Animal Care Program Oversight of Dog Breeder Inspections

We recommend that APHIS identify and correct the RBIS algorithm to ensure inspection due dates are properly calculated and recorded in eFile.

We recommend that APHIS establish and provide additional training on dog breeder inspections to inspectors and supervisors, to include proper classification of NCIs and required inspection procedures for dog breeders.

We recommend that APHIS develop and implement a process to ensure that inspectors are consistent throughout their inspection of the dog breeder’s facility to reduce the occurrence of missed items for review.

We recommend that APHIS establish a formal process to track and review open complaints to ensure all complaints are closed prior to the established deadlines. If the complaint is not closed by the deadline, APHIS should ensure reasons are documented in eFile.

We recommend that APHIS perform a risk assessment of the complaint process to evaluate and determine whether APHIS has correctly prioritized resources to manage the identified risks. We also recommend APHIS implement additional processes as necessary to ensure adequate coverage.