Macomb County, Michigan

Macomb County Animal Control Best Practices

Section 5.6. Hobby Breeder Registration

A County permitted Hobby Breeder may sell, trade, exchange or otherwise place up to 20 animals per calendar year.

i. Registration. Hobby Breeder registrations are limited annually to one per person, entity, corporation and location. The applicant must not have been convicted of animal negligence, cruelty, abuse, or in violation of Macomb County Animal Control Best Practices. All registration requests are subject to approval. Registration fees shall be periodically reviewed by the Macomb Office of the County Executives.

ii. Inspection. A recipient of a Hobby Breeder permit shall allow an inspection performed by Animal Control as specified in Section 3.4 annually, without a warrant of the premises used for sheltering, harboring, and/or maintaining, except for those portions of the premises used solely for human habitation or to house personal pets not used for breeding. Conditions are specified in Article VI and Article VIII. Hobby breeders shall maintain current verifiable records for a period of at least 2 years. The records shall include:

a. The verified name and address of the person from whom the animal was acquired, where the animal was acquired, and the date that the animal was acquired.

b. A description and identification of the animal, including the animal’s identification information, color, breed, sex, alteration status, and approximate weight and age.

c. The date and method of disposition of the animal. If the animal is adopted, transferred, or sold, the records shall also include the verified name and address of the person to whom the dog is adopted, transferred, or sold.

d. The number of intact breeding adult animal.

e. Breeding records for each female intact animal that include the approximate date the animal was bred and the birth date and size of each litter.

iii. Medical Care. Every Hobby Breeder permittee shall have a primary veterinarian responsible for the veterinary care of the animals. All animals on the premises must be current on required rabies, and species/age specific vaccinations and licensed. Pet Health Certificates must be issued by a veterinarian; a copy must be provided when selling, trading, exchanging or otherwise placing the animal, and a copy must be kept for the breeder’s records and provided during inspections. Animals involved in interstate transport will be required to have a valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.

Section 11. 2. Best Practices

All rescues and sanctuaries operating within Macomb County must adhere to the best practices outlined as follows:

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viii. Contracts: Adoption contracts shall contain terms that prohibit the reselling, rehoming and future sterilization requirements (if applicable), as well as define the transfer of ownership from rescue/sanctuary to adopter.

Section 11. 3. Rescue Registration

Any rescue or sanctuary operating within Macomb County must abide by the Macomb County Animal Control Best Practices and register their organization within the County. i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. Non-profit/tax-exempt status must be obtained and in good standing. Microchip all animals prior to transfer of ownership.  Spay and neuter, unless not advised by a veterinarian in writing.  Animal rescue/sanctuary may not breed animals, or be housed on the premises of a breeder or broker, or obtain animals from a breeder or broker for compensation.