St. Lucie County, Florida

Sec. 6-19. – Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

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Breeder means any person other than a pet seller registered pursuant to section 6-53, as provided herein, governmental entity, or nonprofit corporation which has been granted 501.C(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service, who owns, keeps, harbors, maintains, or has custody of any dog or cat which produce a total of two or more litters during a 12-month period.

Sec. 6-28. – Sterilization of animals adopted from county-funded adoption agencies required.

Provision shall be made for the sterilization of cats and dogs released for adoption from the humane society or other duly authorized body, assigned as an adoption agency and funded by the county, by either providing sterilization by a licensed veterinarian before the humane society or adoption agency relinquishes custody of the animal or entering into a written agreement with the adopter guaranteeing that sterilization will be performed within 30 days or prior to sexual maturity. The adoption agency shall require a sufficient deposit from the adopter, which deposit shall be refundable upon presentation to the adoption agency of written evidence by the veterinarian performing the sterilization that the animal has been sterilized. The deposit or donation may be based upon recommended guidelines established by the Florida Federation of Humane Societies.

Sec. 6-52. – Issuance of animal registration/identification tags.

(c) The registration/identification tag shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance or date of the rabies vaccination, whichever is earlier, for unsterilized animals. A separate tag shall be valid for the lifespan of sterilized animals.

(d) Animal owners or custodians, or other entities, shall purchase a registration/identification tag directly from any participating veterinarians’ office displaying the county animal control division seal. Such request shall include proof of current vaccination affidavit as set forth in subsection (b) of this section and a sterilization certificate duplicate copy, if applicable. The fees for registration/identification tags shall be established by resolution of the board. The county shall pay participating veterinarians and other participating entities the sums to be determined by resolution of the board for each registration/identification tag sold.

Sec. 6-53. – Breeder and pet seller registration required.

It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to operate as a cat or dog breeder and/or pet seller unless such person or entity has been currently registered as a breeder or pet seller in accordance with the provisions of this article. Any breeder and/or pet seller shall be registered in accordance with the provisions of this article. A breeder who is registered pursuant to this article shall not also be required to register as a pet seller.

Sec. 6-54. – Issuance of breeder and/or pet seller registration certificate.

(a) All breeders and pet sellers in the unincorporated areas of the county shall obtain an annual county breeder or pet seller, as appropriate, registration certificate on the anniversary date of the certificate.

(b) The registration number shall be included in all advertisements for sale of any animals offered for sale or breeding by the breeder or pet seller.

(c) Breeders and pet sellers shall obtain a registration certificate directly from any participating veterinarians or entities displaying the county animal control division seal or the county animal control division. Such request shall include proof of current vaccination affidavit as set forth in section 6-52(b) and a sterilization certificate duplicate copy, if applicable. Participating veterinarians shall provide the county animal control division with a list of all registration certificates issued which shall maintain a database of such information. The fees for breeder and pet seller registration shall be established by resolution of the board. The county shall pay participating veterinarians and entities the sums to be determined by resolution of the board for each registration certificate issued.

(d) The registration certificate shall be nontransferable.

(e) Net proceeds accruing to the county from the sale of breeder and pet seller registration certificates shall be turned over to the clerk of the circuit court to be placed in a fund designate as the animal registration fund. The proceeds shall be used for county-approved spay/neuter programs.