Kennel licenses.
Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-2-5
in effectSec. 8-2-5. - Kennel licenses.
A. Persons desiring to operate a commercial kennel where dogs and/or cats are owned, bred and/or held for sale must have an active kennel license issued by Memphis Animal Services to operate.
B. Prior to moving any animals into the facility, the person must submit a request to Memphis Animal Services for a kennel inspection via the online inspection request form available on the city's website.
C. Within 30 days of receipt of the request the requester will be notified when their inspection will occur.
D. At the time of inspection, an animal services officer will inspect the facility for adequate care and conditions and determine the maximum capacity of the facility.
E. Once the inspection is complete, the owner must show proof of inspection in-person at Memphis Animal Services to purchase a kennel license in accordance with the current fee schedule as defined in this chapter.
F. Persons holding an active kennel license shall not be required to pay the license fee prescribed in section 8-3-2, provided they can produce evidence that all dogs and cats on the property 12 weeks and older have been vaccinated for rabies and such vaccinations are current.
G. A kennel license is valid for one year, beginning during the month of purchase and expiring during the same month of the following year, and thereafter purchased annually on the same basis. Renewals require a reinspection to verify capacity/conditions at the facility and must be requested at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the existing license. No license is transferable.
(Ord. No. 5843, § 1, 7-11-2023)
Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8AN_CH8-2ANGE_S8-2-5KELIFetched: 10/28/2026