Chapter 6.32
LICENSING
Sections:
6.32.020 License tag and microchip requirement.
6.32.030 Proof of registration.
6.32.040 Nonresident exemption.
6.32.055 License transferable.
6.32.010 Animal license.
The owner of every dog over the age of four months owned and harbored in the city shall obtain an animal license therefor. New residents shall have thirty days in which to acquire such license. Any person who shall fail to pay such license fee after such fee is due, or such dog is required to be licensed, shall pay a penalty in accordance with the fee schedule. It is unlawful for any owner to fail to secure said license in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
A. A license shall be obtained, but no license fee shall be payable, for the licensing of any dog which is being used for guide purposes by a handicapped resident of the city, or for a dog which has served as a member of the armed forces of the United States of America, or for any dog currently being used by a local law enforcement agency for the purposes of crime prevention.
B. The licensing regulations of this chapter shall not be applicable to the following: dogs used for diagnostic purposes or research, the use having been approved by the State Board of Public Health pursuant to Section 1666 of the Health and Safety Code of the state; dogs which are owned by veterinarians licensed by the state and which are kept or maintained on the premises used by such veterinarians in their practice; and dogs kept by owners of pet shops for the purposes of sale, circuses, animal exhibits or other enterprises maintaining dogs for sale which have been granted business licenses by the city.
C. Whenever a license tag has been stolen or lost, the owner or possessor of the dog for which the tag was issued, upon the payment of the required fee, may receive a duplicate tag for the remaining portion of the license period. (Ord. 2026-03 § 2, 2026; Ord. 98-15 § 10(a), 1998)
6.32.020 License tag and microchip requirement.
Any animal for which a license is required under the provisions of this chapter shall be implanted with an identifying microchip, and have around its neck a suitable collar, having attached thereto such plate or tag with such inscription thereon as is required by this chapter. (Ord. 2026-03 § 3, 2026; Ord. 98-15 § 10(b), 1998)
6.32.030 Proof of registration.
No owner shall fail or refuse to exhibit the registration of any dog required to be licensed by the city when requested to do so by any authorized animal control personnel or enforcement officer. (Ord. 948 § 2 (part), 1994: Ord. 670 (part), 1984)
6.32.040 Nonresident exemption.
The sections of this chapter requiring a license shall not apply to nonresidents of the city who are keeping only domestic pets; provided, that animals of such owners shall not be kept in the city longer than thirty days and that the animals are kept under restraint. (Ord. 670 (part), 1984)
6.32.050 Licensing fees.
The city and/or poundmaster shall collect a fee for dog licensing.
A. This subsection applies only to dogs which have not been spayed or neutered.
1. The annual license fee for each dog so described in this subsection (A) shall be set by resolution of the city council.
B. This subsection applies only to dogs which have been spayed or neutered, or which are unable to bear or produce offspring for physical or medical reasons.
1. A certificate from a licensed veterinarian that the dog comes within one of the provisions in this subsection (B) shall accompany the license form along with the fees set forth in this section.
2. The annual license fee for each dog described in this subsection (B) shall be set by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 2026-03 § 4, 2026; Ord. 948 § 2 (part), 1994)
6.32.055 License transferable.
The license and tag issued pursuant to this chapter may be transferred when the ownership of the dog is transferred. The licensed owner of the dog shall notify the city and/or poundmaster in writing signed by the licensed owner and the proposed new owner of the dog of the change in ownership of the dog, and the name and address of the new owner. (Ord. 2026-03 § 5, 2026)
6.32.060 Records.
The owner or operator of any kennel, animal breeding facility, pet shop or any place or establishment where animals are sold shall keep a permanent record of the name, address, and phone number of the purchaser of any canine along with the breed, color, sex and age of each mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian sold or given away. In addition, the owner or the operator shall forward such information to the animal control officer within thirty days after any sale or transaction. The animal control officer shall have the right to inspect the records during normal business hours related to sales or transactions under the provision of this section. (Ord. 98-15 § 10(c), 1998)