(1) An early learning provider may have pets or other animals on the early learning program premises.

(2) If an early learning provider keeps pets or animals on the early learning program premises:

(a) The provider must have and follow a pet and animal policy; and

(b) Provide written notice to children's parents and guardians.

(3) Pets or other animals that have contact with children must:

(a) Have all required vaccinations, pursuant to local and county regulations;

(b) Show no signs of illness, disease, worms, or parasites. If these symptoms appear, the pet or animal must be removed from the licensed space until appropriately treated for the condition; and

(c) Be nonaggressive. If the pet or animal exhibits aggressive behavior, the pet or animal must be removed from the licensed space.

(4) An early learning provider must:

(a) Make reptiles and amphibians that are not part of the early learning program or activities inaccessible to enrolled children due to the risk of salmonella or other diseases;

(b) Require that chickens, ducks, turkeys, doves, pigeons, or other birds are caged, cooped, or penned outside early learning program space when children are in care, at a distance that prevents children from having direct access to the enclosures or waste;

(c) Cage indoor birds;

(d) Prevent debris from spilling out of a container or cage used for pets and animals, if applicable;

(e) Not allow pets and animals in the kitchen during food preparation and ensure pets and animals do not come into contact with food, food preparation, or serving areas while food is served;

(f) Not use a sink that is used for cleaning food or utensils to clean pet supplies;

(g) Not allow animals in rooms or areas typically used by infants or toddlers (center early learning programs only); and

(h) Store pet and animal medication separate from human medication.

(5) An early learning provider must require:

(a) Animals and pets to go to the bathroom outdoors if the animals do not have a designated indoor litter area. The designated outdoor area must be inaccessible to children in care;

(b) Pet containers and cages to be cleaned and disinfected at least weekly, or more often if needed;

(c) Litter boxes to be kept inaccessible to children and cleaned daily;

(d) Animal waste and litter to be disposed of as soon as possible and the area disinfected;

(e) Animal waste to be inaccessible to children;

(f) Animal waste to be disposed of in a manner that prevents children from coming into contact with the waste material;

(g) Animal waste, including fish tank water, must be disposed of in unlicensed space or toilets or custodial sinks. Toilets and custodial sink areas must be washed, rinsed, and disinfected after disposal; and

(h) Indoor and outdoor play space to be cleaned and disinfected where animal or bird waste or vomit is present. This must be done as soon as possible or prior to access by children.