Colorado weighs rules requiring dog life jackets

Colorado officials are considering a rule that would require doggy daycare facilities and boarding kennels to put their animals in life jackets and have a lifeguard on duty if the dogs have access to a pool.

Kate Anderson, a manager in the state Agriculture Department’s Pet Animal Care Facilities Program, says the proposal is only a draft in the early stages of the process.

The Boulder Daily Camera reported Thursday the rule wouldn’t become final until after public input and a public hearing.

Anderson says officials have discussed changing the draft to require life jackets or a lifeguard but not both.

A life jacket would be required if a dog has access to a pool deeper than its shoulders.

Anderson says dogs have drowned in Colorado daycare facilities.