El Ranchito Pets Inc

3.6(c)(1)(iii) (Non-Critical) – Primary enclosures.
The temporary holding enclosures for 3 GS-mixed puppies had interior heights about 3 inches above the dogs’ heads which is less than the required minimum of 6 inches. Lack of adequate interior height might not provide a comfortable space for the affected the dogs. Ensure interior height of primary enclosures are at least 6 inches higher than the head of each dog in an enclosure when the dog is in normal standing position. Maintain correct from this point forward. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with a facility representative. End Section

2.40(b)(2) (Non-Critical) – Attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (dealers and exhibitors).
The dewormer pyrantel pamoate on the storage shelf ready for use was expired (facility disposed of the expired product during inspection). Expired medications might not be as effective or can become unsafe to use in animals. For the health and safety of the animals, ensure that only non-expired medications are stored and used used per the attending veterinarian’s directions.

3.13(a)(3) (Non-Critical) – Veterinary care for dogs.
The facility has a written program of veterinary care approved by the attending veterinarian (AV), however some additional detail is required in the written program: -A plan for sampling of parasites (heartworm/blood parasites and intestinal parasites) was not described in the written program. -An approved schedule for treatment of intestinal parasites in the adult dogs that describes the medication to be used and how often was not in the written program. Written sampling and treatment plans for blood and intestinal parasites at the facility that are approved by the AV helps ensure that a plan for maintaining healthy animals is in place. Ensure that the written program is updated and approved by the attending veterinarian. This is a 1st Pre-License Inspection. The inspection and exit briefing were conducted with a facility representative. All items must be in compliance within 2 more inspection(s) by 9/25/2022 or the applicant will forfeit the license fee and must wait 6 months to reapply. Please contact your inspector to schedule your next Pre-License Inspection. Conducting regulated activities without a valid USDA license is a violation of the Animal Welfare Act. n

No violations recorded (clean inspection).

No violations recorded (clean inspection).

2.75(a)(2) (Non-Critical) – Records: Dealers and exhibitors.
The facility used to have a computerized method of maintaining acquisition records for puppies, however a change over to paper records has led to incomplete acquisition information for puppies from small unlicensed breeders. Acquisition records must be kept on APHIS 7005 Record of Acquisition and Dogs and Cats on Hand unless a variance-approved computerized record-keeping system is used. Complete acquisition records are required and can be important for animal health tracing if needed. ***Correct from 3/8/2024 forward. APHIS 7006 for 5 puppies sold to a pet store on 3/17/2023 was not available for inspection. The licensee thinks that it was misplaced and that a copy can be acquired from the pet store. APHIS 7006 is a required form to maintain on file for dogs sold for at least one year after sale. Ensure to maintain a copies of APHIS 7006 for each dog/puppy disposition. ***Correct from 3/8/2024 forward.

2.132(d) (Non-Critical) – Procurement of dogs, cats, and other animals; dealers.
Acquisition for puppies bought from small unlicensed breeders certifying that they maintain 4 or fewer breeding female dogs/cats and the dogs/cats were born and raised on that person’s premises haven’t been regularly obtained and kept by the facility. The licensee reports that they do verify this information from any unlicensed breeder they buy from; but regulations require that certification is obtained. When acquiring any dog/cat from any person not licensed with USDA, ensure to obtain certification that the animals were born and raised on that person’s premises and that the person does not maintain more than four breeding female dogs and/or cats. ***To be corrected from 3/8/2024 forward.

2.134 (Non-Critical) – Contingency planning.
The written contingency plan/disaster plan that the facility used to have in place was not available for inspection. A documented contingency plan is required and can be important to prepare for possible emergencies. Ensure to develop and document a contingency plan that can be followed if needed and review the plan at least once a year. ***Correct by 4/18/2024.

3.8 (Non-Critical) – Exercise for dogs.
A written Exercise Program that is approved by the attending veterinarian (AV) was not available for inspection. An exercise program that is approved by the AV helps ensure dogs have adequate space and opportunity for exercise. Ensure to work with the AV to get a written exercise program approved. ***Correct by 4/12/2024. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the licensee. n

2.130 (Non-Critical) – Minimum age requirements.
Three shih-poo puppies DOB 2/5/2025 were acquired by the facility and transported in commerce on 4/1/2025 which is one day before they are 8 weeks old. Two poodles with DOB 12/13/2024 (8 weeks old on 2/7/2025) were acquired and transported by the facility on 2/4/2025 and then sold to a retail pet store on 2/6/2025. Ensuring dogs are at least 8 weeks old and weaned prior to any transportation in commerce is required and helps promote animal health. Ensure not to transport any dogs in commerce unless they are 8 weeks old and weaned. ***To correct from 4/9/2025 forward. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with a facility representative. n

No violations recorded (clean inspection).

2.126(b) (Non-Critical) – Access and inspection of records and property; submission of itineraries.
A responsible adult was not available to accompany an APHIS Official during the inspection process Wednesday 9/10/2025 at about 1:35pm. The inspector contacted the representative who had to go pick up time-critical construction materials (unrelated to the licensed facility) and would not be available for the next 3 hours. Failure to provide access to the facility, animals, and records for inspection could be a serious non-compliance of the AWA and regulations. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action. End Section

No violations recorded (clean inspection).