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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17596, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Determination of Nonregulated Status for Blight-Tolerant Darling 54 American Chestnut (Castanea dentata)
We are advising the public of our determination that Darling 54 American Chestnut (Castanea dentata), which was developed using genetic engineering for tolerance to the fungal pathogen, Cryphonectria parasitica, is no longer considered regulated. Our determination is based on our evaluation of information and data submitted by the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in its petition for a determination of nonregulated status, available scientific data, a plant pest risk assessment, and public comments received in response to previous notices announcing the availability of the petition for nonregulated status and a draft plant pest risk assessment. This notice announces the availability of our written determination and supporting documents.
2026-16844, Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Animal Care; Standards for Birds Not Bred for Use in Research Under the Animal Welfare Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request a revision to and extension of approval of an information collection associated with the Animal Welfare Act regulations for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of birds not bred for use in research by dealers, exhibitors, operators of auction sales, research facilities, carriers and intermediate handlers.
2026-15857, Importation of Coffee Into Hawaii and Puerto Rico
We are proposing to amend the regulations regarding the importation of unroasted coffee and related articles into Hawaii and Puerto Rico by establishing a notice-based process for changes to the prohibitions on importing such articles. We would also broaden language regarding coffee pests. We are proposing these amendments because they would allow the Agency to more efficiently respond to market access requests as well as to emerging pest situations. These amendments would allow us to use a streamlined approach to update the importation conditions for unroasted coffee and related articles while continuing to protect plant health.
2026-15856, Notice of Request for Approval of a New Information Collection; National Animal Health Monitoring System; Poultry 2027 Upland Gamebird and Duck Study
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is planning a new study in 2027 to learn more about upland gamebirds and ducks. This study will collect important info from poultry owners and farmers to help keep birds healthy. If you’re involved with these birds, get ready to share some data by October 5, 2026, and help shape the future of animal health!
2026-15845, National Poultry Improvement Plan and Auxiliary Provisions
We are proposing to amend the regulations governing the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). These amendments would, among other things, clarify existing provisions of the regulations, fix editorial errors, and align the regulations more closely with current producer practices. These proposed changes were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the NPIP's 2024 National Plan Conference.
2026-15876, Bayer/Monsanto: Determination of Nonregulated Status for MON 87429 Maize Genetically Engineered for Dicamba, Glufosinate, Quizalofop, and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) Resistance With Tissue-Specific Glyphosate Resistance Facilitating the Production of Hybrid Maize Seed
The USDA says Bayer/Monsanto’s MON 87429 maize, a special corn engineered to resist several herbicides and help make hybrid seeds, is no longer regulated starting August 5, 2026. This means farmers and seed producers can grow and sell this corn more easily without extra government rules. It’s a big win for agriculture, helping farmers protect crops and boost seed production without extra costs or delays.
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.