(A) License fee. Effective upon passage of this subchapter and annually thereafter, every owner of animals regulated by this subchapter shall apply to the ACO or other authorized licensing agents for the appropriate license. Proof of a valid rabies vaccination must be provided when applying for a dog license. Dog license and rabies tags shall be firmly attached to a harness or collar worn by the dog. Dog licenses are required at four months of age. The application shall be accompanied by a license fee per the fines and fees schedule of County Animal Control. The categories for dog licenses shall be:
(1) Unaltered dogs over four months;
(2) Altered dogs over four months. Proof of sterilization must be by verification from a licensed veterinarian;
(3) Kennel license. Either a commercial or non-commercial kennel license which specifies and includes all dogs currently on the specified license;
(4) Dogs that cannot be vaccinated because of age or medical condition must produce a statement from a veterinarian verifying that they are exempt;
(5) Verified working service dog and police dogs are exempt; and
(6) A fee is charged for sterilized (spay or neutered) and intact dogs.
(B) Vaccination.
(1) Beginning at four months of age, animals must receive their first rabies shot. Young animals must be vaccinated annually. Mature animals that have already received their first annual rabies shot, and can now receive a three year rabies vaccine, must be currently vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian or qualified person. All rabies susceptible animals, dogs, cats, and ferrets, must be currently vaccinated and proof of valid vaccination in the form of a certificate must be maintained by the owner of any animal. The vaccinating veterinarian, the Board of Health, and the owner of the animal must keep verifiable proof in the form of said certificate that animals are currently protected by rabies vaccination. Each certificate will state the name and address of the issuing party, serial number, and brief description of the animal vaccinated. The veterinarian or qualified person shall also furnish each owner with a metal tag bearing the certificate number and year of vaccination. The tag may also bear the name of the issuer. "Qualified Person" permits are granted only to kennel or cattery operators. Rabies vaccinations may only be given to those animals which are owned by that kennel or cattery. Any animal which is sold, traded, or otherwise removed from the kennel or cattery must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian and must be re-licensed by ACO or its agent.
(2) The rabies tag that is furnished to the dog owner by the veterinarian or other qualified person shall be affixed by the owner to the collar or harness furnished by the owner, and shall be worn by the dog for which the certificate was issued. The dog owner or his duly authorized agent shall not remove the collar with attached tags from the dog, except as provided in KRS 258.165.
(3) The rabies tag that is furnished by the veterinarian or qualified person for ferrets or cats shall be given to the owner. The owner shall retain the same to be produced whenever called upon to verify that any cat or ferret in their possession or owned by them has received the required vaccinations. The certificate of vaccination may be substituted if said tag has been lost.
(Ord. KOC 04-840-184, passed 11-2-2004; Ord. KOC 12-840-138, passed 9-4-2012; Ord. KOC 19-840-504, passed 5-7-2019)