San Rafael Municipal Code Ch. 10.24 Dog Kennels and Pet Shops

(a) "Dog kennel" means any lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises whereon or wherein four or more dogs are kept or maintained for any commercial purpose; provided, however, that if other animals or birds or fowl are bought, sold or bartered, the classification to apply shall be that of a pet shop; and provided, further, that the term "dog kennel" shall not be construed as applying to a duly licensed veterinary hospital nor to the Marin County humane society.

(b) "Pet shop" means any lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises whereon or wherein is carried on a business of buying and/or selling or bartering birds, animals or fowl; but this definition shall not be construed as applying to the buying or selling of livestock, nor to the business or activities of a duly licensed veterinary hospital, nor to the business or activities of the Marin County humane society, nor to a duly licensed dog kennel.

(Ord. 475).

It is unlawful for any person to erect, establish or maintain any dog kennel or pet shop as defined in this chapter without first obtaining a permit from the health officer. The granting of the permit shall be in the discretion of the health officer, who shall take into consideration the type of construction to be employed as it relates to sanitation and manner in which the animals, birds or fowl are to be housed, as well as the character of the person making application, and such zoning regulations as may be in effect. The health officer may appoint the poundkeeper as his agent and to act in his behalf in investigating applications for the permits.

(Ord. 475).

Upon the issuance of a pet shop or dog kennel permit by the health officer or his agent, the applicant shall pay to the poundkeeper an annual license fee of twenty dollars for the privilege of maintaining the dog kennel or pet shop. The annual license shall be for the fiscal year or any part thereof during which the dog kennel or pet shop shall be maintained, and shall be due and payable in advance on the first day of July of each year, and shall expire on the thirtieth day of June of the next year, provided the above mentioned permit has not been revoked.

(Ord. 475).

The permit for the maintenance and operation of a dog kennel or pet shop may be revoked at any time for cause when, in the opinion of the health officer or his agent, the dog kennel or pet shop is not being properly maintained or operated from the standpoint of sanitation of the premises or proper care of the animals, birds or fowl. Upon revocation of the permit the license issued by the poundkeeper for the then current fiscal year shall be null and void and the entire fee paid for the annual license shall be forfeit.

(Ord. 475).