Douglas County, Nevada

6.04.010– Definitions.

The words and phrases used in this title have the following meanings:

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13. Dog breeder: Any person having custody or possession of one or more unaltered dog(s) for any consideration of profit, fee, or compensation, for the purpose of breeding.

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15. Dog kennel: Any place where dogs are kept, for the purpose of boarding, breeding, training, grooming, treating, sale or other commercial purpose not covered under the provisions of a dog breeder, fancier, rescue kennel, pet service or pet shop license. A veterinary clinic or hospital is excluded from this definition.

CHAPTER 6.12. – DOG BREEDERS, DOG FANCIERS, DOG RESCUE, PET SERVICES, PET SHOPS AND KENNELS

6.12.010– License requirement and issuance.

A. It is unlawful for any person to own or operate as a dog breeder, dog fancier, dog rescue, pet service, pet shop or kennel establishment without first applying for and receiving from animal services, a license to do so.

B. All application forms furnished by the animal services officer, and proof of rabies vaccinations for all dogs over the age of four months, must be completed in full, and submitted in person to animal services.

C. Following receipt and review of the license application, an inspection of the premises will be conducted by the animal services officer, who will then either grant or deny the license. If the decision is for denial, the reasons for denial must be stated in writing by the animal services officer.

D. The fee for the issuance of a license as set by resolution of the board shall be due and payable by the applicant within ten business days upon issuance of the license, and each 12 months thereafter. The license, unless forfeited or revoked, is valid for 12 months from the day of issuance.

E. Any person failing to pay renewal fees prior to the expiration date of the license shall reinstate, or forfeit the license.

F. All dog breeder, dog fancier, dog rescue, pet service, pet shop or kennel establishment premises are subject to an inspection at any time by the animal services officer.

G. A license is not transferable to a new owner or operator.

6.12.020– Minimum standard of care.

Any dog breeder, dog fancier, dog rescue, pet services, pet shop or kennel establishment must meet the following minimum standard of care requirements:

A. Facility requirements.

1. Must provide adequate shelter; a sufficient amount of heat when temperatures fall below 50 degrees, and protection when the National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning. Ambient temperatures inside enclosures must be maintained at a reasonably comfortable level with adequate ventilation by windows, doors, vents, fans, or HVAC system, and remain cool when the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory.

2. Each animal must have adequate space, allowing them to easily stand, sit, lie, turn around, and make all other normal body movements in a comfortable, normal position without touching the sides or top of the enclosure.

3. Enclosures must be made of an impervious material, such as, metal, fiberglass, concrete, and must be designed for rapid drainage of surface water.

4. Enclosures, except those in an animal shelter, cannot be stacked.

5. Enclosures must be constructed as to prevent the animals inside from biting or otherwise harming another animal or person outside of the enclosure.

6. Areas where animals are housed must be cleaned daily with a disinfectant, cleanser, or chlorine bleach. Materials sufficient to clean and disinfect the entire facility where animals are kept must be present on the premises. Cleaning supplies must be stored separately from food supplies.

B. Animal care and safety.

1. All animals must be provided adequate food and water.

2. Any dog, cat, or ferret over the age of four months must have proof of a current rabies vaccination, and the owner or operator must keep and maintain vaccination records and present them to the animal services officer during inspections.

3. Veterinary care must be provided, if needed, to maintain good health and general welfare and to prevent suffering by animals.

4. The maintenance and care of the animal shall not endanger the peace, health or safety of persons residing in the county.

5. All animal bites on the premises must be reported immediately to animal services pursuant to section 6.16.020.

C. Any dog breeder, dog fancier, dog rescue, pet services, pet shop or kennel is subject to unannounced random inspections throughout the duration of the license to ensure compliance with the provisions of this title.

D. Any person violating any of the provisions of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor.

6.12.030– Dog kennel—Specific requirements.

A. A dog kennel establishment must comply with all land use and zoning requirements set forth under title 20 of Douglas County Code.

B. The permissible number of dogs a dog kennel may house is based upon approval of the planning commission and the license issued by animal services.

C. Every dog kennel must meet the minimum standard of care outlined in section 6.12.020.

6.12.040– Dog breeder or fancier—Specific requirements.

A. A dog breeder or dog fancier establishment must comply with all land use and zoning requirements set forth under title 20 of Douglas County Code.

B. A maximum of six dogs over the age of four months are permitted on parcels of one to five net acres.

C. A maximum of eight dogs over the age of four months are permitted on parcels of five net acres or more.

D. Every dog fancier or dog breeder must meet the minimum standard of care outlined in section 6.12.020.

E. No more than three dogs other than the breeder or fancier dogs may be kept as pets. Any such dogs kept as pets count towards the total allowable number of dogs permitted at that location.

F. All breeder or fancier dogs must have documentation of pedigree from a recognized and accredited dog kennel club.

G. All dogs must have a microchip, and dogs over four months must have a license pursuant to chapter 6.08.

H. Puppies may be housed in the same enclosure as their mother.

I. Puppies, or dogs may not be sold unless,

1. The puppy or dog has a registered microchip;

2. All the required vaccinations for rabies which are appropriate based upon the age of the puppy or dog have been given.

J. Breeders shall not breed a female dog,

1. Before she is 18 months of age;

2. Or more than once a year.

I. Every dog breeder or fancier must meet the minimum standard of care outlined in section 6.12.020.

6.12.080– Denial or revocation of license; appeal procedure.

A. Any dog breeder, dog fancier, dog rescue, pet service, pet shop or kennel license is subject to denial or revocation, if animal services finds any of the following to be true:

1. The licensee or any operator, agent or employee of the licensee was previously convicted of any criminal offence involving cruelty to animals;

2. The licensee or any operator, agent or employee of the licensee was previously found to be in violation of title 6.

3. The licensee is in violation of any applicable zoning, health and safety, or building ordinances or codes;

4. The licensee or any operator, agent or employee of the licensee failed to adhere to the minimum standards of care as outlined in section 6.12.020;

5. The licensee engaged in fraudulent practices or misrepresentation related to any previous activity as a dog breeder, dog fancier, dog rescue, pet service, pet shop or kennel;

6. Concealment or misrepresentation in the application for a license;

7. Previous suspension or revocation of a dog breeder, dog fancier, dog rescue, pet service, pet shop or kennel license;

8. Any failure to meet the requirements of this title, or the requirements set forth for the license.

B. License denial or revocation; procedure for appeal.

1. A decision by animal services to deny or revoke a dog breeder, dog fancier, dog rescue, pet service, pet shop or kennel license shall be in writing and served upon the applicant or licensee by U.S. mail at the licensee’s last known address.

2. Upon issuance of written notice of revocation of a license, the dog breeder, dog fancier, dog rescue, pet service, pet shop or kennel must cease operations within 14 calendar days from the date of issuance of written notice. Animal services may impound or relocate the dogs if necessary.

3. An applicant or licensee aggrieved by a decision to deny or revoke a license may file a written appeal to animal services within 14 calendar days after issuance of written notice of the decision to deny or revoke the license. The appeal shall be presented to the board within 60 calendar days for final decision. The licensee shall not operate during the pendency of any appeal.

4. An applicant whose application for a new or renewed dog breeder, dog fancier, dog rescue, pet service, pet shop or kennel license has been denied, may reapply for a license after 12 months has elapsed from the date of denial. An earlier reapplication may be submitted if accompanied by satisfactory evidence that the grounds or ground for the denial of any prior application no longer exists.