Chapter 8.20
DOG LICENSES*
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Sections:
8.20.010 License requirements.
8.20.020 Annual dog license fee.
8.20.030 Delinquent fee – Penalty.
8.20.040 Application for license – Registration.
8.20.050 Rabies vaccination – Required.
8.20.060 Duplicate license tags.
8.20.070 Guide dogs for the blind.
8.20.080 Display of license tags.
*For additional provisions regarding dogs and animals generally, see Chapter 8.12 SMC.
8.20.010 License requirements.
Every owner of a dog which is over the age of four months, and which is kept in the city, shall procure a license for such dog from the animal control officer, and shall pay the annual fee imposed by SMC 8.20.020, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, except:
A. A license shall not be required for any dog found in the city when its owner resides in the unincorporated area of the county and such dog is wearing or has attached to it a valid license tag issued by the county.
B. A license shall not be required for any dog owned by a person who is a nonresident of the city and is traveling through the city or temporarily visiting therein for a period not exceeding 30 days; provided, that such dog has been vaccinated consistent with the requirements of this chapter and its owner presents proof of such vaccination upon demand; and further provided, that such dog is confined on the premises of the person in charge of it while temporarily in the city.
C. A city license shall not be required for any dog having a valid license issued by another city or county when its owner has within the preceding year moved his or her principal place of resident from such city to the city limits of Sonoma. (Ord. 2000-5 § 1, 2000).
8.20.020 Annual dog license fee.
An annual dog license fee shall be fixed by resolution of the city council and published in the current city of Sonoma’s fee and services schedule. The fee is due and payable on the day upon which the dog is four months old, or the day upon which the dog, if over the age of four months is first in the city, and thereafter on the first day of each year. The fee is for the calendar year and shall not be prorated. (Ord. 2000-5 § 1, 2000).
8.20.030 Delinquent fee – Penalty.
The annual dog license fee is delinquent if not paid in 60 days after it becomes due. The delinquent fee shall be set annually by the city council by resolution. (Ord. 2000-5 § 1, 2000).
8.20.040 Application for license – Registration.
Upon each application for a license, the owner shall furnish the animal control officer, in writing, his/her name and address and the address at which the dog is kept. In addition, the owner will provide the breed, age, sex, and color of the dog and a current rabies vaccination certificate (see SMC 8.20.050). The animal control officer shall upon first registration complete a license form and upon payment of the fee, and penalty, if any, shall issue a serially numbered metallic license tag correspondingly numbered for attachment to the dog’s collar. (Ord. 2000-5 § 1, 2000).
8.20.050 Rabies vaccination – Required.
No license shall be issued for any dog required to be vaccinated until the animal control officer is given written evidence of compliance with State Department of Health, Health and Safety Code Section 121690.
A. Every owner of a dog over four months of age shall cause such dog to be vaccinated with an approved rabies vaccine unless a veterinarian certifies that such dog should not be vaccinated for health reasons. Revaccination shall be made at such intervals of time as may be prescribed by the State Department of Health (Health and Safety Code Section 121690).
B. Compliance with the provisions of subsection A of this section shall be prerequisite to the issuance of dog licenses under this chapter and no dog license shall be issued without presentation of a certificate of vaccination signed by a veterinarian showing one of the following for the dog to be licensed:
1. That such dog has been vaccinated with an approved rabies vaccine and the period of time from the date of vaccination to the date of expiration of the license being issued does not exceed the interval of time prescribed by the State Department of Health;
2. That such dog should not be vaccinated with an approved rabies vaccine because such vaccination may jeopardize the health of the dog due to infirmity or other disability. Where a certificate of vaccination shows that a dog should not be vaccinated due to infirmity or other disability, the nature of the infirmity or other disability and the estimated date of termination thereof shall be shown on the face of the certificate. (Ord. 2000-5 § 1, 2000).
8.20.060 Duplicate license tags.
If a license tag is lost, the animal control officer may issue a duplicate or other tag in lieu thereof upon receiving proof of loss, made in writing under penalty of perjury, and a fee paid, as scheduled in the city of Sonoma fee and services schedule. (Ord. 2000-5 § 1, 2000).
8.20.070 Guide dogs for the blind.
Any dog owned and used by a blind person as a guide dog is exempt from the license fee while so owned and used, but is not exempt from registration for a license or any required vaccination. (Ord. 2000-5 § 1, 2000).
8.20.080 Display of license tags.
The license tag shall be attached securely to a collar or harness, or other suitable device, on the dog for which issued at all times that the dog is in the city and not confined indoors or in any enclosed yard or pen. The license tags shall be shown by the owner at any time upon demand by the animal control officer or deputies or police personnel. (Ord. 2000-5 § 1, 2000).