(A) Definition. For the purpose of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
COMMERCIAL KENNEL/BOARDING. A facility or service where dogs, cats and/or other small household pets as permitted by city code are kept or maintained (day or overnight), for the care, training, exercising and/or socializing by a person other than the owner of the animals for a fee. Animal boarding may include incidental grooming, dog walkers or training services. Animal boarding does not include facilities that provide breeding of animals, selling of animals, or facilities whose primary source of revenue is licensed veterinarian services.
(B) License required.
(1) No person shall operate a kennel in the city without first obtaining a license. Application for such license shall be made to the office of the City Clerk and shall be accompanied by the license fee. Such a license shall be issued by the office of the City Clerk upon a showing of compliance with all laws and ordinances.
(2) Term and renewal; fee. Kennel/boarding licenses shall expire on December 31 of the year issued. Licenses must be renewed annually. The kennel/boarding license fees shall be as established by ordinance and paid at the time of application.
(3) Maintenance of premises; inspections; revocation of permit. Commercial kennels shall be kept in a clean and healthful condition at all times and shall be open for inspection by the Animal Control Officer at any reasonable time. A commercial kennel license may be revoked by the Council by reason of violation of this chapter or any health or nuisance order, law, or regulation.
(C) Applications. The application shall be made to the City Zoning Administrator and shall contain the following:
(1) The location of the premises of the kennel along with the home and work telephone numbers of the licensee and one other person who could be contacted in the absence of the licensee;
(2) The maximum number and species of adult dogs to be kept on the premises. The term ADULT as used herein shall include any animal over six months of age;
(3) A site plan showing the location, size, and type of all structures for housing, fencing, and runs for dogs.;
(4) The method to be used to keep the premises in a sanitary condition;
(5) The method used to keep the animals quiet; and
(6) An agreement by the applicant that the premises may be inspected by the Animal Control Officer at all reasonable times. An inspection of the premises prior to licensing and during the licensing period shall be required.
(D) Issuance and conditions. The City Clerk shall refer the application to the Animal Control Officer for review and recommendation. The issuance of a license shall take into consideration the following: adequacy of housing and runs for the animals; the methods to be used for sanitation and to maintain quiet; the quality and height of the fencing; and, with particularity, any violations during the previous license period, if applicable. The Council may impose such conditions as it shall deem necessary and appropriate to carry out the intent of this subchapter.
(E) Regulations.
(1) Owners shall adhere to all regulations for commercial kennel/boarding as noted in § 153.091, in addition to those below.
(2) All areas shall be adequately and properly ventilated and have ample light and heat, either natural or artificial.
(3) Every kennel or shelter shall be suitably enclosed or fenced in such a manner as to prevent the running at large or escape of the animals confined therein. No dogs may be tethered.
(4) Doors, windows, and other openings shall be screened.
(5) The premises shall be provided with adequate, safe, and approved sewer, water, and plumbing facilities.
(6) Disposal facilities shall be provided to minimize vermin, infestation, odors, and disease hazards.
(7) Adequate storage and refrigeration shall be provided to protect food supplies against contamination and deterioration.
(8) No animal registered as dangerous with the Animal Control Officer may be kept on premises at any time.
(F) Operation and conditions. All kennels and shelters shall be maintained in a clean, healthful, sanitary, and safe condition so as not to create a health hazard or public nuisance. Kennels shall be operated in a humane manner.
(G) Revocation. If a license fails to comply with the statements made in the application or with any reasonable conditions imposed by the City Council, or violates any other provision of this subchapter, the licensee shall be notified by mail and given ten days to remedy any defects or defaults. If the condition be not remedied in the ten days, the Council may revoke the license.
(H) Tags. Licensees shall affix an identification tag to all dogs owned by or under the control of the licensee. The identification tags shall at a minimum contain the name, address, and telephone number of the licensee.
(I) Rabies vaccination. A licensee shall cause every dog in the kennel to be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian with anti-rabies vaccine. Puppies shall be so vaccinated at or before the age of 16 weeks and again at the age of one year. Adult animals shall be so vaccinated at least once in every 24-month period or as often as needed under the type of vaccine used to ensure immunity.
(J) License fees. The license is non-transferable. The fee for kennel license shall be at a rate as set by the City Council.
(Prior Code, § 6-2-26) (Ord. 169, passed 3-13-1989; Ord. 277, passed 3-25-1996; Ord. 358, passed 1-8-2001; Ord. 494, passed 1-26-2009; Ord. 805, passed 8-14-2023)