PACFA Newsletter - Fall 2022
Disease Control and Treatment Standards and Behavior and Enrichment Teams Updates
Disease Control and Treatment Standards (DCATS) Development Team Update

In October of 2021, stakeholders supported the creation of a Disease Control and Treatment Standards (DCATS) Development Team. The DCATS Team has been meeting over the spring and summer and has been working on developing components for helping facilities develop their DCAT plan and to identify points of risk along the importation and animal movement process.

We want to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of our diverse DCATS Subject Matter Development Team guided by the facilitation expertise of Lisa VanRaemdonck and Ellen Patterson from the CU Denver School of Public Affairs and our subject matter experts, Dr. Elise Gingrich, Elizabeth Coalson, Diana Richett, Nicole Mangio, Kim Robinson, Krissy Mossberg, Bree Maestas, Allison Waldvogel, Angela Cerci, Martina Spera, Kristen Fallert, Dr. Maggie Baldwin, Dr. Morgan McCarty, and Dr. Jennifer House.
Behavior and Enrichment Standards (BES) Development Group Update

The Behavior and Enrichment Standards (BES) Development Team has been meeting over the spring and summer as well to develop definitions and proposed rule language to implement the provisions of 35-80-106.6, C.R.S. that requires providing enrichment for dogs and cats in animal shelters and rescues.

We want to also recognize and acknowledge the contributions of our diverse Behavior and Enrichment Standards (BES) Subject Matter Development Team guided by the facilitation expertise of Deb Kleinman of Lupine Collaborative and Ellen Patterson of the CU Denver School of Public Affairs and our subject matter experts, Stephanie Turner, Jess Cytron, Gale Caron, Allison Hartlage, Mariah McCulley, Jessica Jones, Ali Mickelson, and Lynn Gerber.

The BES team has finished its work and the proposed definitions and rule language will be presented in late October. Once feedback is received in the stakeholder engagement process, the PACFA Advisory Committee will review the proposed definitions and rules with the plan of starting the rulemaking process in early 2023.
Upcoming Rulemaking Stakeholder Engagement Meeting
PACFA will be holding a virtual stakeholder engagement meeting on

Wednesday, October 26, 2022
10 am to 12 pm

We will send a registration email to sign up for this meeting soon!

Discussions will be on the following proposed rulemaking topics:
  • Behavior and Enrichment Plans
  • Disease Control and Treatment Plans
  • Emergency Preparedness Plans
  • Other Updates to Existing PACFA Rule Language
PACFA Education Program Update
The Continuing Education Program has launched and we are now starting to enroll current licensees in batches.

Here's a quick update on what's been going on:

  • The new Continuing Education (CE) requirement became effective with our new education rule in November 2021. All current licensees are required to complete the first online CE course by December 31, 2024, to maintain a valid license.

  • Since we are only enrolling current licensees in smaller batches, please be patient about receiving your enrollment notice. Michele Barton, PACFA Licensing & Education Unit Administrator, will email you a notification when it is your turn. Notices will be emailed 2 weeks prior to your enrollment.

  • The first CE course covers PACFA rules and regulations and is designed to make sure that all licensed facilities start from the same baseline of knowledge about PACFA and current rules and regulations.

  • We have received some feedback already and appreciate you all reaching out. We will be working on developing additional courses in the future! Our education program is the newest addition to PACFA and we look forward to developing future courses and content for facilities to increase awareness of PACFA and continue to educate licensees on PACFA rules and regulations.


PACFA Advisory Committee Updates
Upcoming PACFA Advisory Committee Meeting

Fall 2022 PACFA Advisory Committee Meeting

When: Thursday, November 3, 2022
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: CDA Offices - 305 Interlocken Parkway, Broomfield, CO 80021
PACFA Advisory Committee Vacancies

The PACFA Advisory Committee has a vacancy for the Small Dog Breeder position and the Retail Pet Animal Dealership position.

Please complete the application if you are currently licensed under either of these categories and would like to serve on the committee. Appointments are made by the Commissioner.

Please apply by October 31, 2022, to be considered for terms beginning in 2023.
PACFA FAQs
When do I need to renew my license?
All PACFA licenses expire on March 1, 2023. License renewals will open as early as December 1, 2022. An announcement will be emailed in late November with more information.

When will my inspector do my next inspection?
Routine inspections are typically unannounced and are scheduled based on several factors. PACFA's program goal is to perform a routine inspection of each facility once per year. Reach out to your inspector with any questions.
Where can I get a copy of my license?
Our online licensing portal, AgLicense, simply log into your account and click on the PACFA license button and a PDF of your license can be printed or saved.
How do I make changes to my license?
Most changes require a new application. Please call your inspector or the office for assistance.


PACFA program inspectors and administrative staff are dedicated to helping PACFA licensed facilities understand and comply with PACFA and its rules and regulations.
Spread the Word
Please help support our efforts in safeguarding pet animals in pet care facilities throughout Colorado, protect consumers who purchase or adopt pets, and who use pet-related services.

Share this newsletter with anyone who may be interested. Our goal is to educate everyone about the PACFA Program.

Click the Sign-Up button below to receive our newsletters!




305 Interlocken Parkway
Broomfield, CO 80021
303-869-9146