Pacific Grove, California

10.04.100 Impoundment and recovery of dogs at large – Fees and charges.

Fees and charges for impounding pursuant to this chapter shall be imposed as follows:

(a) Fees for impoundment, boarding, unsterilized dog, breeding permits, and as otherwise provided for in this chapter, shall be as established by resolution of the council.

(b) Initial Impoundments. In addition to boarding fees, the fees for initial impoundments are as follows:

(1) Licensed and Sterilized Dogs. For a currently licensed dog that has been sterilized, the reclaiming owner shall be granted a waiver from the impoundment fee for the first-time impoundment of the dog.

(2) Licensed Dogs, Unsterilized. For a licensed but unsterilized dog, the first-time impoundment fee and unsterilized dog fee may be waived at the request of the reclaiming owner; provided, that, prior to the release of the dog, the “delivery to veterinarian” procedure, as defined in subsection (d) of this section, is followed. An owner refusing to follow this procedure shall pay all fees before release of the dog.

(3) Unlicensed Dogs. Before release of an unlicensed sterilized dog, the reclaiming owner shall be required to obtain a valid city dog license and to pay all fees in full. In cases of unsterilized dogs, the reclaiming owner shall pay impoundment fees and either follow the “delivery to veterinarian” procedure defined in subsection (d) of this section or pay the unsterilized dog fee.

(c) Second and Subsequent Impoundments. In addition to boarding fees, the fees for second and subsequent impoundments are as follows:

(1) Licensed and Sterilized Dogs. For a currently licensed dog that has been sterilized, the reclaiming owner shall pay the impoundment fee established for second and subsequent impoundments of sterilized dogs.

(2) Licensed Dogs, Unsterilized. For a licensed but unsterilized dog, the reclaiming owner shall pay impoundment fees and the unsterilized dog fees established for second and subsequent impoundment of unsterilized dogs. Provided, said fees shall be reduced by 80 percent if the owner agrees to follow the “delivery to veterinarian” procedure defined in subsection (d) of this section.

(3) Unlicensed Dogs. Before release of an unlicensed dog, the reclaiming owner shall be required to obtain a valid city dog license. If such dog is sterilized, the reclaiming owner shall pay the impoundment fee established for second and subsequent impoundment of sterilized dogs. If such dog is not sterilized, the reclaiming owner shall pay impoundment fees and the unsterilized dog fees established for second and subsequent impoundments of unsterilized dogs; provided, said fees shall be reduced by 80 percent if the owner agrees to follow the “delivery to veterinarian” procedure defined below in subsection (d) of this section.

(d) Delivery to Veterinarian Procedure. The owner shall volunteer the animal for sterilization, and deposit the requisite fee with a licensed veterinarian. In return, the veterinarian shall provide the owner with a receipt certifying that sterilization of the animal has been paid for and scheduled, or that health considerations preclude sterilization. Upon presentation of such receipt and certification to the holding agency, the animal shall be released to the owner.

Sterilization under this procedure shall take place no later than 10 days after release of a female of age six months or older, or a male of age eight months or older. For younger animals, sterilization shall take place within 10 days after reaching the appropriate age (six months for females, eight months for males). In the event of failure to meet the appropriate deadline, the deposit shall be forfeited and, after deducting reasonable costs, the veterinarian shall return the remainder to the city or its designee for educational purposes related to pet sterilization programs.

10.16.040 Breeding.

(a) For the purposes of this chapter, “breeding” is defined as sexual intercourse or artificial insemination of dogs or cats, the result of which may be offspring.

(b) Permitting or encouraging the breeding of dogs or cats within the city of Pacific Grove is prohibited except when expressly permitted by the issuance of a current breeding permit (“permit”), as provided herein. A permit shall be obtained by the owner of an impregnated animal no later than two weeks following the birth of its puppies or kittens, except as follows:

(1) The requirement for a breeding permit may be waived if, on the first occasion of such birth, the litter is delivered to the S.P.C.A. for humane disposition, the owner has the parent animal sterilized, and proof of such actions is provided to the city or its designated representative.

(c) Upon completion of the appropriate application and payment of the fee established by resolution of the council, a permit valid for one year may be issued pursuant to the following procedures and conditions:

(1) Animal housing and care provisions shall be in compliance with the State Humane Code, and permittee shall consent to inspections by the animal control officer or other designated city official when deemed necessary to ensure such compliance.

(2) Any animal four months or older in possession of the permittee shall be maintained in a current status with respect to vaccination and license requirements.

(3) The following requirements shall apply to the sale, adoption, giving away, or other release of any puppy or kitten by the permittee:

(A) Animals shall be of age eight weeks or older.

(B) Upon transfer of ownership, an animal shall have its health checked by a licensed veterinarian and will have received all appropriate vaccinations.

(C) On the occasion of placement of an animal within the city of Pacific Grove, the name, address, and telephone number of its new owner shall be provided to the animal control officer.

(D) Advertisements for the sale or giving away of animals from litters permitted under the provisions of this section shall show the seller’s breeding permit number as part of the advertisement.

(4) Permits shall apply to no more than one litter per adult female per year, regardless of litter size, except as follows:

Owners wishing to produce litters at a rate higher than one per year may be issued a commercial breeding permit, upon completion of the appropriate application and payment of the fee established by resolution of the council. The commercial breeding permit is not subject to the single litter limitation.

10.18.010 Sterilization of adopted animals – Fees.

(a) No unsterilized dog or cat shall be released by the city or its designee for adoption unless the adopter first follows the “delivery to veterinarian” procedure given in PGMC 10.04.100(d).

(b) Any person who violates or fails to perform an agreement to sterilize an animal as provided in this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be enforced pursuant to Chapter 1.16 PGMC. The animal is subject to seizure by the city or its designee.