Fertile permit.
Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-3-4
in effectSec. 8-3-4. - Fertile permit.
A. Owners of fertile pets and not qualifying for any of the exemptions listed in section 8-3-3 must purchase a fertile permit in person during regular business hours from the division of animal services in accordance with the current fee schedule as defined in this chapter.
B. A separate permit is required for each unsterilized dog or cat. Each permit authorizes the whelping of no more than one litter per female in any 12-month period and no more than one litter per domestic household in any 12-month period.
C. The dog or cat must follow the vaccination requirements as defined in the Section 8-3-2 of this chapter to be eligible for a fertile permit.
D. The dog or cat must be microchipped to be eligible for a fertile permit.
E. Animals impounded for violation of this chapter are not eligible for a fertile permit purchase at the time the animal is reclaimed at animal services and must be spayed/neutered before leaving the facility unless another exemption defined in this chapter is met.
F. The director shall revoke a fertile permit if animal services determines that the permittee:
1. Failed to comply with any provision of this chapter;
2. Allows the offspring of a permitted dog or cat to be sold, adopted, or otherwise transferred, regardless of compensation, before the offspring have reached at least eight weeks old and have been vaccinated against common diseases;
3. Intentionally made a false statement as to a material matter to obtain a fertile permit.
(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_CH8-3DOCA_S8-3-4FEPEFetched: 10/28/2026