Santa Maria, California

Section 5-3.301 Required.

Except as otherwise provided in Section 5-3.302, it is unlawful to own, keep or control any dog or unaltered cat unless an Altered or Unaltered Animal License has been procured therefor. Any person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of this Section is guilty of an infraction.

(a) Unaltered Animal License for Responsible Owners. Owners of unaltered dogs and cats may purchase an Unaltered Animal License from the County if a California licensed veterinarian issues a Veterinary Certificate stating in writing that the owner has discussed the objectives and purpose for owning the dog or cat with the veterinarian, and after considering the overall circumstances, including the age and health of the animal, the veterinarian authorizes the owner to purchase an Unaltered Animal License.

(1) A current Veterinary Certificate is required each time an Unaltered Animal License is purchased.

(2) A Veterinary Certificate is valid for either one year or the term of the license, whichever is longer.

(3) Every owner in the City of a dog or cat over four months of age must obtain an Unaltered Animal License for the animal, or the owner shall have the dog or cat spayed or neutered.

(b) Does Not Qualify for an Unaltered Animal License. The following owners of dogs do not qualify for an Unaltered Animal License:

(1) An owner of a dog that has been impounded and/or who has been cited for permitting a dog to run at large three times within a 12 month period.

(2)  An owner of a dog who has been convicted in California for crimes against animals and/or domestic violence.

(3) An owner of a dog who has been found guilty of an infraction or misdemeanor under this Chapter after their dog has bitten, attacked, or caused injury to a human being or animal while the dog was running at large.

(c) Every owner in the City of an altered dog over four months of age must obtain an Altered Animal License for the dog.

(d) No Altered or Unaltered Animal License shall be issued unless the animal has been vaccinated against rabies by a method approved by a licensed veterinarian who shall issue to the owner or person entitled to custody of the animal to be licensed a rabies certificate which shall include information as prescribed by state law. The owner shall present the certificate to the City prior to being issued a dog license.

(e) An Unaltered Animal License shall be valid for one year.

(f) An Unaltered Animal License tag for an unaltered animal shall be worn by the animal at all times when the animal is on public property or private property without the permission of the property owner. An Altered Animal License for a dog shall also be worn by the dog at all times when the dog is on public property or private property without the permission of the property owner.

(g) Enforcement Responsibility. The Animal Services Director shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of this chapter. Any request for review of a denial for an Unaltered Animal License shall be submitted in writing to the Animal Services Director who shall hold a hearing. The decision of the Animal Services Director shall be final.

(h) An Unaltered Animal License constitutes a breeder’s license and requires for every transaction where a dog, puppy, cat or kitten is delivered to a new owner, including, but not be limited to, the sale, sale at auction, barter, exchange, gift or adoption of any dog, puppy, cat or kitten:

(1) The prominent display of the Unaltered Animal License number of the mother dog or cat in any advertisement of a puppy, a kitten, or any unaltered dog or cat; and

(2) Authorization of access to any new owner of any puppy, kitten, or unaltered dog or cat, to the animal’s health and vaccination records, including the name of the licensed veterinarian who examined the animal; and

(3) Providing of a copy of this ordinance to the new owner if the new owner resides in Santa Barbara County; or the requirements of California Health and Safety Code Sections 122045—122110 and 122125—122315 if the new owner resides elsewhere in California.

Section 5-3.302 Exemptions.

The provisions of this article requiring the licensing of dogs and cats shall not apply to:

(a) Dogs or cats under the age of four months if kept within a sufficient enclosure; nor to

(b) Dogs or cats owned by or in custody or under the control of persons who are nonresidents of the City traveling through the City or temporarily sojourning therein for a short period not exceeding 30 days; nor to

(c) Altered cats; nor to

(d) Dogs brought to the City exclusively for the purpose of entering them in any dog show or exhibition and which are actually entered in and kept at such show or exhibition; nor to

(e) Dogs under treatment in the custody or control of animal hospitals nor to dogs on sale in duly licensed pet shops; nor to

(f) Dogs owned, kept or controlled by any person having a permit to keep and maintain a dog kennel; provided, that such dogs are kept enclosed within such pet shop or dog kennel; nor to

(g) Dogs under the ownership, custody and control of the owner of a dog kennel duly licensed under the provisions of this article or his duly authorized employee or agent when such dogs are removed from such kennel in the bona fide operation thereof for the purpose of exercise or training; provided further, that any such dog bear an identification tag attached to a collar, harness or other device, which tag shall be of a size and type designated by the Poundkeeper, shall be furnished at the sole cost and expense of the owner of such kennel and shall set forth the name and address of such kennel. A dog bearing such tag shall be treated in all respects as a licensed dog in the event of its escape and subsequent impoundment; provided, that no unlicensed dogs shall be allowed to run at large.