Colorado DEpartment of agriculture
 Inspection & Consumer Services Division
rules pertaining to the administration and enforcement of the pet animal care and facilties act
8 CCR 1202-15
19.11.2.	The licensee shall inspect each of its foster care providers at least once annually and before any animal is fostered at the location and maintain a record of those inspections at the physical facility address. The inspection record must include the date of inspection, the number and species of pet animals that permanently reside at each foster care provider, the signature of the foster care provider and the signature of the person inspecting the foster care facility. Facilities may submit a written request to the Commissioner for an emergency exemption from this requirement if the facility has no pending disciplinary matters. Any such submission must state why the exemption is necessary and must demonstrate provisions for the safety and well-being of any pet animals to be placed in foster care pursuant to this exemption.
25.5.	Emergency Rule Adopted March 21, 2020 – Effective March 21, 2020
Statutory Authority:
The Commissioner of Agriculture adopts these rules pursuant to §35-80-109(1) and (2), C.R.S. and §24-4-103(6), C.R.S.
Purpose:
This is a temporary emergency rule exemption to 19.11.2 intended to enable an emergency response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. More specifically, this rulemaking will permit approved facilities to transfer pet animals to a foster care provider without first conducting a home inspection.
Factual Policy and Issues:
This temporary emergency rule will allow approved facilities to transfer pet animals quickly and to more homes than otherwise possible while also taking necessary protective measures against the COVID-19 virus. 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. This exemption allows use of foster care homes without requiring staff to risk exposure or transmission of the virus, and is necessary for the preservation of public health, safety and welfare. This rulemaking does not comply with the requirements of section 24-4-103, C.R.S., because compliance at this time is contrary to public interest; immediate adoption is imperatively necessary for the preservation of public health, safety and welfare.