S.C. Code Regs. Chapter 120 — Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation--Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

S.C. Code Regs. ch. 120 Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation--Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

CHAPTER 120

Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation— Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

(Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 40-1-70, 40-69-60 et seq.)

120-1. Definitions.

A. “Comprehensive veterinary services” means: examination, diagnosis and treatment of animal patients, diagnostic imaging, surgery, laboratory, pharmacology, and provision for hospitalization and emergency treatment.

B. “Comprehensive veterinary facility” means: a location where comprehensive veterinary services are offered.

C. “Veterinarian-client-patient relationship” means:

(1) The veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal through an examination of or visit to the premises where the animal is kept.

(2) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment.

(3) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal.

(4) The veterinarian is available or has arranged for emergency coverage for follow-up and evaluation.

(5) The client has agreed to follow the veterinarian’s instructions.

(6) The veterinarian-client-patient relationship lapses when the licensee has not seen the animal within one year.

D. “Emergency animal patient” means: a patient with a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity, such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to result to any of the following:

(1) Cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA), imminent/impending CPA, or death;

(2) Serious jeopardy to the long-term health of a patient;

(3) Serious, life-threatening impairment to bodily functions;

(4) Serious, life-threatening dysfunction of any bodily organs or part.

E. “Imaging” means including, but not limited to, radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and fluoroscopy and the administration of radio-opaque agents/materials.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009. Amended by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5121, eff May 26, 2023.

120-2. Elections.

A. The Board shall send a notice to each veterinarian qualified to vote by residence in a congressional district and set a date by which a veterinarian in that nominating district may be nominated for a position.

B. If only two (2) candidates are nominated from a congressional district, the two (2) candidates shall be declared the winners and the names submitted to the governor.

C. If more than two (2) candidates are nominated from a congressional district, the Board shall prepare ballots with the names of the nominees in alphabetical order. The names of the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be submitted to the governor.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009.

120-3. Licensure to Practice Veterinary Medicine.

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine unless duly licensed under the applicable provisions of this chapter.

A. Application. Any person desiring to be licensed as a veterinarian must apply to the Board and provide all information and documentation required by the Board. Applications and accompanying documents will be valid for one (1) year from the initial application date. After one (1) year, a new application with attendant documents and appropriate fees must be submitted.

B. Education Transcripts(s). Certified transcripts shall be sent directly to the Board office from the educational institution.

(1) Certified transcript from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited school or college of veterinary medicine, or

(2) Certification from the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education (PAVE), or

(3) Certification from the Education Commission of Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECVFG), or

(4) Certification from another credentialing entity approved by the Board.

(5) Senior students. Senior students must submit an attested letter from the accredited veterinary medical college establishing senior status as of the date of the application for licensure.

C. Examination.

(1) National Examinations. A certified copy of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), with a minimum score as set by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) or the national board examination results with a minimum passing score as set by the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME) and the Clinical Competency Test (CCT) current within five (5) years of the date of the application with a minimum score as set by AAVSB. Examination scores must be within five (5) years immediately preceding the date of the application.

(2) If the NAVLE or NBE and CCT examination scores are older than five (5) years immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant must meet the licensure requirements of S.C. Code Section 40-69-260.

(3) South Carolina State Law and Ethics Examination. Minimum passing score of the South Carolina state law and ethics examination as set by the SCBVME. An applicant who fails SCBVME may be reexamined upon submission of an application and re-examination fee.

D. Verification(s) of Licensure. Verification from each state, active or inactive, in which the applicant is or has been licensed.

E. Fees. A non-refundable certified check, money order, or electronic payment.

F. Denial of Application. An application may be denied if the applicant:

(1) is currently restricted (including probation or other conditions) in another state;

(2) has committed any act that would be grounds for disciplinary action under this chapter; or

(3) has committed any act which indicates that the applicant does not possess the character and fitness to practice veterinary medicine.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009. Amended by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5121, eff May 26, 2023.

120-4. Licensure to Practice Veterinary Technology.

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the practice of veterinary technology unless duly licensed under the applicable provisions of this chapter.

A. Application. Any person desiring to be licensed as a veterinary technician must apply to the Board and provide all information and documentation required by the Board. Applications and accompanying documents will be valid for one (1) year from the initial application date. After one (1) year, a new application with attendant documents and appropriate fees must be submitted.

B. Education Transcript(s). Certified transcripts shall be mailed directly to the Board office from the appropriate educational institution.

(1) Certified transcripts from an accredited school or college of veterinary technology, or

(2) Certification from Board approved veterinary technology educational institution.

C. Examinations.

(1) Veterinary Technician National Examination. Certified minimum passing score of national examination as set by AAVSB.

(2) South Carolina State Law and Ethics Examination. Minimum passing score as set by SCBVME.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009. Amended by SCSR 49-5 Doc. No. 5356, eff May 23, 2025.

120-5. Biennial License Renewal.

A. Active License.

It is the responsibility of each licensee to apply for license renewal. Any person who shall practice veterinary medicine or veterinary medical technology after such expiration of license shall be practicing in violation of the law.

(1) Licenses shall be renewed biennially upon submission of renewal fee and Biennial Renewal Form.

(2) Failure to apply for renewal within thirty (30) days after expiration of license term shall result in automatic lapse of license. In addition to the renewal fee, a late fee shall be assessed.

B. Renewal of Lapsed License.

The right to practice in South Carolina is suspended until the following requirements are met.

(1) A veterinarian or veterinary technician whose license has lapsed within three (3) years from the date of renewal may reactivate the license by submitting satisfactory evidence of continuing education, if applicable, and payment of the renewal fee plus the applicable penalty.

(2) A veterinarian or veterinary technician whose license has been lapsed for three (3) years or longer must meet the requirements in effect at the time of application for a new license. The Board may also assess an additional penalty.

C. Fee Waiver During Period of Temporary Medical Disability.

Upon written request, a licensee may apply for a waiver of the license renewal fee and other requirements of no more than three (3) years due to temporary medical disability which prevents the licensee from practicing. Upon approval by the Board of the request, the licensee will be placed in an inactive status and the license held by the licensee will no longer be valid. The licensee may apply for license reactivation after the period of disability.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009. Amended by SCSR 49-5 Doc. No. 5356, eff May 23, 2025.

120-6. Continuing Education Requirements; Waivers.

A. Continuing Education Requirements. Failure to satisfy continuing education requirements for biennial renewal shall result in automatic revocation of license. Any licensee who continues practice of veterinary medicine after such revocation shall be in violation of this chapter and subject to applicable disciplinary action.

(1) As a pre-requisite for biennial renewal,

(a) the veterinarian must complete a minimum of thirty (30) hours of continuing education;

(b) the veterinary technician must complete a minimum of twelve (12) hours of continuing education.

(2) Credit hours may be earned by completion of programs offered through the following sources:

(a) The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA), and the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association;

(b) The American Association of Veterinary State Board’s (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE);

(c) State veterinary medical and veterinary technician associations;

(d) AVMA or NAVTA recognized specialty organizations; or

(e) such other programs as may be approved by the Board.

(3) Of the thirty (30) required hours,

(a) A veterinarian authorized to prescribe controlled substances shall complete at least two (2) hours of continuing education every two (2) years related to approved procedures of prescribing and monitoring controlled substances listed in Schedules II, III, and IV of the schedules provided for in S.C. Code Sections 44-53-210, 44-53-230 and 44-53-250;

(b) A minimum of twenty-two (22) hours must be in veterinary medical/surgical courses;

(c) No fewer than twenty (20) hours must be live, in-person or live digital interactive programs, the remaining ten (10) may be pre-recorded or written.

(4) Of the twelve (12) required hours for licensed veterinary technicians:

(a) A minimum of six (6) hours must be in veterinary medical.

(b) No fewer than six (6) hours must be live in-person or live digital interactive programs, the remaining six (6) may be pre-recorded or written.

(5) Each licensee must maintain a record of attendance at the meetings qualifying for continuing education for a minimum of three (3) years immediately preceding renewal. The licensee must maintain documentation to include:

(a) name and license number of the participant;

(b) name of provider;

(c) name of program;

(d) hours completed; and

(e) date of completion.

B. Waiver of Continuing Education Requirements.

(1) The continuing education requirement is waived for the licensee for the first year of licensure.

(2) In individual cases involving extraordinary hardship or extenuating circumstances, disability or illness, all or any part of the requirements may be waived, modified or extended by the Board.

Any applicant shall be eligible for waiver or extension who, upon written application to the Board and for good cause shown, demonstrates that they are unable to participate in a sufficient number of regular continuing educational programs for licensure/registration.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009. Amended by SCSR 49-5 Doc. No. 5356, eff May 23, 2025.

120-7. Continuing Education Provider and Sponsor Approval.

Providers or sponsors of continuing education must be approved by the South Carolina Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

A. Providers and sponsors seeking approval for educational programs must submit a written request to the Board offices at least forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled date of the presentation.

B. Providers and sponsors must provide adequate documentation of licensee’s participation in the program. Such documentation shall include:

(1) name and license number of participant;

(2) name and address of provider or sponsor;

(3) name of program;

(4) hours completed;

(5) date of program and location of program;

(6) authorized signature from program provider or sponsor;

(7) Providers of distance learning program must also provide document of follow-up testing, if applicable.

C. Comprehensive Approval. A comprehensive approval allows the provider or sponsor to submit an application indicating all course offerings for a given calendar year. Requests for a comprehensive approval may be submitted to the Board office on an annual basis at least ninety (90) days prior to the beginning of each year or ninety (90) days prior to the beginning of a scheduled program. Providers and sponsors shall be responsible for annual renewal of course offerings. Programs offered by the following shall receive comprehensive approval:

(1) The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA), the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association;

(2) the American Association of Veterinary State Board’s (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE);

(3) State veterinary medical and veterinary technician associations;

(4) AVMA or NAVTA recognized specialty organizations;

(5) Such other sources as may be approved by the Board.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009. Amended by SCSR 49-5 Doc. No. 5356, eff May 23, 2025.

120-8. Practice Standards for Licensed Veterinarians.

A. Licensed veterinarians shall comply with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Code of Professional Ethics.

B. Recordkeeping. Licensed veterinarians shall comply with the following standards for medical record keeping and retention.

(1) Veterinarians performing any act requiring a license pursuant to the provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, a written record concerning the animal(s).

(2) The medical record shall contain the following information:

(a) Name, address and telephone number of animal’s owner;

(b) Name and identification of animal, to include the age, sex, species and breed of animal;

(c) The animal’s medical history to include:

(i) Treatment dates;

(ii) Diagnosis or condition at the beginning of animal care;

(iii) Medication and treatment, including amount, route and frequency of administration;

(iv) Progress and disposition of the case; and

(v) Surgery, radiology, laboratory information.

(3) Records for groups of economic animals may be maintained on a per client basis.

(4) Rabies vaccination records shall comply with all Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) requirements, including, but not limited to record content, record retention, public health record retrieval request responses, location of records and ownership of records. Compliance with all DHEC requirements is the professional responsibility of the veterinarian performing the vaccination and signing the rabies certificate.

(5) An electronic record satisfies all requirements that a record be in writing.

C. Record Storage.

(1) Records shall be maintained for a minimum of three (3) years after the last entry, or as otherwise provided by law.

(2) A radiograph is the property of the facility where the original radiograph was exposed.

(3) The original or a copy must be released upon the request of another veterinarian who has the written authorization of the owner of the animal.

(4) Radiograph(s) shall be returned within thirty (30) days to the originating facility.

D. Supervision of Unlicensed Veterinary Aides.

The licensed veterinarian is responsible for determining whether tasks delegated to unlicensed veterinary aides are within the aides’ training, expertise, and skills. The licensed veterinarian shall verify and document qualifications of unlicensed veterinary aides in accordance with S.C. Code Section 40-69-270(C). The delegating veterinarian remains responsible for the care of the patient.

(1) Supervision.

Any unlicensed veterinary aide must at all times be under the appropriate degree of supervision of a South Carolina licensed veterinarian whenever providing patient care in this state.

(2) Emergency Animal Patient Care.

An unlicensed veterinary aide working under the indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian may provide acute care for emergency medical conditions. In the event of a CPA, an unlicensed veterinary aide may follow standing medical orders that have been established by a veterinarian until the patient is stabilized or a veterinarian can provide supervision.

(3) An unlicensed veterinary aide shall not:

(a) Make any diagnosis or prognosis,

(b) Prescribe any treatments, drugs, or medications,

(c) Perform surgery,

(d) Identify as a licensed veterinarian, licensed veterinary technician, veterinary technician, veterinary technologist, vet tech, technician, or veterinary nurse. A veterinary aide must clearly identify himself or herself as such in order to ensure that he or she is not mistaken by the public as a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009. Amended by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5121, eff May 26, 2023.

120-9. Practice Standards for: Licensed Veterinary Technicians.

A. Licensed Veterinary Technicians. Duties shall be performed under the direction, supervision and control of a South Carolina licensed veterinarian who has established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

(1) Immediate Supervision:

(a) Surgical assistance to a licensed veterinarian.

(b) Floatation of equine teeth.

(2) Direct Supervision:

(a) Induction, maintenance and immediate recovery of anesthesia.

(b) Perform dental procedure including, but not limited to: prophylaxis and procedures not altering the shape, structure, or positional location of teeth in the dental arch.

(c) Perform euthanasia.

(d) Administration of rabies vaccines as allowed by law.

(3) Indirect Supervision:

(a) Administration and application of treatments, drugs, medications and immunological agents by parenteral (to include subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscularly, intraperitoneal and intravenous) and non-parenteral routes, except when in conflict with government regulations.

(b) Initiation of parenteral fluid administration.

(c) Perform peripheral venous catheterizations.

(d) Perform imaging including settings, positioning, exposing, processing and safety procedures.

(e) Collect venous blood specimen as allowed by law.

(f) Collect urine by free catch, expression, cystocentesis or catheterization.

(g) Collect and prepare tissue, cellular or microbial samples by skin scrapings, impressions or other non-surgical methods.

(h) Perform routine diagnostic tests.

(i) Supervise handling of bio hazardous waste materials.

(j) Collect and prepare blood or blood components as related to blood transfusions.

(k) Administer blood or blood components as related to transfusions.

(l) Apply splints, bandages, slings, and casts.

(m) Perform non-emergency intubations.

(n) Measure medication quantities as prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.

(o) Perform arterial catheterization.

(p) Perform central venous catheterization.

(q) Administer vaccines, excluding rabies.

(r) Microchip insertion.

(4) Other services under the appropriate degree of supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

(5) Emergency Animal Patient Care.

A licensed veterinary technician working under the indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian may provide: acute care for emergency medical conditions. In the event of a CPA or imminent CPA, a licensed veterinary technician may follow standing medical orders that have been established by a veterinarian until the patient is stabilized or a veterinarian can provide supervision.

(6) Practice Limitations. Licensed veterinary technicians shall not be permitted to:

(a) Make any diagnosis or prognosis.

(b) Prescribe any treatments, drugs, medications, or appliances.

(c) Perform surgery.

(d) Identify as a licensed veterinarian, veterinary nurse, or anything other than a licensed veterinary technician.

B. In accordance with S.C. Code Section 40-69-270(C), licensed veterinarians may delegate duties superseding the above scope of practice restrictions to licensed veterinary technicians holding specialty certification from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialists. Duties must be within the specialty certification discipline.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009. Amended by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5121, eff May 26, 2023.

120-10. Veterinary Facilities. General Requirements; Laboratory Services; Surgical; Pharmacological; Emergency Treatment.

A. General Requirements.

(1) All areas of the premises shall be maintained in a clean, offensive-odor free and orderly condition at all times.

(2) All required equipment must be in satisfactory working order.

(3) The minimum standards for all facilities shall include:

(a) Adequate heating and cooling for the comfort of the animals;

(b) Sufficient ventilation in all areas;

(c) Proper lighting in all rooms;

(d) Hot and cold running water from an approved source;

(e) Adequate toilets and lavatories for personnel and clients;

(f) Sanitary storage which is adequate for the size of the facility;

(g) Interior and exterior receptacles for waste disposal which shall comply with state and local regulations;

(h) A procedure for the prompt, sanitary and aesthetic disposal of dead animals which complies with state and local regulations;

(4) Examination Areas. The facility examination area shall have:

(a) Waste receptacles or chutes;

(b) A table with impervious top surface; and

(c) Proper lighting.

B. Laboratory Services.

(1) A facility where examination, diagnosis and treatment of or surgery on animal patients is provided by a veterinarian shall have an in-house laboratory or the services of a consultant laboratory for blood chemistries, cultures and antibiotic sensitivity examinations, complete blood counts, histopathological examinations, occult heartworm determination, and complete necropsies.

(2) Laboratory facilities must have a minimum capability to conduct:

(a) standard urinalysis;

(b) micro-hematocrit determination;

(c) fecal flotation tests for ova of internal parasites;

(d) dermal scrapings for external parasite diagnosis;

(e) examination for microfilaria and occult heartworm detection; and

(f) feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus testing.

(3) In-house laboratory facility standards:

(a) Clean and orderly;

(b) Ample storage;

(c) Ample refrigeration.

C. Surgical Facilities.

(1) Surgery shall be performed in a room that can be easily sanitized and is free of unnecessary traffic flow during surgical procedures.

(2) Sterilization must include a steam pressure sterilizer, gas sterilizer, autoclave equipment or cold sterilization. Cold sterilization must be used in conjunction with a steam pressure sterilizer, gas sterilizer or autoclave equipment.

(3) Surgical instruments and equipment shall be consistent with the surgical service being provided.

(4) Storage in the surgery area shall be limited to surgical items.

(5) Emergency drugs must be available to the surgery area.

(6) Sterilized instruments, gowns, towels, drapes, gloves, caps and masks shall be available for surgery.

(7) Positive pressure and oxygen shall be available in medical facility environments.

D. Pharmacological Facilities.

(1) A veterinarian shall not prescribe, dispense or administer any drug or biological agent that bears the legend “Caution: Federal Law restricts this drug to the use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian,” or any other term which specifies the medication as a legend drug, without the establishment of a veterinarian/client/patient relationship.

(2) The supervising veterinarian shall:

(a) maintain all drugs and biological agents in compliance with state and federal laws;

(b) ensure that any legend drugs and biological agents prescribed for use in the veterinary facility are properly administered;

(c) maintain accurate records to include the strength, dosage and quantity of all medications used or prescribed;

(d) instruct clients on the administration of drugs when applicable.

(3) Repackaged Legend Drugs.

(a) Repackaged legend drugs shall be dispensed in approved safety closure containers, where applicable.

(b) Repackaged legend drugs dispensed shall be labeled with the following:

(i) name, address and telephone number of the facility;

(ii) client’s last name;

(iii) patient’s name;

(iv) date dispensed;

(v) directions for use;

(vi) name of the drug and its strength (if more than one dosage form exists) and the amount of the drug dispensed; and

(vii) name of the prescribing veterinarian.

(4) The veterinarian shall maintain records of all medications prescribed and dispensed for any animal in that animal’s file. The pharmaceutical record information may be transferred, in whole or in part, from one veterinarian to another, in writing or by telephone, when necessary to continue treatment or disease prevention by medication started by the original attending veterinarian.

(5) Federal Drug Enforcement Administration Registration. A veterinarian who has a Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number and uses, dispenses, administers or prescribes controlled substances shall comply with the federal and state laws pertaining to the dispensing, prescribing, storage and usage of controlled substances. All controlled substances dispensed or prescribed shall be recorded in a controlled substance register. Each veterinarian who maintains a DEA registration shall maintain a controlled substance register in compliance with DEA requirements.

E. Emergency Treatment Facilities.

(1) Emergency treatment may be provided by:

(a) a veterinarian on the premises at all times to receive and manage emergency cases; or

(b) a veterinarian who is on-call and available to receive and manage emergency cases as requested.

(2) Public Notice. The public shall be informed of the available emergency services by a “Notice to the Public” posting. The notice shall be prominently located and easily accessible to clients. The posting shall include contact information for the on-call veterinarian or other veterinary facilities offering additional emergency services.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009.

120-11. Limited Veterinary Services Facilities; Multiple Practice Facilities; Mobile Veterinary Facilities.

A. Limited Veterinary Services Facilities. Limited veterinary services facilities shall:

(1) Adhere to requirements as set forth in Section 120.10(A).

(2) Establish veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

(3) Notify the public of available services through a posted “Notice to the Public” prominently posted at sites available to clients, and reference veterinary facilities offering services not available in the facility.

B. Multiple Practice Facilities. Two or more practices occupying the same facility shall post a notice of services provided by each practice.

C. Mobile Veterinary Facilities.

(1) Mobile Veterinary Facilities Defined: Any mobile facility or similar form of clinical veterinary practice that may be transported or moved from one location to another for delivery of services.

(2) Mobile veterinary facilities shall maintain a permanent office location that can be contacted by telephone and other appropriate communication channels.

(3) Telephone, address, fax, and or e-mail contact information shall be prominently posted in a place easily accessible to clients or shall be provided to clients individually in writing.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009. Amended by State Register Volume 36, Issue No. 6, eff June 22, 2012.

120-12. Veterinary Medicine and Animal Shelters.

A. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context is clearly indicated otherwise:

1. “Animal” means any nonaquatic pet that is in the custody or care of an animal shelter.

2. “Enclosure” means a structure used to house or restrict animals from running at large such as a room, pen, run, compartment, hutch, terrarium, or otherwise confined habitat.

3. “Facility” means an animal shelter as defined in S.C. Code Section 40-69-300(A)(1) that provides veterinary services as defined in S.C. Code Section 40-69-300(A)(2).

4. “Records” mean (a) origin of animals (including names and addresses of consignors) and date animals were received; (b) description of animals including species, age, sex, breed, color markings, and microchip; (c) location of animal if not kept at facility; (d) disposition of animals including name and address of person to whom animal is sold, traded, or adopted, or address of an organization or institution to which the animal is transferred and the date of such transaction; in the event of death, the record shall show the date, signs of illness, or cause of death if identified; if euthanized, the record shall show date and type of euthanasia; and (e) record of veterinary care including treatments, immunization and date, time and description of medication (including name and dosage), and initials of person administering any product or procedure. Copies of records relating to an animal whose ownership is being transferred that are provided to the owner at the time of adoption or fostering are limited to the records identified in (A)(4)(b) and (e).

B. General provisions.

1. Each facility shall be kept in a clean, dry and sanitary condition and shall provide enclosures that can safely house and allow for adequate separation of animals of different species, sexes, ages, and temperament. Animals shall be maintained in a manner that protects them against theft, injury, escape and exposure to harmful substances.

2. Each facility shall ensure that all enclosures provide adequate shelter that is properly ventilated that can be maintained at a comfortable temperature for the animals confined therein. An enclosure shall not be cleaned when occupied by an animal unless the animal can be further confined in a portion of the enclosure that precludes exposure to any cleaning agent including water and shall be thoroughly dry before the enclosure is returned to use. A disinfectant or germicidal agent shall be used when cleaning an enclosure before being used by a different animal.

3. Regarding an animal subject to a holding period, each facility shall house the animal in an enclosure and portions thereof entirely constructed of materials that are durable, nonporous, impervious to moisture, and able to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

4. Each facility shall ensure that clean drinking water is available to each animal at all times unless otherwise ordered by a licensed veterinarian. Drinking water receptacles or bowls shall be secured to the enclosure in a fixed position or otherwise be of a design that cannot be tipped over by an animal and shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.

5. Each facility shall ensure that animals are adequately and appropriately fed according to the species and age and that feed is stored in a manner that prevents spoilage, infestation, and contamination. All feed delivery utensils and receptacles shall be properly cleaned between uses.

6. Each facility shall ensure that each animal is provided access to a resting platform, bedding, or perch as appropriate to its species, age and condition. All enclosure shall have solid floors.

C. Provision of veterinary treatment.

1. Each facility shall engage a licensed veterinarian to develop or ratify a protocol for determining if an ill, injured, or otherwise compromised animal requires treatment by a licensed veterinarian. Each facility shall adhere to this protocol and provide veterinary treatment when needed.

2. Each facility shall engage a licensed veterinarian to develop or ratify a protocol for the control of infectious and contagious disease and shall adhere to such protocol. Each facility shall provide a marked isolation room for the confinement of animals suffering from a contagious or infectious disease.

3. Each facility shall engage a licensed veterinarian to develop or ratify a protocol for the management of neonatal and medically compromised animals and shall adhere to such protocol. Enclosures shall be maintained that can properly and safely house such animals.

4. Each facility shall engage a licensed veterinarian to develop or ratify a protocol for the administration of core vaccines at or prior to intake and revaccination for animals that are housed for extended periods of time. Core vaccines for cats include feline viral rhinotracheitis, caliciviris, and panleukopenia; for dogs, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza virus, canine parvovirous and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Animals shall be vaccinated for rabies at or shortly after release.

D. Veterinary services.

1. A veterinarian who provides veterinary services to animals in shelters is required to prepare and keep records as required by S.C. Code Section 40-69-300(C).

2. Where a shelter or a licensed veterinarian in conjunction with a shelter provides veterinary services, the licensed veterinarian is subject to requirements as set forth in S.C. Code Section 40-69-30 et seq. and this chapter.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009. Amended by State Register Volume 36, Issue No. 6, eff June 22, 2012; SCSR 43-4 Doc. No. 4859, eff April 26, 2019.

120-13. Facility Inspection.

An agent of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation shall enter during normal business hours and have the right to inspect the facility for compliance. A written report of the inspection shall be prepared and a copy shall be provided to the facility.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009.

120-14. Fees.

The Board may charge fees as shown in South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 10-42 and on the South Carolina Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners website at http://llr.sc.gov/POL/Veterinary/.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 36, Issue No. 6, eff June 22, 2012. Amended by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4520, eff June 26, 2015.