PACFA Facts

• The Colorado Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (C. R. S. § 35-80-101 - 117) was created by the pet animal industry who requested a state regulation. This group of industry representatives, in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, wrote the statute, rules and regulations which make up the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act. The Governor signed the state statute in 1994.

• According to the PACFA statute, "pet animal" means dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, ferrets, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, or any other species of wild or domestic or hybrid animal sold, transferred, or retained for the purpose of being kept as a household pet, except livestock. "Pet animal" does not include an animal that is used for working purposes on a farm or ranch.

• There are more than 1,800 facilities in Colorado licensed by PACFA.

• PACFA has three full-time inspectors, an administrator and a full-time office administrative assistant.

• PACFA has an advisory committee that is made up of ten members of the pet care industry. The advisory committee is occasionally contacted by PACFA employees for recommendations and advice. Any changes to the PACFA rules must be approved through the advisory committee.

• All of the expenses of the program are funded by the license fees of the facilities within the pet care program. PACFA does not receive tax or general fund revenue.

• When looking for a pet care facility, consumers are encouraged to visit the facility before taking their animal. People can also contact CDA and ask for a copy of any records or inspections concerning that facility, call the Better Business Bureau, and recommendations from friends and family are always helpful.

• A shelter is a FACILITY which houses more than 15 dogs or cats with the purpose of finding adoptive homes. This will include privately owned facilities as well as municipal shelters. A rescue is a PERSON who facilitates the transfer of more than 24 dogs or cats and uses a series of foster homes or other licensed facilities to house the animals until adoption.