Are you part of our regulated community or looking to learn more? We offer many publications and guidance documents on the Animal Welfare Act and related topics. Here, you'll also find forms for current licensees and registrants.
These documents give easy-to-understand information to aid our regulated community and anyone who cares for animals in providing humane care.
| Last Updated | Document | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-10 | Bear Husbandry and Habitat (376.56 KB) | Bears |
| 2018-10 | Bear Nutrition and Winter Lethargy (296.83 KB) | Bears |
| 2018-10 | Environmental Enrichment for Bears (356.94 KB) | Bears |
| 2018-10 | Veterinary Care for Bears (207.81 KB) | Bears |
| 2023-08 | Access to Potable Water for Dogs (1016.18 KB) | Dogs |
| 2023-07 | Aging Puppies by Teeth (350.72 KB) | Dogs |
| 2022-06 | Minimum Space Requirements for Dogs (779.51 KB) | Dogs |
| 2021-05 | Flea Control for Dogs (326.18 KB) | Dogs |
| 2021-05 | Heartworm Disease in Dogs (287.91 KB) | Dogs |
| 2021-05 | Intestinal Parasites in Dogs (375.16 KB) | Dogs |
| 2019-06 | Common Skin Disorders in Dogs (434.5 KB) | Dogs |
| 2019-06 | Early Rearing Environment (549.17 KB) | Dogs |
| 2019-06 | Identifying Healthy and Unhealthy Skin in Dogs (592.91 KB) | Dogs |
| 2019-06 | Maternal Stress and Puppy Development (211.1 KB) | Dogs |
| 2019-06 | Socialization (616.08 KB) | Dogs |
| 2018-10 | Canine Periodontal Disease (PD) (288.72 KB) | Dogs |
| 2018-06 | Coat Care: Preventing Matted Hair (177.69 KB) | Dogs |
| 2018-10 | Monitoring for Periodontal Disease (PD) in Dogs (325.57 KB) | Dogs |
| 2018-10 | Preventive Care for Periodontal Disease (PD) in Dogs (315.87 KB) | Dogs |
| 2021-01 | Tips for Shelter and Housing at Drive-Through Animal Parks (346.11 KB) | Drive-Through Animal Parks |
| 2019-08 | Keeping Animals Safe During Emergencies (441.05 KB) | Emergency Preparedness |
| 2023-11 | Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures (224.29 KB) | Facilities |
| 2023-11 | Infection Control Practices (215.95 KB) | Facilities |
| 2023-11 | What is Antibiotic or Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) (253.15 KB) | Facilities |
| 2018-10 | Mammals That Fly or Glide (267.35 KB) | Flying or Gliding Mammals |
| 2019-11 | Protecting Giraffes in Cold Weather (598.35 KB) | Giraffes |
| 2023-06 | Guinea Pig Eye Health (766.32 KB) | Guinea Pigs |
| 2023-06 | Guinea Pig Skin Disease (343.13 KB) | Guinea Pigs |
| 2020-07 | Clean Housing is Vital to Guinea Pig Health (506.47 KB) | Guinea Pigs |
| 2020-07 | Guinea Pigs Do Best When Housed at the Right Temperature (657.57 KB) | Guinea Pigs |
| 2020-07 | Minimizing Stress Helps Keep Guinea Pigs Healthy (581.83 KB) | Guinea Pigs |
| 2019-04 | Feeding Nondomestic Cats (652.18 KB) | Nondomestic Cats |
| 2019-04 | Metabolic Bone Disease in Nondomestic Cats (582.32 KB) | Nondomestic Cats |
| 2019-04 | Tips and Calculations: Adding Calcium to Boneless Meat Diets for Nondomestic Cats (475.54 KB) | Nondomestic Cats |
| 2020-05 | Public Feeding of Animals in Petting Zoos and Other Settings (324.31 KB) | Petting Zoos |
| 2019-06 | Enrichment Devices for Primates (471.14 KB) | Primates |
| 2018-10 | Options for Meeting Social Needs of Primates (265.87 KB) | Primates |
| 2018-10 | Primates: Natural Social Groupings and Compatibility (229.5 KB) | Primates |
| 2018-10 | Primates: Special Needs of Great Apes (253.47 KB) | Primates |
| 2018-10 | Primates: Special Needs of Infants and Young Juveniles (268.33 KB) | Primates |
| 2018-10 | Special Needs of Primates Showing Signs of Psychological Distress (188.41 KB) | Primates |
| 2018-10 | Special Needs of Primates With Research Restrictions (228.89 KB) | Primates |
| 2018-10 | Special Needs of Primates Unable To See or Hear Other Primates (278.78 KB) | Primates |
| 2018-10 | Supporting Natural Behaviors in Primates (332.49 KB) | Primates |
| 2020-01 | Daily Observations: Behavior (234.47 KB) | Regulated Animals |
| 2020-01 | Daily Observations: Physical Health (185.78 KB) | Regulated Animals |
| 2018-10 | Semi-Aquatic Animals (295.23 KB) | Semi-Aquatic Animals |
| 2021-04 | Feeding Two-Toed Sloths (235.93 KB) | Sloths |
| 2021-04 | Housing Two-Toed Sloths (536.37 KB) | Sloths |
These documents offer easy-to-understand guidance to help current licensees and registrants provide humane care to their animals, comply with all AWA regulations, and understand the inspection process.
| Last Updated Date | Document | Topic | Document Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-04 | The Attending Veterinarian (498.42 KB) | Attending Veterinarian | Tech Note |
| 2024-04 | Preparing Your Avian Environment Enhancement Plan: It’s More Than Adding Toys! (401.42 KB) | Birds | Tech Note |
| 2022-05 | Guidance for Zoos and Captive Wildlife Facilities: Protecting Birds From Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (552.5 KB) | Birds | Factsheet |
| 2022-03 | Protecting Captive Wild Birds From Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (241.05 KB) | Birds | Tech Note |
| 2022-03 | Development Guide: Contingency Plans for Emergencies (1.12 MB) | Contingency Plans | Tech Note |
| 2022-03 | Quick Reference: Contingency Plans for Emergencies (569 KB) | Contingency Plans | Tech Note |
| 2022-02 | Daily Observation (1.43 MB) | Daily Animal Observation | Tech Note |
| 2022-07 | Temperature Requirements for Dogs (940.3 KB) | Dogs | Tech Note |
| 2022-06 | Minimum Space Requirements for Dogs (775.44 KB) | Dogs | Tech Note |
| 2021-04 | Live Dog Import Permit Requirements Under the Animal Welfare Act (393.64 KB) | Dogs | Tech Note |
| 2018-11 | Questions and Answers: Dog Activities Requiring a USDA License/Registration (698.97 KB) | Dogs | Tech Note |
| 2016-08 | Brucellosis and Dog Kennels: What Breeders Need to Know (3 MB) | Dogs | Brochure |
| 2015-10 | Best Practices for Brucella canis Prevention and Control in Dog Breeding Facilities (350.78 KB) | Dogs | Booklet |
| 2022-08 | Identification and Recordkeeping Requirements for Dogs and Cats (530.37 KB) | Dogs and Cats | Tech Note |
| 2022-03 | Minimum Age Requirements for Transporting Dogs and Cats in Commerce (773.88 KB) | Dogs and Cats | Tech Note |
| 2023-07 | Categorizing Animal Pain or Distress in Research Facility Annual Reports (378.58 KB) | Facilities | Tech Note |
| 2023-04 | Attempted Inspections (879.94 KB) | Inspections | Tech Note |
| 2022-04 | Inspection Report Appeals Process (1.14 MB) | Inspections | Tech Note |
| 2023-02 | Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act: Guidelines for Dealers, Exhibitors, Transporters, and Researchers (187.97 KB) (Gray Book) | Licensing | Booklet |
| 2022-06 | Licensing Changes Under the 2020 Licensing Rule (1022.08 KB) | Licensing | Tech Note |
| 2022-05 | Veterinary Care Changes Under the 2020 Licensing Rule (851.44 KB) | Licensing | Tech Note |
| 2022-05 | Handling and Husbandry of Neonatal Nondomestic Cats (1.16 MB) | Nondomestic cats | Tech Note |
| 2022-01 | Research With Free-Living Wild Animals in Their Natural Habitat and the Animal Welfare Act (1.12 MB) | Research | Tech Note |
| 2022-08 | Zoo and Aquarium Serology Study (512.28 KB) | Zoos and Aquariums | Factsheet |
Below are forms for current licensees and registrants.
| Last Updated | Document | Form Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-04 | Program of Veterinary Care | APHIS Form 7002 (177.81 KB) |
| 2022-03 | Program of Veterinary Care for Dogs | APHIS Form 7002A (231.18 KB) |
| 2020-11 | Record of Acquisition of Dogs and Cats | APHIS Form 7005 (167.6 KB) |
| 2021-05 | Record of Disposition of Dogs and Cats | APHIS Form 7006 (166.53 KB) |
| 2021-05 | Continuation Sheet for Record of Disposition of Dogs and Cats | APHIS Form 7006A (158.04 KB) |
| 2020-01 | Itinerary of Exhibition With Overnight Travel | APHIS Form 7010 (1.14 MB) |
| 2020-01 | Continuation Sheet for Itinerary of Exhibition With Overnight Travel | APHIS Form 7010A (1.14 MB) |
| 2020-08 | Exercise Plan for Dogs | APHIS Form 7013 (132.79 KB) |
| 2020-11 | Record of Animals On-Hand (Other Than Dogs and Cats) | APHIS Form 7019 (130.88 KB) |
| 2020-11 | Record of Acquisition, Disposition or Transport of Animals (Other Than Dogs and Cats) | APHIS Form 7020 (153.23 KB) |
| 2020-11 | Continuation Sheet for Record of Acquisition, Disposition or Transport of Animals (Other Than Dogs and Cats) | APHIS Form 7020A (195.29 KB) |
| 2020-11 | Environment Enhancement Program for Nonhuman Primates | APHIS Form 7050 (258.72 KB) |
| 2021-05 | Contingency Planning Program | APHIS Form 7093 (268.77 KB) |
Animal Care operates in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. Find out more about those regulations below.