How does the Animal Welfare Act protect companion animals?
Regulation by USDA, under the Animal Welfare Act (7 USC, 2131-2159) and its regulations does not apply to many problems related to companion animals. The Act covers the sale and exhibition of wild/exotic animals and the wholesale of pet animals; however, birds, rats, and mice are presently exempted, and dogs, cats and other animals have limited coverage. Cold blooded species, such as reptiles, are not regulated under the Act. Wholesale breeders, dealers, exhibitors and research labs are covered but not small retail breeders and pet shops selling only domestic pet animals. These are usually covered by local (state, county) anti-cruelty laws and in some instances by local animal regulations or public health laws. If you have concerns about a facility covered under the Act, you may contact APHIS Animal Care. Public Law 101-624 requires shelters and dealers to hold a cat or dog for a period of time before selling it to a research lab, to give possible owners a chance to reclaim it, and req
