Fernley, Nevada

Sec. 6.22. – License required for breeder kennels.

(a) The owner of any dog fancier or commercial breeder kennel, in the city must obtain and keep a current license for each kennel. The license, unless surrendered or revoked, is valid for one year from the date of issue.

(b) An unexpired license may be renewed by submitting an application and fee 30 days before the date of expiration. After approval by animal control the date of issuance of the license, which is renewed, is the date the license would have expired.

(c) A dog fancier or commercial breeder kennel license is not transferable to a new owner or operator.

(d) A dog fancier or commercial breeder kennel that houses more dogs than it was licensed for is considered to be unlicensed and this constitutes grounds for revoking the license to operate the facility.

(e) The animal control officer must review the application for a dog fancier or commercial breeder kennel license or its renewal, inspect the kennel, and then either grant or deny the license. If the decision is for denial, the reasons for the denial must be stated. Denial of a license or its renewal is subject to appeal before the city council.

(f) All dog fancier and commercial breeder kennels must meet the following requirements to be licensed:

(1) Indoor or outdoor enclosures (cages, kennels, or runs) must be provided for each animal house. These enclosures must be constructed of impervious material. Floors must be made of metal, fiberglass, or concrete, completely covered with a non-permeable surface, or other approved flooring, and must be designed for rapid drainage of surface water. All enclosures must be kept clean and dry and outdoor kennels must provide animals protection from the rain, snow, wind, sun and inclement weather. Enclosures housing animals must be cleaned daily with a disinfectant, cleanser, or chlorine bleach. Enclosures cannot be stacked. Enclosures must be constructed as to prevent the animals inside from biting or otherwise harming another animal or person outside of the enclosure.

(2) Cleaning materials sufficient to clean the entire facility must be present at time of inspection. Cleaning supplies must be stored separately from food supplies.

(3) Building temperatures must be maintained at a comfortable level with adequate ventilation by windows, doors, vents, fans, or HVAC system. Building temperatures must remain cool during a period for which the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory. Outdoor kennels must have shade and a place to stay warm when temperatures are below 50 degrees or protect animals when the National Weather Senrice has issued a high wind, inclement weather, or freeze warning.

(4) Each animal must have sufficient space to stand up, lie down, and turn around in a natural position without touching the sides or top of the enclosure.

(5) All animals must be fed palatable food, free from contamination, in an amount and with a nutritional value to meet the normal daily requirements for the condition and size of the animal.

(6) All animals must have fresh water available at all times, unless under documented veterinary direction.

(7) Any dog over the age of six months must have proof of a current rabies vaccination.

(8) Veterinary care must be provided, if needed, to maintain good health and general welfare and to prevent suffering by animals. All costs for veterinary care must be paid for by the kennel or business operator.

(9) All animal bites involving any dog housed on the premises must be reported immediately to animal control pursuant to Fernley Municipal Code section 6.07(c) or any provision in Fernley Municipal Code.

(10) A dog fancier or commercial breeder kennel must meet the zoning criteria required by Chapter 32 and its location be approved by the planning department before applying to animal control for a license.

(11) Every dog fancier or commercial breeder kennel will be inspected to determine if the requirements for the license have been met before a license is issued. Additionally, every dog fancier or commercial breeder kennel will be inspected annually during the license renewal process and could be subject to unannounced random inspections throughout the duration of the license if probable cause of non-compliance is established. If requested by animal control during inspections, the kennel owner or operator must produce proof of current rabies vaccinations for each dog over the age of six months old at the time of inspection.

(g) A dog fancier or commercial breeder kennel must, in addition to subsection (f), meet the following requirements to be licensed:

(1) A dog fancier or commercial breeder kennel must meet the zoning criteria required in chapters 10 and 32 and be approved by the planning department before applying to animal control for a license. Residential breeders are not permitted to have business licenses in zoning areas designated SF 6, SF 9, SF12, SF 20, RR1/2, or RR1 (Fernley Municipal Code 10.01.03). Structures must be approved by the Building Inspector.

(2) Puppies under the age of eight weeks must be housed in the same enclosure as their mother with sufficient room for all animals to move. The mother must be able to move away from her puppies if needed.

(3) All dogs over the age of six months must have a current Rabies license pursuant to section 6.07(b).

(4) A dog fancier or commercial breeder kennel may not have more than six dogs over the age of six months for parcels with five acres and ten dogs over the age of six months for parcels five net acres or more, including dogs kept as pets, at that location. No more than three dogs of mixed breed or of a breed different than the purebred breeding dogs may be kept as pets or counted in the total number of dogs allowed at that location. All dogs kept as pets must have an identification microchip permanently implanted or a permanent tattoo with unique numbers, letters, or a combination of numbers and letters to distinguish the pet dogs from the breeding dogs. These pet dogs must also be spayed or neutered to prevent unintentional crossbreeding. The microchip registration number or a description of the tattoo must be provided to animal control and listed on the dog license information of each pet. Breeding dogs must either have a registered microchip or identification tattoo. If so, the registration number or tattoo description must also be provided to animal control and listed on the dog license information for those dogs. Breeding dogs and pet dogs must be licensed with animal control within 30 days of application for a breeder or commercial breeder kennel permit. All dogs kept as purebred breeding dogs must have documentation of pedigree from a recognized and accredited United States dog kennel club. Dogs of mixed breeds are not eligible to be bred in this manner and will not be granted a breeder’s or commercial breeder’s license for such litters.

(5) Puppies or dogs may not be sold.

a. Unless the puppy or dog has had:

i. A registered microchip subcutaneously inserted into the puppy or dog; and

ii. All the required vaccinations which are appropriate based upon the age of the puppy or dog; and

b. Without providing a written sales contract, return policy, and pedigree to the purchaser.

(6) All the above information must be provided to animal control within two business days upon request by the officer.

(7) Breeders shall not breed a female dog:

a. Before she is 18 months old.

b. More than one time in two years.

c. After the dog has reached the age of nine years old.

d. To another dog of a different breed.

e. Application and inspection fees shall be set by the animal services program manager.

(8) Application and inspection fees shall be set by the animal services program manager.