There’s lots of conversation going on in the rescue world these days about some of the most stringent laws implemented by Colorado governing many aspects of animal rescue including establishing the strictest animal transport regulations in the U.S. Like other regulations, things are changing fast, and there is a TON of mis-information being spread so it is important to be informed and do your homework so you remain in compliance. Part of being an animal rescue professional means ensuring you and your team are following the laws, regardless of whether you agree with them or not. Let’s try and break this down and provide you some helpful links to get more information.
What is PACFA?
According to their website, The Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA) Program is a licensing and 
inspection program dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of those animals in pet care facilities throughout Colorado. (Source: https://www.colorado.gov/
Is this a guideline or a law?
These regulations were passed by the Colorado state legislature and are considered law within the state of Colorado. If your activities take place anywhere within the state borders, they may be subject to these laws and regulations.
I heard this only applies if we do XX number of adoptions per year?
Specifically around licensing as an animal care facility there are some thresholds that are in place and these are spelled out in the documentation available on the site. Related to transporting, if you qualify under their definition of a transporter (“Pet transporter” means any firm, person, or corporation that accepts pet animals for transportation or relocation for the purpose of adoption, rescue, selling, harboring, sheltering, trading, or otherwise transferring from one location to another. “) even transporting ONE animal makes you subject to these laws and requires licensing.
Do they expect every volunteer transporter to register?
Our friends at Doobert did a nice Q&A with the PACFA director responsible for carrying out enforcement of the law to clarify some of these questions. Check out their FAQ with Nick Fisher here: https://www.doobert.com/
Check back with us often as we’re working to provide more clarification and even to interview the PACFA team to get your questions answered. If you have a question please let us know so we can add it to the list.
