6.06.023 Licensing of six or more animals.
A. The following definitions shall apply to this section:
“Adult dog” and “adult cat” mean any dog or cat past the age of seven months.
“Animal” means any nonhuman mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian.
“Animal shelter” means any facility operated by the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County or its authorized agents, for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter or of state law.
“Commercial kennel or cattery” means any premises wherein a person(s) engages in the business of boarding, breeding, letting for hire, selling, bartering, or giving away dogs and/or cats. All dogs and/or cats over the age of seven months shall be included as part of the kennel for payment of fees.
“Enforcement agency” means the law enforcement agency of the City of Lakewood or such organization as designated by ordinance of the City of Lakewood.
“Enforcement officer” means any law enforcement officer of the City of Lakewood designated to enforce the provisions of this title.
“Foster shelter/kennel/cattery” means any premises where at least six or more adult dogs and/or cats are kept and a person(s) provides temporary housing and care of owner released dogs/cats for the purpose of placing them into a permanent home.
“Grooming parlor” means any place or establishment, public or private, where animals are bathed, clipped, or combed for a consideration.
“Hobby kennel or cattery” means any premises where at least six but less than 20 adult dogs and/or cats are kept for hunting, breeding, for exhibition, organized events, field working or obedience trials. Any person(s) keeping more than 10 dogs and/or cats must provide kennel facilities. Any person(s) or premises which exceeds the numbers or engages in practices beyond the definition herein for a hobby kennel or cattery, as determined by the enforcement agency, shall be subject to penalties and/or be required to purchase the appropriate license. Note: The occasional selling of offspring shall not be construed as a commercial venture. All dogs and cats over the age of seven months shall be included as part of the kennel for payment of fees.
“Humane officer” is any person designated by the City of Lakewood as a law enforcement officer, qualified to perform such duties under the laws of this state.
“Impounding authority” means giving the authority to impound animals and handle and care for impounded animals.
“Jurisdictional licensing agent” means any organization appointed by the City of Lakewood.
“Person” means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or unincorporated association.
“Pet shop” means any person or establishment that acquires animals (dogs, cats, birds, fish, rodents, reptiles, primates, insects, and any/or all others) bred by others, whether as owner, agent, or on consignment, sells or boards any species of animals and offers to sell such animals to the public.
“Premises” includes a private house or dwelling.
“Private kennel/cattery” means any premises where at least six, but less than 20, altered adult dogs and/or cats are kept as pets and not used for any other purpose than companionship for their owners. All pets are to be altered.
“Temporary” as used in this chapter means less than 60 days.
B. License Requirements – Generally. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, maintain, or have six or more dogs and/or cats, or operate a commercial kennel or cattery, foster shelter/kennel/cattery, hobby kennel, grooming parlor, private kennel/cattery, or pet shop, within the City of Lakewood without any applicable license.
C. Exemptions. The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County is designated by the City of Lakewood as the animal control authority and is exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter.
D. Transfer of License. If there is any change in ownership of any commercial kennel or cattery, foster shelter/kennel/cattery, hobby kennel, grooming parlor, private kennel/ cattery or pet shop, the new owner may have the current permit transferred to his or her name upon the payment of required fees in accordance with LMC 3.20.010, the fee schedule, at least one copy of which shall be kept on file in the Office of the Lakewood City Clerk. The transfer will be deemed approved if not rejected within 30 days from the date of the application.
E. Grounds for Denial. A permit or license may be denied, suspended, or revoked for any of the grounds set forth in Chapter 5.02 LMC.
F. Application – Generally. Application for a permit to establish a new license under the provisions of this chapter may be made at any time.
G. Application – Required Information. Any person applying for a license as required by this chapter shall submit to the City of Lakewood the following information:
1. The name and address of the person(s) having the facility;
2. The name and address of the person(s) having the supervision of the facility;
3. The address or location of the facility;
4. The maximum number of dogs and/or cats or combination thereof which such facility will contain;
5. The name and address of the person designated by the applicant as agent for the service of legal process or notice;
6. A written statement issued by the City of Lakewood Community and Economic Development Department that such commercial kennel or cattery, foster shelter/kennel/cattery, hobby kennel, grooming parlor, private kennel/cattery, or pet shop is in compliance with applicable zoning codes of the City;
7. A statement by the applicant giving permission for inspection of the facilities at any reasonable time;
8. A statement or permit from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to ensure that adequate provisions for sanitary facilities can be provided;
9. If the applicant is a pet store, a list of all species of animals, i.e., dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, primates, insects, fish, rodents, and any/or all others, that are to be sold;
10. The name and address of the licensed veterinarian who cares for the applicant’s sick or injured animals. [Ord. 610 § 57, 2015.]