Which statement correctly summarizes indoor facility temperature requirements for dogs, cats, NHP, GP, hamsters, and rabbits?

Which statement correctly summarizes indoor facility temperature requirements for dogs, cats, NHP, GP, hamsters, and rabbits?

• A. Dogs, cats, and NHP must be kept between 45F and 85F; GP and hamsters between 60F and 85F; rabbits need not be heated
• B. Dogs, cats, and NHP must be kept between 50F and 90F; GP and hamsters between 65F and 90F; rabbits must be heated
• C. All species must be maintained at 72F regardless of species
• D. Rabbits must be heated when temperatures drop below 40F

Answer: (A)

Temperature in indoor animal housing is managed by species because each one has different limits for comfortable and safe temperatures. Dogs, cats, and non-human primates tolerate a fairly wide range without special heating or cooling needs, roughly mid-40s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, which helps prevent cold stress in winter and heat stress in summer. Smaller rodents like guinea pigs and hamsters are more sensitive to cold and benefit from staying warmer, typically around 60 to 85 Fahrenheit, to support metabolism and comfort. Rabbits, while adaptable, do not require heating to be provided for them as long as the room temperature stays within normal indoor levels; heating is not a necessity solely for rabbits. The other options either push temperatures outside what these species can safely tolerate, imply universal heating or a single fixed temperature for all species, or prescribe heating at a threshold that doesn’t align with typical welfare guidelines.

Temperature in indoor animal housing is managed by species because each one has different limits for comfortable and safe temperatures. Dogs, cats, and non-human primates tolerate a fairly wide range without special heating or cooling needs, roughly mid-40s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, which helps prevent cold stress in winter and heat stress in summer. Smaller rodents like guinea pigs and hamsters are more sensitive to cold and benefit from staying warmer, typically around 60 to 85 Fahrenheit, to support metabolism and comfort. Rabbits, while adaptable, do not require heating to be provided for them as long as the room temperature stays within normal indoor levels; heating is not a necessity solely for rabbits. The other options either push temperatures outside what these species can safely tolerate, imply universal heating or a single fixed temperature for all species, or prescribe heating at a threshold that doesn’t align with typical welfare guidelines.