Q:
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How can I get a copy of the ordinance?
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A:
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For a copy of the full text of the ordinance, click here.
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Q:
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Where can I have my dog spayed/neutered?
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A:
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Please contact your veterinarian for spay & neuter information. You can also view a list of participating veterinary offices that offer low-cost services.
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Q:
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Do people need to qualify for an exemption each year?
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A:
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Dog owners may need to qualify for an exemption each year, depending on the type of exemption. Permanent exemptions, such as permanent medical waivers, law enforcement dogs, and service dogs do not need to be renewed. Exemptions for competition dogs will need to be renewed each year unless the dog is a titled champion.
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How do I register my puppy for an unaltered exemption since he/she is not old enough to compete in a licensed dog show (they must be at least 6 months old)?
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A:
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The way to qualify for an exemption in this circumstance is to join a breed club with a Code of Ethics for dog breeding.
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What constitutes a Law Enforcement dog?
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Law Enforcement dogs are dogs that are used by public law enforcement agencies for law enforcement purposes. Documentation from a public law enforcement agency certifying that the dog is used for law enforcement purposes by that agency is required to qualify for this exemption.
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If I have a kennel license, am I exempt from this ordinance?
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Kennel Licenses (Animal Facility Licenses) are issued to people who have four or more dogs and who qualify for and pay the required fees for such a license. The provisions of this spay/neuter ordinance apply to a dog owner who has a valid Animal Facility license if the dogs are not kept exclusively in a kennel run or cage. If the dogs live exclusively in kennel runs or cages, this ordinance does not apply.
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Is a guard dog kennel exempt?
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Guard dog kennels are businesses that rent out guard dogs for security at private businesses or homes pursuant to 10.20.270 of the Los Angeles County Code. Guard dog kennels are exempt if they are licensed with Animal Facility Licenses.
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Is a guard dog owned by a business or private individual exempt?
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A.
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No. These dogs must have individual dog licenses and must comply with the requirements of this ordinance.
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What is a service dog and what are the requirements for an exemption?
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“Service Dog” is a guide dog or seeing-eye dog which was trained by a person licensed under Chapter 9.5 (commencing with Section 7200) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, a signal dog or other dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair or fetching dropped items. To qualify for an exemption as a Service Dog, the dog owner must provide documentation satisfactory to the Department that certifies the dog in question is a qualified service dog.
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If qualified, how many litters can my dog have?
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Female dogs may have no more than one litter per year and no more than five litters per dog in her lifetime.
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If qualified, do I have to apply for and get a breeders license?
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Yes, hobby breeder license are required pursuant to 10.20.045.
Each license shall authorize the whelping of no more than one litter per female dog or cat in any 12-month period and no more than one litter per domestic household in any 12-month period. The fee for a Hobby Breeder license is $250.00 per year.
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To whom do I report the birth of the litter and who they are sold or transferred to?
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Within thirty days after a litter is born to a female dog, the owner or custodian of the female dog shall advise the department in writing on the Department’s Report of Litter of the number of live born puppies. When a puppy under the age of four months is sold or otherwise transferred to another person, the owner or custodian shall advise the department in writing on the Department’s Report of Transfer of the name and address of the new owner or custodian, and the microchip number of the puppy, if applicable, within ten days after the transfer. Reports must be made in writing and mailed to: Spay/Neuter Program Administration, 5898 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90805.
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My dog was impounded at your shelter and he/she has not been altered yet, what do I do?
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A:
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If you wish to keep your dog intact, you will have to demonstrate compliance with this ordinance prior to reclaiming your dog. Therefore, you will have to obtain an exemption to the spay/neuter requirements of this ordinance prior to the release of your dog. If your dog does not qualify for an exemption, he or she will be altered prior to release. If the dog is not already microchipped it will be chipped prior to its release as well.
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