Chapter 7.16
SALE OF ANIMALS

Sections:

7.16.020    Approved locations for sale.

7.16.040    Dog or cat age restrictions.

7.16.060    Immunization requirements – Written verification.

7.16.080    Grounds for returning dogs or cats – Procedures.

7.16.020 Approved locations for sale.

It is unlawful for any person to display for sale, offer for sale, exchange, barter or give away any animal except in the following places:

A. Pet shop, commercial kennel, private kennel, pet grooming facility, or animal shelter, which have valid required permit(s); or

B. Private residence.

This section shall not be construed to prohibit the sale or display of natural chicks or ducklings in proper brooder facilities by hatcheries or stores engaged in the business of selling them to be raised for domestic consumption or commercial purposes. (Ord. 788 § 1(part), 2006).

7.16.040 Dog or cat age restrictions.

No person or establishment shall display, sell, exchange, barter or give away any cat or dog under eight weeks of age, except as a surrender to a licensed animal shelter. Proof of age of the dog or cat may be required by the director. Proof of age may include, but not be limited to, a certification by a licensed veterinarian attesting to the animal’s age. (Ord. 788 § 1(part), 2006).

7.16.060 Immunization requirements – Written verification.

Before they are sold, all cats or dogs, over four months of age, must be immunized against common disease; at a minimum, all dogs shall be immunized against rabies and distemper; all cats shall, at a minimum be immunized against rabies and panleukopenia. The seller of a dog or cat shall provide to the buyer at the time of sale a signed statement from the seller attesting to the date of vaccination and the seller’s knowledge of the animal’s health. Such statement shall also include the animal’s immunization history, and the record of any known disease, sickness or internal parasites that the animal is afflicted with at the time of transfer of ownership, including treatment and medication. (Ord. 788 § 1(part), 2006).

7.16.080 Grounds for returning dogs or cats – Procedures.

A. Any person purchasing a dog or cat from a person or establishment required to be licensed or registered pursuant to this title may, within two business days of such purchase, cause such animal to be examined by a veterinarian licensed by the state, and, if such examination reveals clinical signs of a contagious or infectious disease or serious congenital defects, not otherwise disclosed to the purchaser as required by Section 7.16.060, the purchaser may, within one day of the examination, return such dog or cat to the seller. When returned, such dog or cat must be accompanied with a certificate signed by the examining veterinarian stating examination findings. Upon return of such dog or cat for the reasons stated in this section, the seller shall reimburse the purchaser for the cost of the dog or cat.

B. If the seller refuses to reimburse the purchaser for the cost of the dog or cat upon the purchaser’s offer to return it, the purchaser may file a complaint with any court within the county of Sonoma stating a cause of action for violation of this section. (Ord. 788 § 1(part), 2006).