throughout the entire facility. The detectors must meet or exceed the UL standard 2034 or the IAS 6-96 standard, or its successor standards.

   (7)  In the event of a mechanical system malfunction, the kennel must have windows, doors, skylights, or other openings in the structure that shall be operable to maintain ventilation. In the event of a mechanical system malfunction, the kennel shall contact the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement and consult on the steps to be taken to protect the health and well being of the dogs and shall take steps to correct the malfunction immediately.

   (8)  Particulate matter from dander, hair, food, bodily fluids, and other sources in a primary enclosure shall be below 10 milligrams per meter cubed. The particulate matter may be measured at shoulder level of dogs housed in the primary enclosure of 10% of the dogs in the kennel. The particulate matter may not be measured within 30 minutes of the completion of active cleaning of that primary enclosure.

   (9)  The following apply to air changes:

     (i)   The kennel shall provide between 8—20 air changes of 100% fresh air per hour in each room of the facility that houses dogs.

       (A)   The air changes shall be calculated using the following information supplied by the kennel to the Department:

         (I)   The volume of the facility.

         (II)   The linear dimensions of the facility.

         (III)   The number of primary enclosures.

         (IV)   The cubic feet occupied by each primary enclosure.

         (V)   The dimensions of all intake or exhaust vents of any fans as well as their capacity, or other system specifications.

       (B)   The information shall be submitted to the Department by

     (ii)   Air velocity measurements shall be taken at every kennel inspection at all intake vents or all exhaust vents and at shoulder level of dogs housed in the primary enclosure for 10% of the dogs in the kennel randomly selected from each room. Each air velocity measure and air change as calculated as measured at the vents and primary enclosures shall be recorded on the kennel inspection report.

     (iii)   The kennel owner shall be in violation if:

       (A)   The computed air change rate based on the data submitted under subparagraph (i) is not 8—20 air changes per hour or if the air change rate as measured at the vents is not 8—20 air changes per hour, and there is a simultaneous noncompliance of paragraphs (1)—(8) or (10)—(13).

       (B)   If the measured velocity reading at standing dog shoulder height does not result in a computation of 8—20 air changes in the primary enclosure and the air change in subparagraph (i) is satisfactory, a violation will not be issued unless there is a simultaneous noncompliance of paragraphs (1)—(8) or (10)—(13).

     (iv)   If a violation under subparagraph (iii) is found, a kennel shall bring the air system into compliance.

     (v)   The Department may hire or consult with an engineer to inspect and recommend improvements to be made to come into compliance with this paragraph.

   (10)  Dogs shall be in good health, free from illness and not stressed. Signs of illness and stress associated with poor ventilation include:

     (i)   Excessive panting.

     (ii)   Elevated body temperature.

     (iii)   Active avoidance of areas of the kennel.

     (iv)   Shivering.

     (v)   Huddling of dogs 12 weeks of age or older.

     (vi)   Mucous dripping from the nose of a dog.

     (vii)   Redness or crusting of eyes or nose.

     (viii)   Runny eyes.

     (ix)   Blindness.

     (x)   Coughing or sneezing.

     (xi)   Moist areas of hair.

     (xii)   Diarrhea.

     (xiii)   Bloody diarrhea.

     (xiv)   Vomiting.

     (xv)   Listlessness.

     (xvi)   Presence of blood.

     (xvii)   Death.

   (11)  The air in the facility may not have excessive dog odor, other noxious odors, stale air, moisture condensation on surfaces, or lack of air flow.

   (12)  Recirculated air shall be filtered with small particle, nonozone producing air filters.

   (13)  Ventilation systems must comply with the latest edition of applicable codes.

   (14)  Neonates under 3 weeks of age should be housed towards the higher end of the applicable temperature range.