Message to AWA Licensees and Registrants: Status of Animal Care Inspections During COVID-19 Pandemic

To Animal Welfare Act Licensees and Registrants:

On March 27, 2020, we advised you of our process adjustments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to update you on the current status of our activities as well as future operational plans. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we continue to limit routine inspections based on our assessment of the risk to both our inspectors and facility personnel.  We have connected with most of you through phone and email, and we are also continuing to process license and registration renewals. Should the need arise, we maintain the ability to respond to serious animal welfare concerns.    

Like everyone else, we are looking forward to resuming normal operations, but our first priority is the health and safety of our employees and you and your employees. To adapt in the interim, we are developing plans to allow the resumption of routine inspections that protect our inspectors and the regulated community against possible disease spread. We are committed to keeping you informed as we develop our plan for the way forward.

For now, the process we developed in March will remain in effect. You will hear from us as we finalize our next steps. Thank you for continuing to care for the animals in these difficult times, as their welfare remains a high priority for all of us. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns and stay safe.