Permits & Fees

ACS buildings and outside grounds.

No person shall operate a business in any of the animal categories listed without a permit issued by Animal Care Services (ACS). Permits will be issued after an application has been submitted, an inspection has been completed, and fees have been collected.

Filing Requirements

  • Completed permit application
  • Proof of current rabies vaccinations
  • Proof that your pet is microchipped
  • Photographs of all animals
  • Written permission by the property owners for permits wherever property is not personally owned by applicant
  • A statement of proposed operations
    • For what purpose are you keeping the animals
    • Describe waste management plan
  • Filing fees - all permits issued under this chapter may be revoked by the director, or his authorized representative for violation by the holder.

Permits Types

Seller's Permit

The Seller's Permit is required for anyone who sells or offers for-sale one (1) or more puppies.

Litter Permit

The Litter Permit is required for anyone whose female dog or cat has a litter. The permit must be obtained prior to or within ten (10) business days of the litter’s birth.

Residential Animal Permits

Permits are required if you are seeking a cat colony or excess animal.

Livestock Permits

Permits are required for livestock.

  • Livestock Permit(PDF, 94KB)
  • Other requirements:
    • For livestock permit - documentation from Housing and Neighborhood Services stating that the property is zoned for such.
    • For livestock and poultry - a site plan indicating location of animal housing with proximity to adjacent property structures, and property boundaries

Did You Know?

  • It is unlawful to keep or maintain swine, including pot-belly pigs, within the City (Chapter 5. Sec. 5-50.).
  • That it shall be unlawful for any person to keep livestock in the city without first applying in writing and obtaining a livestock permit (Chapter 5. Sec. 5-114.).
  • That the total number of domestic fowl and livestock allowed at a residence is ten which may include: (Chapter 5. Sec. 5-109)
    • Up to eight domestic fowl (chickens, etc.) with only ONE of which can be a rooster and
    • Up to two animals from the following classes of livestock (with a livestock permit):
      • Equines
      • Bovines
      • Sheep
      • Goats
      • Llamas
  • All livestock and fowl must be restrained at all times in accordance with City law. Failure to do so may result in citations and/or the impoundment of the roaming animals.

Livestock at ACS

When residents think about ACS, they generally think about dogs and cats. But did you know that ACS also brings in other types of animals including livestock, poultry, even exotics. Because the cost of caring for these special animals can be expensive, the shelter has seen an increase in the number of horses, goats, donkeys, and other hoofstock brought in to the shelter.

Commercial Animal Permits

A Commercial Animal Permit is required if you are seeking animal exhibits, pet shops, grooming shops, or commercial kennels.