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
2026-19532, Amendments To Import Requirements for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
The USDA is proposing to shorten the waiting time for importing live birds and bird products from 90 days to 28 days after a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. This change helps foreign exporters get back to business faster while keeping the U.S. safe from bird flu. If you’re involved in bird imports, get ready to comment by November 23, 2026, and watch for updates that could speed up trade without extra costs.
2025-04813, Horse Protection Amendments; Further Delay of Effective Date, and Request for Comment
The USDA is pushing back new horse protection rules from April 2025 to February 2026 to give everyone more time to get ready. This affects horse owners, trainers, and event organizers who need to follow these updated rules to keep horses safe and sound. They’re also asking for your thoughts on whether this delay should be even longer, so speak up by May 20, 2025!
2025-01836, Horse Protection Amendments; Postponement of Regulations
The USDA is delaying new horse protection rules that were set to start on February 1, 2025, pushing them back 60 days to April 2, 2025. These rules affect horse shows, exhibitions, and sales by requiring trained inspectors to catch soring, a harmful practice. This delay gives everyone more time to get ready without changing any fees or costs.
2026-20631, Notice of Decision To Deregulate Chrysanthemum White Rust and the Importation of Chrysanthemum spp. Cuttings, and In Vitro Plantlets, and Synonymous Taxa From Certain Countries Into the Continental United States
The USDA has decided to deregulate Chrysanthemum White Rust and will allow the import of chrysanthemum cuttings and plantlets from certain countries starting November 9, 2026. This change means growers and plant sellers can bring these plants into the U.S. without extra quarantine worries, as experts found no risk of spreading harmful pests. This update helps the plant industry grow while keeping U.S. gardens safe and healthy.
2026-20630, Cut Flowers Regulations; Removal of Chrysanthemum White Rust-Related Provisions
Starting November 9, 2026, fresh cut flowers from Chrysanthemum and related plants can be imported without special restrictions tied to chrysanthemum white rust. This change affects importers by making flower import rules simpler and faster, moving details to an easy-to-update USDA database. No extra costs or delays are expected, just smoother flower trade and fewer red tapes!
2026-19237, Bayer U.S.-Crop Science: Availability of a Petition for a Determination of Nonregulated Status and Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Herbicide Resistant MON 96012 Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Bayer U.S.-Crop Science wants the green light to grow a new type of cotton that resists several herbicides, making weed control easier for farmers. The USDA is reviewing this request and asking the public to share their thoughts by November 20, 2026. If approved, this could change farming practices and possibly save money on weed management.
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.