CHAPTER 5: SANITATION
Cleaning and Disinfection
​
-
All caregivers must be trained and familiar with the organization’s sanitation protocols.
-
Sanitation protocols must be revised as needed during an outbreak in order to address specific pathogens.
-
When developing sanitation protocols, considerations must include an assessment of the facility or home, animal
-
population, training, equipment, and procedures.
-
Protocols must be based on current knowledge and recommendations and include specific methods and agents for achieving the goal of both cleaning and disinfection.
-
Time must be set aside to clean promptly and appropriately so animals spend the majority of their time in sanitary conditions.
-
Detergents and degreasers must be used as needed to maintain clean surfaces free of visible dirt and debris.
-
The disinfectants that are used must be effective under the conditions present in a given environment and with demonstrated activity against pathogens for which the animals are at risk.
-
Sanitation protocols must include:
A) Removal of gross organic matter;
B) Pre-cleaning of surfaces with a detergent or degreaser;
C) Application of a disinfectant at the correct concentration and for sufficient time for rinsing and drying.
-
When water or cleaning and disinfecting products are sprayed in or near primary enclosures, animals must be removed from the cage or kennel or separated from the area being cleaned.
-
All clothing and bedding used must be laundered and thoroughly dried before reuse.
-
Food and water bowls must be disinfected prior to use by a different animal or housing community.
-
When dishes are sanitized by hand, they must be thoroughly washed and rinsed prior to disinfection.
-
Litter pans and dishes must not be cleaned at the same time in the same sink.
​
UNACCEPTABLE
​
-
Kennels or cages must not be sprayed down while animals are inside.
Other Cleaning
​
-
Outdoor areas must be kept clean (recognizing it is impossible to disinfect gravel, dirt, and grass).
-
Feces must be removed from confined outdoor areas a minimum of once a day.
​​
Rodent/Pest Control
-
Solutions to rodent and pest problems must be humane, safe (no poisons), and effective.
​
Resources
“Sanitation in animal shelters” UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine
https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/resources/?r=sanitation-in-animal-shelters
“Disease Control — The Role of Sanitation Training Playbook” Best Friends Animal Society