§ 2-4-5. Dog, cat, and ferret license certificates and tags; requirements; exemptions; changes in ownership.

(a)

Requirements.

(1)

Except as provided for in section 2-4-5(b) of this article, all dogs, cats, and ferrets that are four (4) months of age or older must be licensed with the division. The length of time that such license certificate will remain valid may be based on the expiration of the animal's rabies vaccination, but in no instance shall it be greater than one year.

(2)

Except as provided for in section 2-4-5(b) of this article, all dogs and cats in the county that are at least four (4) months of age or older must have been issued a license tag. The length of time that such tag will remain valid may be based on the expiration of the animal's rabies vaccination, but in no instance shall it be greater than one year.

(3)

The owner of a newly acquired dog, cat, or ferret that is at least four (4) months of age or older, shall have three (3) business days to license the animal and obtain a tag for the dog or cat, if no proof is provided that the animal has a current license certificate or tag. This provision does not excuse the previous owner from any applicable license or tag requirements. If the animal has a current license certificate and current license tag, both would be transferable to the new owner as required in section 2-4-5(c).

(4)

The county shall provide all license certificates and license tags. Only such license certificates and license tags provided or approved by the county shall satisfy the requirements of this article. The license tag shall be serially numbered.

(b)

Exemptions to license and tag requirements.

(1)

Visiting dogs, cats, or ferrets: The license and tag requirements of this ordinance shall not apply to any animal that will only remain in the county for a period of ninety (90) days or less and for which the division is provided proof of domicile outside of the county; a current, valid certificate of rabies vaccination; and any applicable registration, required license, or permit required by the laws of the jurisdiction of domicile.

(2)

The license tag requirement shall be waived for division-approved cat caretaker organizations.

(c)

Changes in owner information. The person named as the owner and the address as it appears on the registration certificate shall be prima facie evidence of ownership and domicile of the animal. The division must be notified within ten (10) business days of any change in ownership or any other change in the information contained in the license certificate including the address or telephone number.

(Ord. No. 12-10, § 1, 5-8-12)