Montgomery, Alabama

Sec. 4-181. – Animal business; special permit.

(a) Any animal business may engage in the business of breeding, buying, selling, trading, training, raising or boarding animals so long as the business is in compliance with all local, state and federal laws.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of breeding, buying, selling, trading, training, raising or boarding, without having obtained a special permit for the business venture. There shall be only one special permit issued per business venture. The special permit shall be issued by the city revenue department. The fee for such special permit, or any renewal thereof, shall be $150.00 and shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance.

(c) Before obtaining a special permit or renewal thereof, the applicant shall:

(1) Provide proof of a current and valid business license issued by the city,

(2) Provide proof of liability insurance coverage for animal bites, injuries or death caused by an animal,

(3) Provide proof of rabies vaccinations for all animal older than four months of age.

(4) Provide veterinarian records for all animals that enter or leave their care within the 12 months prior to the date of application.

(d) Before issuing a special permit or any renewal thereof, the animal control office shall:

(1) Conduct an inspection of all premises where the applicant plans to engage in the business of breeding, buying, selling, trading, training, raising or boarding. During the inspection, any noted violations of current municipal or state animal laws must be identified and provided in writing to the person applying for the permit and corrections verified by a follow up inspection prior to the permit being issued.

(e) If a complaint is received by the animal control unit, that a violation of chapter 4 has occurred, animal control officers may, after issuing a written notice within a reasonable amount of time, conduct an inspection of all premises where the applicant plans to engage in the business of breeding, buying, selling, trading, training, raising or boarding to ensure that all animal laws and ordinances are being adhered.

(f) Exempt from inspections are government owned facilities or licensed veterinarians or dog shows.

(g) Bona-fide companion animal businesses that operate store-front facilities in the city limits that obtain a business license from the city are exempt from the provisions of this section.