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Chapter 4 — ANIMAL CONTROL

Imperial Municipal Code Div. 3 Dog Licenses

Imperial Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-10-02 · Imperial

Cite as: Imperial Municipal Code Division 3 · Text as of 2026-10-02

4-86 Required.

a) All dog owners, except tourists or visitors who stay less than three (3) months in an area coming within the jurisdiction of this Article, shall apply for and obtain a separate dog license for each dog they own, possess, keep or harbor after it is four (4) months old. All dog owners must possess such license at the time the dog is five (5) months old, or one month after obtaining or bringing into an area coming within the jurisdiction of the Article any dog over four (4) months of age. Dog owners shall renew the dog license before it becomes delinquent for as long as they own, possess, keep or harbor or otherwise have custody of the dog. If renewal is not required, dog owners shall, within two (2) months after the expiration date, advise the Animal Control Officer of the reason therefore.

b) Any dog which is legally impounded according to the provisions of

this Article shall be presumed to be a dog which, prior to impounding, required a license, regardless of such dog’s actual age or the owner’s place of residence.

Exceptions & meaning →

4-87 Issuance. Upon presentation by the dog owner of a properly

completed license application form including proof that the rabies vaccination will be valid throughout the license period, and the proper license fee and, it applicable, a late or delinquent fee, the Animal Control Officer of the City veterinarian shall issue a validated dog license and license tag for inspection by any person charged with the enforcement of this Article.

Exceptions & meaning →

4-88 Term. A dog license for a period of one year commencing January first of

each year shall be issued during the preceding December, and current year licenses will cease to be available at that time.

Exceptions & meaning →

4-89 Tags.

a) The owner shall securely affix the current license tag to the collar or harness of the dog for which the license tag was issued, and shall insure that the dog wears such license tag at all times except when the dog is being exhibited at a dog show. A dog not wearing a current license is presumed to be an unlicensed dog.

CHAPTER 4 16 ANIMAL CONTROL

b) A license tag issued for one dog shall not be transferred or attached to any other dog.

c) No unauthorized person shall remove a license tag from a collar or

harness or remove the collar or harness bearing such tag from a dog.

d) Whenever a license tag is lost or damaged, the owner shall apply

for and secure a replacement from City Hall or the City veterinarian upon payment of the prescribed fee.

Exceptions & meaning →

4-90 Transfer

a) Owners of dogs having a current license issued by another dog licensing agency may be issued a City dog license upon payment of the applicable transfer fee. The rabies vaccination for any such dog must be valid for more than five (5) months since license was issued.

b) Whenever the ownership of a licensed dog changes, the new owner

shall apply for and obtain a transfer and pay the applicable fee.

Exceptions & meaning →

4-91 Change of Address The address of the owner is presumed to be the

address where the dog is kept. Any change of address must be reported to City Hall within one month following such change.

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4-92 Change of Ownership. Dog owners or the parent or guardian of

minor children who sell or otherwise transfer the ownership or custody of a dog shall, within one month thereafter, inform City Hall of the name, address and telephone number of the new owner and the name and description of the dog. If the ownership or custody of a vicious animal is transferred, the owner or the parent or guardian of minor children shall, in addition, advise the new owner in writing of the details of the animal’s record and provide City Hall with a copy thereof containing an acknowledgement by the new owner of his receipt of the original.

Section 4-93 through 4-100 Reserved

Exceptions & meaning →

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