(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to own, harbor or keep within the City for a period longer than 30 days, any dog or cat, four months of age or older that has not been vaccinated against rabies. Every person in the City who owns, harbors or keeps any dog or cat over four months of age for a period longer than 30 days shall have such dog or cat vaccinated against rabies as provided herein, by a veterinarian of his/her choice and such vaccination shall be renewed in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of the State of California, unless the animal otherwise is exempt pursuant to subsection (c) below.
(b) Each veterinarian after vaccinating any dog or cat shall sign a certificate of vaccination in duplicate in the form required by the Animal Control Officer. The veterinarian shall keep one copy and shall give one copy to the owner of the vaccinated dog or cat. The owner shall retain such copy in his/her possession.
(c) Exemption. In the event a dog or cat has a short-term illness, is pregnant, or suffers from a long-term debilitating illness that in the opinion of a veterinarian contraindicates vaccination for rabies, such dog or cat shall not be required to undergo vaccination during the period of such illness or pregnancy where a request for vaccination deferral has been approved by the Animal Control Officer. Such request shall specify the duration of the requested deferral, the reason for the requested deferral, and shall be signed by the veterinarian providing that opinion.
(d) The Animal Control Officer shall issue a license for such dog or cat upon approval of the request for vaccination deferral and payment for the applicable license fee. The owner or person having custody of such dog or cat shall confine and shall keep such dog confined to the owners' premises for the duration of the deferral. Upon expiration of the deferral period, the owner or person having custody of such dog or cat shall present to the Animal Control Officer a certificate of vaccination in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
(Ord. 181, passed 5-1-2019)