Chapter 6.36 — KENNELS

• A. Dogs. No person shall keep or maintain or suffer or permit to be kept or maintained upon any premises owned or controlled by him or her, any dog male or female, kept mainly for breeding purposes, except within properly zoned property and then only in an approved kennel.

• B. Cats. No person shall keep or maintain or suffer or permit to be kept or maintained upon any premises owned or controlled by him or her, any cat, male or female, kept mainly for breeding purposes, except within properly zoned property and then only in an approved kennel.

• C. Cat and Dog Breeding Permit. Any person owning or having control, custody, charge or possession of any cat or dog for breeding purposes shall secure a cat or dog breeding permit from the Director. Fee for said cat or dog breeding permit shall be established by the Director. Any kitten or puppy sold from a litter for a profit over and above the cost of advertising, if any, shall be prima facie evidence of cat or dog breeding.

• D. Cat Kennels. In any portion of the City no person shall establish, keep or maintain, or suffer or permit to be established, kept or maintained, upon premises owned or controlled by him or her in the City, any cat kennel, except within properly zoned property and then only in an approved kennel.

• E. Breeding and Parturition Prohibited. No one shall engage in the whelping, giving birth, or sale of puppies within a permitted kennel.

• (Prior code §§ 5-10—5-10.4)

• A. Required—Duration. No one shall engage in the operation of a kennel without first obtaining a conditional use permit. The conditional use permit may be reviewed each year by the Planning Department.

• B. Approval of Application. Applications for all original licenses and permits hereunder or renewal thereof shall be referred to the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA), the Building Director and the County Health Department for approval and such investigation as they deem proper. The Planning Department shall issue a conditional use permit to the applicant after such investigation if it is found that:

  1. The keeping of animals, or the conduct or operation of the business for which the conditional use permit is requested, and at the place set forth in the application, will not violate any regulation or ordinance of this City, or any law of the State of California; and

  2. The premises and establishment where animals are to be kept is maintained in a clean, sanitary and safe condition, and that animals will not be subject to suffering, cruelty or abuse; and

  3. All interior and exterior kennels are maintained in a good state of repair; and

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City of Paramount, CA § 6.36.020

ANIMAL CONTROL

§ 6.36.030

4. Crates and boxes, junked automobile bodies, scrap materials salvaged from ply boards, odd pieces of materials such as linoleum, tin, canvas and similar materials are not being used for kennel construction; and

5. The applicant has not had a conditional use permit issued under the article revoked within one year prior to the application; and

6. The kennel is at least 100 feet from the nearest boundary of any church, school, rest home, hospital, medical center or food establishment.

• C. Denial of Conditional Use Permit—Revocation or Suspension—Procedure. Any permit may be denied or any permit issued hereunder may be revoked or suspended if after due investigation it is found that:

  1. The permittee, or his or her agent or employee involved in handling or caring for the animals has been convicted of any offense involving the violation of Section 597 of the State Penal Code or of any provision of this chapter and has not had the accusation dismissed pursuant to Section 1203.4 of the State Penal Code; or

  2. The permittee, his or her agent, or employee has, at the place for which the permit was issued, failed to provide any animal in his or her possession, care or control, with proper and sufficient food, drink, shelter, or protection, or subjected any such animal to needless suffering, unnecessary cruelty, or abuse; or

  3. The permittee, his or her agent, or employee, has failed to maintain the premises in a clean and sanitary condition; or

4. The permittee, his or her agent, or employee, has violated any rule or regulation. (Prior code §§ 5-10.5—5-10.7; Ord. 1198, 4/22/2025)

• A. Housing facilities and runs for animals in kennels shall comply with the following requirements:

  1. Exterior walls of buildings shall be stucco or concrete block.

  2. Floors of buildings and runs shall be concrete.

  3. Interior walls of buildings shall be waterproofed or constructed of a waterproof material.

  4. Buildings shall be structurally sound and maintained so that they are substantially impervious to moisture and may be easily sanitized.

  5. Interior surfaces of buildings shall be constructed and maintained in good repair.

  6. Premises shall be so maintained as to protect the animals from injury, keep them from escaping and restrict the entrance of other animals.

• B. Additional Requirements for Dog Kennels. Housing facilities and runs for dogs in kennels shall comply with the following additional requirements:

  1. Facilities shall be washed down daily.

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City of Paramount, CA

PARAMOUNT CODE

§ 6.36.030

§ 6.36.040

2. Interior and exterior kennel floors accessible to dogs shall be adequately sloped so as to drain into a cement through, with trapped and vented drains that are connected to the public sewer or a private sewage disposal system, as approved by the Building Department, for the disposal of animal droppings, so that under no condition shall waste material drain onto public right-of-way, adjoining properties or other portions of the kennel premises.

3. There shall be sufficient runs to accommodate all dogs at the same time.

4. In addition to any other requirements of this Code, all new construction must have the prior approval of the County Health Department.

• C. Sleeping Facilities for Dogs. Each individual indoor sleeping facility for dogs shall contain a minimum of 14 square feet (three feet, six inches by four feet) per standards, nine square feet (three feet by three feet) per medium, and four square feet (two feet by two feet) per small size dog.

• D. Heating. Rooms and buildings for animals in kennels shall be sufficiently heated as may be necessary to protect the animals from cold and to provide for their health and comfort. The ambient temperature shall not be allowed to fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit for animals not acclimated to lower temperatures.

• E. Ventilation. Rooms and buildings for animals in kennels shall be adequately ventilated to provide for the health and comfort of the animals. Fresh air shall be provided by means of windows, doors, vents, or air conditioning and the building shall be ventilated so as to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation. Auxiliary ventilation, such as exhaust fans and vents or air conditioning, shall be provided when the ambient temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

• F. Lighting. Rooms and buildings for animals in kennels shall be provided with ample light by natural or artificial means, or both, of good quality and well distributed. The lighting shall provide uniformly distributed illumination of sufficient light intensity to permit routine inspection and cleaning during the entire working period.

• G. Drainage. Rooms and buildings for animals in kennels shall be provided with suitable means to rapidly eliminate excess water. If drains are used, they shall be properly constructed and kept in good repair to avoid foul odors therefrom. If closed drainage systems are used, they shall be equipped with traps and so installed as to prevent any backup of sewage onto the floor of the room. Under no condition shall animal droppings or other waste material be drained so as to be deposited on public right-of-way, adjoining properties or other portions of the kennel premises.

• (Prior code §§ 5-10.8—5-10.14)

• A. Exterior Boundaries of Runs. Exterior boundaries of kennel runs shall be enclosed by a fence constructed of solid masonry, solid wood treated with acid resistant paint, heavy duty galvanized sheeting, or any combination of these products, except that the upper half may be constructed of chain link fence.

• B. Outdoor Runs for Dogs. Each individual outdoor run for a dog shall contain a minimum of 24 square feet (four feet by six feet) per standard, 20 square feet (four feet by five feet) per

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City of Paramount, CA § 6.36.040

ANIMAL CONTROL

§ 6.36.060

medium, and 12 square feet (three feet by four feet) per small size dog. (Prior code §§ 5-10.15, 5-10.16)

• A. Primary enclosures in kennels shall be:

  1. Structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury, to contain them, and to keep predators out;

  2. Constructed and maintained so as to enable the animals to remain dry and clean;

  3. Constructed and maintained so that the animals have convenient access to clean food and water; and

  4. Constructed so that the floors protect the animals' feet and legs from injury.

• B. Additional Requirements for Cats. When used for cats, primary enclosures in a kennel shall be provided with:

  1. A receptacle containing sufficient clean litter for excreta if the floor is solid; and

  2. A solid resting surface or surfaces which, in the aggregate, shall be of adequate size to comfortably hold all occupants of the primary enclosure at the same time. In primary enclosures housing two or more cats, such resting surface or surfaces shall be elevated.

• C. Space Requirements Generally. Primary enclosures in kennels shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide sufficient space to allow each animal to turn about freely and to easily stand, sit and lie in a comfortable, normal position.

• D. Space Requirement for Dogs. Each dog housed in a primary enclosure in a kennel shall be provided a minimum square footage of floor space equal to the mathematical square of the length of the dog in inches, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, plus six inches, expressed in square feet.

• E. Crated Dogs to Be Removed for Exercise. Crated dogs in kennels shall be removed from their crates at least twice a day for a minimum of 30 minutes each and placed in a kennel run which meets the minimum requirements for each animal occupying the run, except with respect to dogs being confined for veterinary care. During inclement weather, dogs need not be released into open runs.

• F. Space Requirements for Cats. Each adult cat in a kennel housed in a primary enclosure shall be provided a minimum of three and one-half square feet of floor space.

• G. Protection from Excessive Illumination. Primary enclosures in kennels shall be so placed as to protect the animals from excessive illumination.

• (Prior code §§ 5-10.17—5-10.23)

Animals housed in the same primary enclosure in a kennel shall be maintained in compatible groups, with the following additional restrictions:

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City of Paramount, CA

PARAMOUNT CODE

§ 6.36.060

§ 6.36.100

• A. Females in season (estrus) shall not be housed in the same primary enclosure with males.

• B. Any dog or cat exhibiting a vicious disposition shall be housed individually in a primary enclosure.

• C. Puppies or kittens shall not be housed in the same primary enclosure with adult dogs or cats other than their dams.

• D. Dogs shall not be housed in the same primary enclosure with cats, nor shall dogs or cats be housed in the same primary enclosure with any other species of animals.

• E. Dogs or cats under quarantine, displaying symptoms of or under treatment for a communicable disease, shall be separated from other dogs or cats and other susceptible species of animals in such a manner as to preclude dissemination of the disease.

• F. Animals other than those from the same household, shall not be housed together. (Prior code § 5-10.24)

• A. Cleaning. Primary enclosures in kennels shall be washed down daily and excreta shall be removed as often as is necessary to prevent contamination of the animals kept therein and to reduce disease hazards and odors. When a hosing or flushing method is used to clean a cage, any animal contained therein shall be removed from the enclosure during the cleaning process, and adequate measures shall be taken to protect animals in other enclosures from being contaminated with the water and other wastes.

• B. Sanitation. Primary enclosures in a kennel shall be sanitized at least once every two weeks and often enough to prevent an accumulation of debris, excreta, and disease hazards and to prevent or eliminate flies, rodents and odors. Cages, rooms and hard-surfaced pens or runs shall be sanitized by washing them with hot water 120 degrees Fahrenheit and soap or detergent in a mechanical cage washer, or by washing all surfaces with a detergent solution followed by a safe and suitable chemical disinfectant, or by cleaning all surfaces with live steam. Pens or exercise areas other than runs using gravel, sand, or dirt shall be sanitized by removing the soiled gravel, sand, or dirt and replacing it as necessary.

• (Prior code § 5-10.25)

When sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort to animals kept outdoors in a kennel, sufficient shade shall be provided to allow the animals to protect themselves from the direct rays of the sun.

(Prior code § 5-10.26)

Animals kept outdoors in a kennel shall be provided with access to a shelter to allow them to remain dry during rain or other inclement weather. (Prior code § 5-10.27)

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City of Paramount, CA § 6.36.100

ANIMAL CONTROL

§ 6.36.140

Animals kept outdoors in a kennel shall be provided with access to a shelter to allow them to remain warm when the atmospheric temperature falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sufficient clean bedding material or other means of protection from the cold shall be provided for dogs and cats when the ambient temperature falls below that temperature to which such animals are acclimated.

(Prior code § 5-10.28)

• A. Animals in kennels shall be fed at least once each day except as may otherwise be required to provide adequate veterinary care. The food shall not include carcasses of dead animals and shall be unspoiled, free from contamination, wholesome, palatable, and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the condition and size of the animal being fed.

• B. Food Preparation and Receptacles. Food preparation areas in a kennel shall be kept clean and free from flies and rodents, and food receptacles shall be accessible to each animal and shall be sanitized at least once every two weeks and located so as to minimize contamination by excreta. Feeding pans shall be durable and kept clean. Disposable food receptacles may be used but must be discarded after each feeding. Self-feeders may be used for the feeding of dry food, and they shall be sanitized regularly to prevent molding, deterioration, caking of feed and attraction of insects.

• C. Food Storage—Refrigeration. Food supplies in kennels shall be kept covered and stored so as to be adequately protected against infestation or contamination by vermin. Refrigeration shall be provided for perishable food.

• D. Water. An adequate supply of fresh water shall be accessible to animals in a kennel at all times, except as may otherwise be required to provide adequate veterinary care. Water receptacles shall be kept clean and shall be sanitized at least once every two weeks or upon the change of an animal.

(Prior code §§ 5-10.29—5-10.32)

Each animal in a kennel shall be observed daily by the animal caretaker in charge, or by someone under his or her direct supervision. Sick, diseased, or injured animals shall be provided with veterinary care or humanely disposed of unless the animal is being used for research and such action of inconsistent with the research purposed for which the animal was obtained and is being held.

(Prior code § 5-10.33)

A program of disease control and prevention, euthanasia, and adequate veterinary care shall be established and maintained by all kennel owners under the supervision and assistance of a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State. (Prior code § 5-10.34)

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City of Paramount, CA

PARAMOUNT CODE

§ 6.36.140

§ 6.36.210

Every person owning or operating a cat kennel shall keep the cats therein confined to the premises and not allow such cats to run at large. (Prior code § 5-10.35)

All buildings and grounds in a kennel shall be kept clean and free of accumulations of trash and maintained in a sanitary manner so as to prevent or eliminate flies, rodents and odors. (Prior code § 5-10.36)

Every kennel shall provide facilities, such as washrooms, basins, or sinks, to maintain cleanliness among animal caretakers. (Prior code § 5-10.37)

Suitable drainage shall be provided on the grounds of every kennel to rapidly eliminate excess water.

(Prior code § 5-10.38)

An effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites, and avian and mammalian pests shall be established and maintained at every kennel. (Prior code § 5-10.39)

Dead animals shall be promptly removed from a kennel and record shall be maintained as to the number, type of animal, and apparent cause of death and disposed of in a legal manner, and at the permittee's expense. (Prior code § 5-10.40)

Provisions shall be made at every kennel for the removal and disposal of animals and food wastes, bedding and debris. Disposal facilities shall be provided and operated so as to minimized vermin infestation, odors, and disease. (Prior code § 5-10.41)

Every operator shall maintain records on each animal kept in the kennels. Such records shall be readily available for inspection by the Director of Animal Control and County Health Officer or their representatives and shall show: the name, current address and telephone number of the owner of the animal, the date the animal entered the kennel, the reason for its being in the kennel, i.e., boarding, breeding, grooming, etc., and the description of the animal (age, breed, sex, color,

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City of Paramount, CA § 6.36.210

ANIMAL CONTROL

§ 6.36.210

etc.). On any dog over four months of age, the operator shall verify that there is a valid rabies certificate issued for such dog and shall record the certificate/tag number and the expiration date upon the dog's record, as long as the dog is maintained in the kennel. (Prior code § 5-10.42)

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City of Paramount, CA

ANIMAL CONTROL

§ 6.40.010

§ 6.40.020