FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2020
Contact: Mary Peck, 720-428-0441, mary.peck@state.co.us
Broomfield, Colo. - The Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA), a program administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), has passed a temporary emergency rule exemption in response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.
The rule, passed during a special emergency meeting of the Colorado Ag Commission, will permit approved facilities to transfer pet animals to a foster care provider without first conducting a home inspection for the next 120 days.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in both an increase in pet animals being transferred to shelters, sanctuaries and rescues, and a shortage of facility staff to care for those animals. The temporary emergency rule will allow approved facilities to transfer pet animals quickly and to more homes than would otherwise be possible, while also taking necessary protective measures against the COVID-19 virus.
“Accounting for the health and safety of our pets is critical in these uncertain and unprecedented times,” said Commissioner Kate Greenberg. “The dedicated staff in our shelters and rescues will be facing a number of challenges in the days to come and we are committed to providing them with the tools necessary to help care for Colorado’s pets.”
The exemption allows the use of foster care homes without requiring staff to risk exposure or transmission of the virus, and along with immediate adoption, is necessary for the preservation of public health, safety and welfare. The emergency rule can be found at the PACFA web page. For more information, please contact Nick Fisher, PACFA Program Manager at CDA.
People who are interested in providing a home to foster a dog or cat or other needed assistance, including monetary donations to help with the care of animals, are encouraged to contact their local animal shelter or rescue.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture exists to support the state's agriculture industry and serve the people of Colorado through regulation, advocacy and education. Our mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado agriculture, promote a safe and high-quality food supply, protect consumers, and foster responsible stewardship of the environment and natural resources.