No person shall own, possess, or harbor a dog or cat 16 weeks of age or over without obtaining a license for each animal:

• Pet owners shall provide proof of an animal's current city license when requested by an animal care officer. Proof shall be provided by showing a current city license to the officer, or providing a receipt from the veterinarian or authorized location where the license was purchased.
• City license must be renewed and shall run concurrently with rabies vaccination.
• A valid certificate of rabies vaccination and license fee must be presented to obtain a license for a dog or cat.
• Failure of a dog or cat to wear the license tag at all times shall be prima facie evidence that no animal license has been issued and constitutes a violation of this section by the dog's owner, possessor, or harborer and subjects the dog to impoundment by ASC.

There are 3 options to obtain/renew a Pet License:

1. Animal Services partners with three local veterinary offices—PETS, VCA, and A Caring Heart. When a citizen purchases a city license through one of these clinics, the clinic provides us with the information. We collect the licenses monthly and enter them into our system.
2. Citizens can bring a current rabies vaccination certificate to Animal Services and purchase a license directly from us.
3. Animal Services mails out renewal reminders to pet owners when their license is due. These notices include instructions on how to renew by mailing in a current rabies certificate along with payment via check or card. Once processed, we mail the updated license back to them.

No person shall own or harbor any of the following categories of animals that require a permit, without first obtaining the necessary permit:

Fowl Permit - a fowl permit shall be required for any person owning, possessing, or harboring any fowl within the city limits.

• No person shall own, possess, or harbor guineas, peafowl, or roosters.

Livestock Permit - a livestock permit shall be required for any person keeping livestock within the city limits.

• No livestock shall be kept or maintained at a distance closer than 200 feet from any residence located on property owned by another person. All such livestock shall be maintained on a properly fenced parcel of land, providing a minimum of 600 square feet of area for each head of livestock. Livestock shall have shelter and shade of reasonable size for the number of livestock to be protected.
• Odor, vector, and pest control required. Property housing livestock shall be kept free of offensive odor, flies, rodents, and other pests.
• Manure container required: Each and every enclosure in or on which any livestock are kept shall have a suitable manure container into which all manure shall be placed at least weekly or more often as necessary. Each container shall be securely screened or otherwise protected from flies, rodents, and other vermin and shall be cleaned out and disinfected at least weekly. Manure from containers shall not be left in open stacks but shall be removed or buried in a manner so as not to create a public health nuisance.
• Livestock production areas shall be exempt from the following requirements of this section: setback; minimum space requirements; odor, vector, and pest control; and manure container requirements.

Pet Fancier Permit- a pet fancier permit shall be required for any person owning or harboring five or more animals unless the animals are covered by another permit.

• All animals must be spayed/neutered, current on rabies vaccination, licensed, and microchipped. An animal may be exempt from spay and neuter requirements upon proof of current proof of registration with a recognized national show organization. 

Project Animal Permit - School-age children enrolled in a public, private or home school program, who are involved in a school program or 4-H where they are allowed to raise project animals, livestock, or fowl for show or profit purposes may apply for a permit to keep certain prohibited animals, livestock, or fowl for the qualified program, such as FFA or 4-H. The permit may be issued even though the property may not be fully in compliance with the setback requirements of this article. Those students are required to:

• Apply for an annual project animal permit. Permits will expire one year from date of issuance.
• Pay the annual permit fee.
• Show proof of enrollment in one of the listed school programs.
• Agree to comply with cleanliness and sanitation requirements of this article and the state health and safety code.
• Obtain the approval, in writing, of all property owners located within 200 feet of the property.
• Allow inspection of the animal, livestock, or fowl, as well as pens, facilities, and property before issuance of the permit by ASC staff.

Rabbit Permit - a rabbit permit shall be required for any person owning, possessing, or harboring any rabbit kept outside within the city limits. Permit holders: 

• Must ensure a 50-foot setback for any cage or enclosure utilized for housing rabbits from any residence excluding the residence of the owner or harborer of the rabbit.
• Must maintain cages and enclosures by cleaning weekly to ensure the area is free of waste matter, insects, and odor.
• Must collect droppings at least weekly as necessary to prevent a public nuisance.
• Must ensure droppings are stored in an airtight container for disposal at least every seven (7) days.
• Must ensure cages are constructed in such a manner as to provide adequate protection from the environment and meet the requirements of section 14-452.

No person shall operate a commercial animal establishment without first obtaining the necessary permit. Each commercial animal establishment, even though owned by the same person or group, is considered a separate enterprise, and each must possess a permit. If the establishment moves to another location or if there is a change of ownership, another application and fee for the permit are required:

Fowl, rabbits, guinea pigs, or ferrets for commercial purposes - where such fowl or animals are kept for sale or for any purpose other than domestic use or home consumption, the owner, possessor, or harborer of any domestic fowl, rabbits, guinea pigs, or ferrets shall meet the following requirements:

• Animals must be kept in batteries or coops arranged inside of buildings. Animals or fowl may not roam in open pens on the ground.
• Sanitary conditions in the housing area must be maintained by removing all droppings from such buildings, batteries, or coops at least once daily.
• Buildings, batteries, or coops must be disinfected and deodorized at least once each day.
• Any such building must be at least 50 feet from any residence other than the harborer's.

Grooming Business Permit - a grooming business permit shall be required for every person operating a business, including a mobile business that provides grooming.

• Standard of care:
  • No animal shall be left unattended, whether restrained or unrestrained, while on a grooming table, in a bathing area, or in the drying area.
  • No animal shall be groomed without a valid rabies vaccination certificate.
  • Animals shall be cared for and maintained to the minimum standards of section 14-108.
  • There must be a process in place to sanitize and disinfect all equipment and cages. A copy of this process must be made available to the ACO at the time of permit inspection and anytime thereafter.
• Recordkeeping:
  • Each grooming business, including mobile businesses, shall keep and maintain records regarding the animals cared for and the owner thereof. Such records shall include name, contact number, and address of the owner, as well as rabies vaccination certificate, services provided, and the date such services were provided.
  • Records for each animal shall be maintained for a minimum period of one (1) year from the date of service.
  • Records shall be made available to persons authorized by law to enforce the provisions of this article.

Kennel Permit - a kennel permit shall be required for a commercial operation wherein one or more dogs and/or one or more cats, 16 weeks of age or older, are kept or maintained for profit including animal daycare facilities. Permit holders must meet the following requirements:

• A person permitted as a kennel operator may not accept any animal for boarding without first confirming that the animal has a current rabies vaccination.
• If the owner of the kenneled animal resides within the city limits, the animal must have a valid city license.
• Facilities/premises shall be of sufficient size with an adequate number of enclosures to accommodate the number of animals being harbored. Each enclosure shall be of adequate type and size as defined in section 14-110.
• Food and potable water must be provided to each animal sufficient to maintain each in good health and free of malnutrition and/or dehydration.
• The premises shall be kept in a sanitary condition and reasonably free of animal waste, parasites, insects, and flies that could be harmful to the animal's health and/or to the health of the public.
• The premises shall be adequate to keep the animals from running at-large and disturbing adjoining, adjacent, or neighboring premises.
• The animals and the facility must be kept free of any odor that is offensive to a person of ordinary sensibilities.
• The animals must be maintained in a manner that does not pose a danger to the health of any animal or their caregiver.
• The animals must not cause noise that is offensive or disturbing to a person of ordinary sensibilities on adjoining, adjacent, or neighboring premises.
• The premises must comply with all zoning, code, and health regulations.
• No person shall keep, possess, or maintain within the city limits a kennel within 300 feet of any residence or habitation for human beings, other than the residence of the keeper, possessor, or owner of such kennel.
• A kennel in existence and in operation on June 8, 1985, shall be allowed to remain in existence within 300 feet of any residence only so long as the place of business is continuously in operation from that date, whether or not under the same permit.

Performing animals, petting zoos, circuses - a permit shall be required for any establishment wishing to have any spectacle, display, act, or event in which animals, fowl, livestock, or wildlife perform and/or interact with people who are allowed to pet and feed the animals. The owner of such commercial business shall meet the following requirements:

• Petting zoos and performing animal establishments must call and schedule a permit inspection to be held within normal operating hours of the ASC. These permits will be valid for one (1) year.
• Circuses must call the ASC no later than ten (10) days prior to the event and schedule a permit inspection to be held within normal operating hours of the ASC. The permit will only be valid for the current show dates scheduled.
• Must provide to the ASC a copy of a certificate of health for each qualifying animal from a licensed veterinarian. The certificate must be dated within thirty (30) days for all animals requiring a certificate.
• Must provide to the ASC a copy of an official report of a negative equine infectious anemia test (EIA or Coggins test) dated within the past twelve (12) months for any equine present.
• Must provide to the ASC a copy of the current rabies vaccination certificate for every animal mandated by the state to be vaccinated against rabies.
• Must provide a copy of any required state or federal permits needed for any animal on site.
• Failure to provide all required documentation will result in a permit not being issued.
• No performing animal exhibition or circus shall be permitted in which performing animals are induced or encouraged to perform for entertainment through the use of chemical, mechanical, electrical, or manual devices in a manner which will cause or is likely to cause stress, physical injury, or suffering to the performing animal.
• All equipment used on a performing animal shall fit properly and shall be in good working condition.
• Must have sanitization stations at both the entrance and exits.
• Must provide adequate shade for all animals.
• All animals must have fresh, potable water available at all times.
• Animals may not be overworked and shall have a designated shaded area to rest.

Pet Store Permit - any person, partnership, company, or corporation, whether operated separately or in connection with another business enterprise, that buys or sells any species of animal is required to have a pet store permit.

• Dogs and/or cats offered for sale or adoption must be from an approved rescue or shelter and accompanied by a current rabies vaccination certificate. A pet store shall not be in possession of a dog or cat that is less than eight (8) weeks old.
• A pet store shall not sell or offer for sale any animal that is unweaned.
• A pet store shall not adopt or offer to adopt, sell or offer for sale any animal that is younger than the minimum age listed below:
  • 8 weeks for dogs and cats;
  • 10 weeks for rabbits;
  • 4 weeks for guinea pigs and hamsters; or
  • 3 weeks for mice.
• Animals shall be cared for and maintained to the minimum standards of section 14-452.
• Must comply with all zoning, code compliance, and health regulations.
• Pet stores located in shopping centers or malls are subject to the following requirements:
  • The pet store shall be in an enclosed area separated by walls from adjoining stores.
  • The pet store shall not be located closer than 50 feet to any eating or drinking establishment.
  • Air-conditioner ducts removing air from the pet store must be directed outward and not directly into another shop or the shopping center or mall.
  • Any animal sold in the pet store must be carried from the shopping center or mall in a box, crate, or appropriate container.

Private Animal Shelter Permit:

• The facility/premises must be an adequate size for the number and type of animals to be kept.
• Enclosures shall be of sufficient size as to allow animals to move about freely. This shall apply to each animal kept.
• Cage size shall be in proportion to the size of the individual animal's height and weight.
• Shelters must check for ID, including microchips, tattoos, etc., at the time of intake and at points throughout the stay including before adoption, transfer to another facility, and euthanasia.
• Shelters shall serve notice to identified owners of stray animals.
• Shelters shall provide public notice, appropriate to the community of stray animals entering the shelter.
• Shelters shall be accessible to the public during business hours for the reclamation process.
• Records and data concerning key processes, information, and outcomes must be maintained by all shelters and made available to the public upon request.
• Adequate food and potable water must be provided so that all animals kept shall be maintained in good health and free of malnutrition and/or dehydration.
• The shelter premises shall be kept in a sanitary condition and reasonably free of animal waste, parasites, insects, and flies that could be harmful to the animal's health and/or to the health of the public.
• The shelter premises shall be adequate to keep the animals from running at-large and disturbing adjoining, adjacent, or neighboring premises.
• The animals and the facility must be kept free of odor that is offensive to a person of ordinary sensibilities.
• Animals must be maintained in a manner that does not pose a danger to the health of any animal or their caregiver.
• All animals should either be spayed/neutered prior to adoption, or the shelter shall have a lawful process in place to ensure the spay/neuter occurs when the animal is of an appropriate age.
• The animals must not cause noise that is offensive or disturbing to a person of ordinary sensibilities on adjoining, adjacent, or neighboring premises.
• The shelter must comply with all zoning, code, and health regulations.
• People bringing in animals must provide valid government ID, and the shelter shall maintain this information in their designated system.

Stable/Riding School Permit:

• Stables/riding schools must meet all requirements of the livestock permit in section 14-198.
• Livestock kept for the purpose of a riding school or stable will be classified as such.
• Stables/riding schools must maintain and provide records of a negative equine infectious anemia test (EIA or Coggins test) dated within twelve (12) months for each equine on the property.

License or Feral Cat Permit - no person shall harbor any cat that is not either a licensed cat, is not covered by a feral cat permit or which is not a nonmember feral cat.

• Feral Cat Caregiver Permit - permits are specific as to the individual permitted as the feral cat caregiver and the location of the colony. Individuals wishing to transfer a cat colony to another caregiver or another location must make an application for a new permit and pay a permit fee.
• For more information about the Feral Cat Program, click here.     

Rescue Group Registration - any individual or organization that operates as a rescue group, or rescuer, must be registered with the ASC. Rescue groups shall comply with the following requirements:

• Sign a written agreement provided by the ASC providing the address of their main office.
• Agree to spay/neuter and microchip all dogs, cats, and ferrets in the rescue program.
• Have written processes in place to screen and place animals in foster homes. The process shall be available upon request.
• Provide a list of registered foster homes to the ASC, including the name and address of each. The list shall be updated anytime a foster is added or removed from the list.
• Ensure foster homes are in compliance with all city ordinances, including the number of animals allowed, prior to placing them on the approved foster home list.
• No person shall house domestic animals for the purpose of foster care unless that person is registered as a foster with an approved rescue group.

Litter Permit - any person whose female dog or cat of breeding age has a litter must either obtain a litter permit prior to breeding or as soon as the owner becomes aware the animal is pregnant. The owner must show proof of a health certificate by a licensed veterinarian dated within the past twelve (12) months. The issuance of a permit authorizes the whelping of no more than one (1) litter per female dog or cat in any twelve (12) month period. Each permit applicant shall be required to take the responsible pet owner course offered by the ASC as part of the permit application process.

• Instead of applying for a litter permit, an owner may choose to prepay for a spay surgery at the veterinary clinic of their choice. The owner shall present a receipt of payment along with a scheduled appointment to the ASC. The litter permit fee will be waived with proof of payment for sterilization and scheduled appointment as it applies in accordance with this section only. The female must be spayed within thirty (30) days after weaning the litter and the owner shall bring proof of the animal's sterilization to ASC within thirty-five (35) days.
• It shall be illegal to sell or give away animals in parking lots, flea markets, temporary events, or in places where the public generally gathers.
• The owner must maintain records of all animals given away or sold, including the name, address, phone number, and date of transfer for all individuals to whom an animal is transferred. Records must be maintained for one (1) year from date of transfer.
• A female may have no more than three (3) litters in her lifetime. The female must be spayed within thirty (30) days after weaning her third litter.

Stud Permit - any person who owns or harbors a male dog or cat and wishes to breed this animal with any female dog or cat must obtain a stud permit and furnish a copy of the permit to the owner of the female animal prior to breeding. An applicant must show proof of a veterinary health certificate dated within the past 12 months prior to obtaining a permit. Each permit applicant shall be required to take the responsible pet owner course offered by the ASC as part of the permit application process.

• A person commits an offense if he breeds a male animal without a permit or permits a male animal to be bred with a female animal without receiving a copy of the valid stud permit for the male animal.

Seller's Permit - any person who sells or offers for sale one or more puppies or kittens must obtain a seller's permit prior to or within ten (10) business days of the litter's birth. Each seller's permit shall be valid for six (6) months, and the issuance of a permit authorizes the breeding and sale of no more than one (1) litter per female dog or cat in any twelve (12) month period. Each permit applicant shall be required to take the responsible pet owner course offered by ASC as part of the permit application process.

• The seller's permit number shall be prominently displayed in all advertisements, notices, or displays for sale of the puppies or kittens.
• A seller's permit holder shall provide a purchaser a certificate of health from a veterinarian, for a period of not less than two (2) weeks with a recommendation to have the animal examined by a licensed veterinarian.
• The owner must maintain records of all animals given away including the name, address, phone number, and date of transfer for all individuals to whom an animal is transferred. Records must be maintained for one (1) year from the date of transfer.
• If, after notice, a person fails to obtain a permit, the department shall be authorized to impound the puppies or kittens in addition to any other available remedies.
• The animal owner may choose to prepay for a spay surgery at the veterinary clinic of their choice. The owner shall present proof of payment and appointment date to the ASC. The female must be spayed within thirty (30) days of weaning the litter, and the owner shall bring proof within thirty-five (35) days of the animal's sterilization to the ASC. Upon proof of sterilization payment and appointment, the seller's permit fee will be waived as it applies in accordance with this section only.
• It shall be illegal to sell or give away animals in parking lots, flea markets, temporary events, or in places where the public generally gathers.
• A female may have no more than three (3) litters in her lifetime. The female must be spayed within thirty (30) days of weaning her third litter.