USDA Proposes Doggy Daycare Rules for Breeders
Published Date: 2/17/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The USDA wants your thoughts on new rules to improve how breeding female dogs are cared for and how all dogs get exercise and social time. These updates could replace old rules with fresh science and better practices, affecting dog breeders and facilities under the Animal Welfare Act. You’ve got until March 19, 2026, to share your ideas—so don’t miss out on shaping the future of dog care!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Breeding-Female Care Standards Under Review
If you run a dog breeding facility covered by the Animal Welfare Act, APHIS is asking for information to review standards for breeding female dogs. The agency specifically mentioned topics like "adequate rest" between breeding cycles, minimum and maximum breeding ages, pre-breeding examinations, caps on the maximum number of litters, and retirement and rehoming plans.
Exercise and Socialization Standards Reviewed
APHIS is seeking data about exercise and socialization for dogs subject to the Animal Welfare Act. The agency noted state-level standards that include minimum daily exercise unless contraindicated, socialization such as positive physical contact with humans and compatible animals, additional space, environmental enrichment, and outdoor access.
Science, Genetic Testing, and Health Questions Sought
APHIS asked for scientific evidence on many topics that could inform future standards, including nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, impacts of breeding age, effects of number and frequency of litters, breed-size considerations, heritable defects, and the costs and benefits of genetic testing. The agency also asked for studies on socialization, singly housed dogs, and exercise needs by age, breed, and health.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14121 — Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; National Animal Health Reporting System and Handling Swine With Potential Vesicular Disease
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) wants to update and keep collecting important info about animal diseases, especially swine with possible vesicular disease. This affects farmers, vets, and animal health officials who report and track these diseases. They’re asking for public comments by September 14, 2026, and the changes won’t cost extra but help keep animals safe and healthy.
2026-13940 — Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; APHIS Pest Reporting and Asian Longhorn Beetle Program
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) wants to keep collecting info about plant pests and the Asian Longhorn Beetle to protect our trees and crops. This extension means folks who report pests will keep helping out, with no new costs or big changes. You’ve got until September 8, 2026, to share your thoughts on this plan!
2026-13285 — Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Virus-Serum-Toxin Act and Regulations
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) wants to update and keep collecting info related to the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act, which helps keep animal medicines safe. This affects companies making or shipping vaccines and similar products. They’re asking for public comments by August 31, 2026, and there’s no new cost announced—just a smooth continuation with some tweaks.
2026-13238 — Soil Culture Solutions, LLC: Determination of Nonregulated Status of HLB-Resistant Carrizo Citrange Rootstock (CarriCea T1)
The USDA says Soil Culture Solutions’ genetically engineered Carrizo citrange rootstock, called CarriCea T1, is safe and no longer needs special regulation. This rootstock fights citrus greening disease, helping farmers protect their citrus trees starting June 30, 2026. Growers can now use this disease-resistant rootstock without extra paperwork or fees, making citrus farming easier and more affordable.
2026-13043 — Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Swine Hides, Bird Trophies, and Deer Hides
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service wants to keep collecting info on importing swine hides, bird trophies, and deer hides, with some updates to the process. This affects businesses and people who bring these items into the U.S., and they’re asking for public feedback by August 28, 2026. No big cost changes are expected, but staying in the loop helps keep imports safe and smooth.
2026-12242 — Notice of Intent To Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement; Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is updating its plan to control grasshoppers and Mormon crickets across 17 western states. They’re asking the public to share ideas and concerns by July 20, 2026, before finalizing the plan in August 2027. This effort aims to protect rangelands and farming without causing harm to the environment or people.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03074 — Clarification of the Appropriate Use of Terms “National” and “Regional” by Recognized Accrediting Agencies
The Department of Education is clearing up how accrediting agencies can use the words “national” and “regional” when talking about their coverage. Schools and accrediting groups must be honest about their accreditation to avoid confusing students and the public. Comments on this change are open until March 19, 2026, with no direct costs expected but a big push for clear, truthful info.
Next: 2026-03086 — Bank Appeals Process
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is updating how banks can appeal big decisions made about them. These changes aim to make the appeals process faster and fairer for banks supervised by the OCC. If you’re involved, get your comments in by April 20, 2026, to have your say before the new rules take effect.