Facility Environment SOP

This Facility Environment Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) ensures all Stokeshire housing, whelping, nursery, sanitation, and exercise areas meet:

• Wisconsin ATCP 16 facility regulations
• USDA/APHIS Animal Welfare Act housing & care requirements
• Purdue University Canine Care Certified™ (CCC) Environment Pillar

This SOP applies to all Stokeshire-managed spaces **and** guardian homes where breeding dogs reside. It must be reviewed annually or when any structural or operational changes occur.

5.1 Housing & Space Requirements

• All primary enclosures allow dogs to stand, stretch, lie comfortably, and turn naturally.
• Minimum dimensions meet or exceed:
  • Wisconsin ATCP 16.22 (indoor housing)
  • USDA/APHIS space formula where applicable
• Whelping & nursery areas provide additional space for dams to move freely and care for puppies.
• Stacked kennels (if used) maintain solid flooring, proper ventilation, and cannot obstruct drainage.
• All dogs in guardian homes must live primarily indoors as companion animals.

5.2 Flooring, Lighting & Ventilation

• Multiple surfaces are used (rubber, sealed concrete, turf, grass) to support CCC requirements for varied textures.
• No all-dirt floors or unsafe surfaces are permitted.
• Natural light preferred; artificial light provided at levels sufficient for care and inspection.
• Ventilation ensures:
  • Odor control
  • Temperature stability
  • Humidity management
• HVAC or supplemental heating/cooling used to maintain safe temperatures year-round.

5.3 Cleaning & Sanitation Protocol

• Daily cleaning: removal of waste, refresh bedding, wash bowls as needed.
• Scheduled disinfection: using veterinarian-approved products with proper dilution and dry times.
• Separate cleaning tools for:
  • whelping areas
  • isolated dogs
  • general adult housing
• Food & water bowls sanitized weekly (minimum ATCP standard).
• Cleaning recorded in a digital Cleaning Log (Glide app) and backed up regularly.
• Disposal of waste follows local Medford, WI sanitation rules.

5.4 Exercise & Outdoor Access

• Dogs receive daily exercise appropriate to age, breed mix, and health status.
• Outdoor play yards:
  • Fully secured with fencing
  • Provide shade and weather protection
  • Offer safe areas for exploration and social play
• Exercise schedules logged to meet ATCP 16 expectations for movement & well-being.
• Guardian homes must have secure outdoor access or supervised walks.

5.5 Environmental Enrichment (CCC Standard)

• Enrichment rotation includes:
  • Puzzle feeders
  • Scent games
  • Chew-safe toys
  • Novel surfaces & experiences
• Enrichment items sanitized between litters or individual use.
• Quiet rest areas available for dogs needing downtime.
• Enrichment logs maintained for CCC audit readiness.

5.6 Safety & Facility Maintenance

• Daily visual inspection for hazards (loose wires, chemicals, sharp edges).
• All chemicals stored in locked or inaccessible locations.
• Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and CO₂ detectors checked on schedule.
• Snow/ice removal ensures safe movement on outdoor walkways & access points.
• Any repairs logged and prioritized within 48 hours unless emergent.

5.7 Guardian Home Requirements

• Indoor living only; no outdoor kenneling.
• Safe space for the dog to sleep and retreat.
• Clean water and food access at all times.
• Secure fenced yard OR commitment to leashed walks.
• Home visits or virtual walkthroughs conducted as needed.
• Guardians must notify Stokeshire of any change in housing.

Last Updated

November 21, 2025

This SOP is reviewed annually and upon any regulatory or facility change.