§ 5-17. Commercial boarding kennel.

(a)

No person shall operate a commercial boarding kennel within the city without first obtaining a license from the department.

(b)

The exterior of a commercial boarding kennel area shall be completely fenced or otherwise enclosed to prevent animals from leaving the premises.

(c)

Runs shall be constructed to effectively enclose the animals housed therein. Construction shall permit ready observation and handling of the animals and promote ease of cleaning. Runs and exercise areas having gravel or other non-permanent surface materials shall be sanitized a minimum of once in each 24-hour period and more frequently as may be necessary by removal of soiled materials and application of suitable disinfectants and replacement with clean surface materials.

(d)

All primary enclosures shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury, to contain them, and exclude other animals. They shall be constructed and maintained to enable the animals contained therein to remain dry and clean and to permit regular and effective cleaning. Heating and cooling shall be provided as required, according to the physical need of the animals, with sufficient light to allow observation of animals and sanitation conditions.

(e)

Group housing is permitted for animals that are compatible. Adequate space shall be permitted to allow freedom of movement and comfort.

(f)

All animals that are known to be exposed to or show symptoms of having infectious or contagious diseases shall not be transferred to any person other than the owner of the animal or licenses veterinarian.

(g)

A commercial boarding kennel shall not accept a dog for boarding without first obtaining a copy of the dog's immunization record or veterinarian receipt showing that the animal has a current rabies vaccination certificate and been vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis, para influenza, and canine parvovirus in accordance with standard veterinary practices. A commercial boarding kennel shall not accept a cat for boarding without first obtaining a copy of the cat's immunization record or veterinarian receipt showing that the cat has a current rabies certificate and been vaccinated against feline panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis, and calici virus in accordance with standard veterinary practices. Puppies and kittens less than four (4) months of age are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement. The animal care services facility and commercial boarding kennels possessing federal certification of non-profit status (IRS 501(c)(3)) are exempt from this requirement.

(h)

It is the responsibility of the permittees, except for those exempted from the payment of commercial boarding kennel fees, to be able to prove at anytime that all dogs and cats on the premises which are over four (4) months of age are currently vaccinated against rabies.

(i)

All animals shall be supplied with sufficient species specific food during each 24-hour period and more often if the physiological needs of the animal require it. Each animal shall have access to fresh potable water at all times.

(j)

Precautions shall be taken to insure that animals are not teased, annoyed, or made to suffer by any persons or means.

(Ord. No. 2010-06-17-0555, § 1, 6-17-10; Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755 , § 1, 10-5-17)