Santa Maria Municipal Code Art. 9 Pet Shops, Catteries and Kennels

For the purposes of this article the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section:

"Cattery"

means any lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises where four or more cats are kept.

"Dog kennel"

means any lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises whereon or wherein four or more dogs are kept or maintained for any purpose whatsoever; provided, 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 this definition of dog kennel shall not be construed as applying to a duly licensed veterinary hospital nor humane society.

"Pet shop"

means any lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises whereon or wherein is carried on a business of buying, 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 humane society, nor to a duly licensed dog kennel.

(Ord. 2016-14, eff. 7/21/16)

It is unlawful for any person to erect, establish or maintain any dog kennel, cattery or pet shop as defined in this article without first obtaining a permit from the Health Officer.

(Ord. 2016-14, eff. 7/21/16)

The granting of a permit required by Section 5-3.902 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 the 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 are in effect as of the adoption of the ordinance from which this section derives or are adopted from time to time. The Health Officer may appoint the Poundkeeper as his agent to act in his behalf in investigating applications for such permits.

(Ord. 2016-14, eff. 7/21/16)

The permit for the maintenance and operation of a dog kennel, cattery or pet shop may be revoked at any time for cause when, in the opinion of the Health Officer or his agent, such dog kennel, cattery 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.

(Ord. 2016-14, eff. 7/21/16)

Upon the approval of the Health Officer or his designated agent and upon the payment of an annual license fee as required by Animal Services, or as provided in the Schedule of Fees and Charges within this Code, if applicable, in addition to any applicable business license, the Poundkeeper shall issue to the applicant for the permit required by Section 5-3.902 a license for the privilege of maintaining a dog kennel, cattery or pet shop in such form as he or she may prescribe.

(Ord. 2016-14, eff. 7/21/16)

The annual license shall be for the calendar 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 January 1st of each year and shall expire on December 31st of such year, provided the permit required by Section 5-3.902 has not been revoked.

(Ord. 2016-14, eff. 7/21/16)

Upon the revocation of the permit required by Section 5-3.902, the license issued by the Poundkeeper pursuant to Section 5-3.905 for the then-current year shall be null and void, and the entire fee for such animal license shall be forfeited.

(Ord. 2016-14, eff. 7/21/16)

Every person maintaining a dog kennel, cattery or pet shop shall post, in a conspicuous place where it may be seen outside the locked premises, a notice listing names, addresses and telephone numbers of persons who may be contacted in the event of an emergency.

(Ord. 2016-14, eff. 7/21/16)