§ 8-185. Dogs and cats—Licensing required.
(a)
License required. It is unlawful for any person to own or harbor any dog or cat over six months of age unless such dog or cat is licensed as set forth herein.
(b)
Application. Application for such license shall be made with the city clerk's office by the owner or harborer within 30 days after acquiring any dog or cat over six months of age or within 30 days after a dog or cat becomes six months of age; provided, that any owner or harborer moving to the city for the purpose of establishing residence shall have 30 days from the date they become residents to obtain such license before they will be considered to be in violation of this section.
(c)
Exceptions. Licensing requirements set forth herein shall not apply to the following:
(1)
Any nonresident owner or harborer of a dog or cat while such nonresident is passing through the city; provided, such dog or cat shall remain on a leash or otherwise effectively restrained as in a closed vehicle;
(2)
The temporary owning or harboring of a dog or cat over six months of age by:
a.
A licensed veterinarian upon veterinary premises;
b.
A research facility;
c.
A person designated and authorized as an animal rehabilitator by the state department of wildlife and parks;
d.
An animal shelter licensed by the state animal health department for the purpose of impounding, sheltering or caring for animals;
e.
A pet shop licensed by the state animal health department; or
f.
An individual or business entity that possesses a city occupational permit for grooming purposes.
(d)
Proof of rabies vaccination required. No license shall be issued to the owner or harborer of a dog or cat until such time as the owner or harborer thereof presents a current certificate of rabies vaccination showing proof that the dog or cat has been vaccinated for rabies, indicating the expiration date thereof.
(1)
Deferment. If a licensed veterinarian indicates that the rabies vaccination may endanger an animal's health due to age, infirmity, debility, or other physiological consideration, the vaccination requirement shall be temporarily waived on the provision that the animal be confined at all times to the house, or a fenced yard that adequately prevents escape. The deferment shall be valid only during the period that is indicated by the certificate of a licensed veterinarian.
(2)
Multi-year vaccine. Nothing herein shall preclude the use of multi-year rabies vaccines in accordance with accepted veterinary practices.
(e)
Proof of sterilization. Any owner or harborer claiming that his dog or cat has been spayed or neutered must show, to the satisfaction of the city clerk, written proof that such operation has been performed.
(f)
Payment of license fee. A license fee shall be paid at the time of making application. The license fee shall be in an amount as set forth in the city schedule of fees and no license shall be issued until such fee has been paid to the city clerk.
(1)
Prepayment of license fees. Any person wishing to pay for more than one licensing period may do so upon proof of a multi-year rabies vaccination certificate.
(2)
No refunds of license fees. No refunds shall be made for license fees paid for any dog or cat that dies during the licensing period or that does not live in the city for the entire licensing period. This provision shall apply regardless of whether fees are paid on an annual basis or prepaid as set forth above.
(g)
Late fees. License fees are due January 1 of each year and shall become delinquent January 15 of the licensing year. If such delinquency occurs, a monthly delinquent charge shall be assessed retroactively to January 1 of said year. Late fees will be assessed according to the fees set out in the city schedule of fees.
(h)
Waiver of license fee. Any person owning or harboring an assistance dog or police dog shall register the animal with the city, however, all licensing fees shall be waived upon sufficient proof that the dog qualifies as an assistance dog or police dog.
(Code 1967, § 4-70; Ord. No. 1655, 10-11-2010)