A. It is unlawful for any person to own or harbor a dog, canine hybrid or cat over the age of three (3) months without obtaining a license for such animal. Persons who are not City residents and who keep such an animal in the City for less than fifteen (15) consecutive days or less than thirty (30) days in a calendar year shall be exempt from this license requirement.
B. Applications for licenses shall be made on forms provided by the Animal Control Division. All applications shall include the name of the legal owner of the animal, the mailing address and physical address of the owner. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly falsify information concerning animal ownership, the owner's address, animal description, or any other information required on the application.
C. Licenses shall be purchased for one year. A three (3) year license may be purchased if the animal has a current three (3) year rabies certificate, which is good for at least two-thirds (2/3) of the licensing period. A one year or three (3) year license must be renewed upon its expiration date. Failure to renew the license within thirty (30) days of the expiration date shall result in the assessment of a penalty fee in addition to the cost of the license.
D. A current rabies certificate must be presented at the time of applying for a license.
E. Pet identification is mandatory. Identification techniques may be used that reflect technological advances, such as microchip technology, if owner information is obtainable by an animal protection officer, shelter, veterinarian, or other appropriate organization. Methods of identification should include one of the following, but is not limited to, microchip, license tags, identification tags, or tattoos applied by a veterinarian.
1. If the only means of identification used is a tag, the current license tag shall be securely affixed to the collar or harness which shall be worn by the animal at all times unless the animal is being housed in a kennel or veterinary hospital, or appearing in a bona fide animal show, or is being trained; provided, however, that the person who is training the animal shall have in his personal possession a valid license tag for each animal and shall immediately display the license upon request by the Animal Control Division.
2. Identification methods must be kept up to date and current with owner information.
F. License tags shall not be transferred from animal to animal.
G. The license fee shall not apply to qualified service animals. All other licensing requirements shall apply.
H. Shelter facilities, refuge establishments and approved rescue foster homes are exempt.
I. License expires December 31 of year purchased or third year as applicable. (Ord. 2012-10, 11-13-2012)