Permit Program:
For Pet Dealerships & Kennels

Animal Services manages a permit program for pet dealers/kennels and hobby breeders. Animal Services inspects them once a year to ensure compliance with Pinellas County Code Chapter-14 (see below). Pet dealer means any person who, in the ordinary course of business, engages in the sale of one (1) or more litters of Dogs and Cats per year to the public. This includes breeders of animals who sell pets directly to a consumer. Hobby Breeder means a person or entity that is a current member of a Dog, Cat or Kennel club at the national, state, or local level that is, or is affiliated with, a nationally recognized organization and houses or breeds no more than two (2) litters or twenty (20) Dogs or Cats per year in or on the property of a private residence.

Pinellas County Animal Services Code Chapter-14 Sections:

• 14-26 - Definitions
  
• 14-29 - Pet Dealers and Kennels

Please provide the requested information:

• Complete this Pet Dealer/Kennel Permit Application and mail or deliver with the non-refundable application fee to Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774. Cash or Credit Card preferred, Checks should be made payable to: Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. Please allow approximately two weeks for processing and mail delivery.
• Complete this Hobby Breeder Permit Application and mail or deliver with the non-refundable application fee to Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774. Cash or Credit Card preferred, Checks should be made payable to: Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. Please allow approximately two weeks for processing and mail delivery.

The issuance of a Pet Dealer/Kennel Permit does not waive or supersede, or modify and requirements or restrictions of any other department, agency, municipality, state of Florida or US Federal Government. By completing and signing the Pet Dealer/Kennel Permit Application or Hobby Breeder Permit Application ,you agree to allow Animal Services Code Enforcement Officers to inspect animals, facilities where animals are kept and records as specified in the Pinellas County Code Chapter 14 and Florida State Statutes 585,767 and 828 at any reasonable time or day.

Inspection Program Requirements:

Records:

• Records shall be kept on each individual animal boarded, housed, trained, groomed, hired or offered for sale and must be available to the inspecting Officer.
• Records must include the name, address and phone number of the legal owner and description of the animal(s).
• Name, address and phone number of the attending veterinarian.
• All vaccination records and license information for each animal.
• Records of any medications administered to the animal that includes date, medication given and dosage.
• Current Official Certificates of Veterinarian Inspection on all animals offered for sale. All Certificates must be available to the inspecting Officer, and renewed every 30 days while the animal is offered for sale. The Certificates must be maintained for one year.

Point of Sales reports must be sent to Pinellas County Animal Services and a copy must be maintained on the property for one year and must be available to the inspecting Officer. 8. A current/valid Dealer Permit must be displayed, and must be renewed by fee annually at: Pinellas County Animal Services 12450 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL. 33774 9. Have an evacuation plan for animals.

Basic Physical Standards of Facility / Animal Enclosures:

• Are solidly constructed and sound physical structure
• Are maintained in good repair
• Facility ensures that animals are kept from injury, and are kept dry and clean.
• When applicable, cage/kennel have adequate gauge coated wire to prevent sagging under the animals’ weight, and the mesh is small enough to prevent their feet from passing through.
• Interior surfaces are water resistant and capable of being readily cleaned and sanitized
• All primary enclosures allow each animal to turn around, and exercise normal postural movements.
• Electric power is provided
• Potable water is provided
• Adequate ventilation with fresh or mechanical air is provided
• Natural and or artificial lighting is provided and so arranged as to protect each animal from excessive illumination
• Sewage and waste is disposed of, and drainage shall not back flow into animal areas.
• Isolation areas are segregated from the main population
• All pets and animals, regardless of species are provided with the basic standard husbandry requirements and sanitation/maintenance needs.
• Food and food storage areas must be maintained dry, clean and free of pests.
• Animals housed in boarding kennels, or “in estrus” shall be separated in individual cages unless requested by owner.
• Animals must be kept in good condition.

Inspections:

• An annual inspection shall be required prior to any Pet Dealer, Kennel and/or Hobby Breeder issuance or renewal.
• Inspections shall include the inspection of records, facility and animal care.
• Inspection results will be rated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
• An unsatisfactory rating may result in one or more of the following actions:
  • Non renewal of Permit
  • Citation(s)
  • Warning
  • Corrective action needed Non renewals

Permit Denial, Revocation and Suspension:

If a permit holder receives an unsatisfactory inspection or an ordinance violation, a permit may be suspended or revoked. Upon correction of violations and, provided a satisfactory re-inspection was completed within 30 days, a permit may be reinstated for the duration of the permit period for a reinstatement fee, as established by the Board of County Commissioners.

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