ANIMAL MICROCHIPPING, PERMITS, AND LICENSES

San Antonio City Code ch. 5, art. V

in effect

San Antonio City Code § 5-100 Microchipping required.

Sec. 5-100. - Microchipping required. (a) The owner or keeper of any equine, dog or cat must have the animal implanted with a registered microchip before the animal attains four (4) months of age. An equine, dog or cat is exempt from this requirement if the equine, dog or cat is determined to be medically unsuitable for microchipping by a licensed veterinarian in writing. If the animal is determined to be medically unsuitable for microchipping, the owner shall have the animal permanently marked with an identifying tattoo by a licensed veterinarian. Proof of medical unsuitability for microchipping along with the identifying tattoo number and owner's or keeper's name, address and telephone number must be provided to the department within thirty (30) days of tattooing. If there is a change in contact information, the owner or keeper of a tattooed animal shall update contact information with the department within thirty (30) days of the date of the change in contact information. If there is a change in ownership of a tattooed animal the initial owner or keeper shall be responsible for notifying the department of the change within thirty (30) days of the date of change in ownership. The new owner or keeper shall be responsible for providing the department with the new owner's or keeper's name, address and telephone number within thirty (30) days after the change in ownership. (b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that: (1) The equine, dog or cat owner is a nonresident of this city and is keeping the subject animal in the city for fewer than sixty (60) days; (2) The animal owner has been a resident of this city for fewer than thirty (30) days; or (3) The animal had been abandoned or lost and the temporary owner has had the equine, dog or cat for fewer than thirty (30) days. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17)

San Antonio City Code § 5-101 Maintaining current microchip registration.

Sec. 5-101. - Maintaining current microchip registration. (a) The owner or keeper of a dog, cat or equine shall maintain current registration with a microchip registration company. (b) If there is a change in contact information of an owner or keeper of a registered microchipped equine, dog or cat, the owner or keeper shall update contact information, including new address or telephone number, with the microchip registration company within thirty (30) days of the date of the change in contact information. (c) If there is a change in ownership of a registered equine, dog or cat, the initial owner or keeper shall be responsible for ensuring that the microchip is no longer registered in the initial owner's or keeper's name within thirty (30) days of the date of change in ownership. The new owner or keeper shall be responsible for re-registering the microchip to include any new address and telephone number and have the registration information transferred to the new owner's or keeper's name within thirty (30) days after the change in ownership. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17)

San Antonio City Code § 5-102 Wearing tags, exception.

Sec. 5-102. - Wearing tags, exception. (a) Dogs must wear a tag at all times while outdoors; except that dogs which are kept for show or exhibition purposes are not required to wear such a tag as long as the dogs are otherwise under restraint. The tag shall include either the dog's microchip number, or the current address or telephone number of the dog owner. (b) Cats and equines shall not be required to wear a tag with the registered microchip number on a collar. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17; Ord. No. 2020-10-29-0772, § 1, 10-29-20)

San Antonio City Code § 5-103 Nontransferability.

Sec. 5-103. - Nontransferability. No person may use a registered microchip number for any animal other than the one for which it was issued. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17)

San Antonio City Code § 5-104 Review upon frequent violations.

Sec. 5-104. - Review upon frequent violations. The department shall review any and all animal registrations for any animal owners against whom four (4) or more convictions have been obtained within a period of one (1) year under the provisions of this chapter and shall notify the subject animal owner of said convictions and possible seizure and impoundment if, after the director conducts an administrative hearing, and determines that the public health and safety are at risk while the animal owner or any member of this household has possession or control of the subject animals. Certified mail notice of the time and place of said hearing shall be mailed to the last known address of the animal owner at least ten (10) days prior to said hearing. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17)

San Antonio City Code § 5-105 Litter permit; sterilization required for violation.

Sec. 5-105. - Litter permit; sterilization required for violation. Any person whose female dog or cat has a litter must obtain a litter permit prior to the litter's birth. One (1) litter permit shall be required for each whelping female dog or cat. No female dog or cat shall whelp more than one (1) litter over a twelve (12) month period of time. (1) If an owner violates this section, the owner shall be required to sterilize the whelping dog or cat and each litter member within sixty (60) days of receiving a citation for violation of this section. It shall be the owner's responsibility to provide to the department proof of sterilization of the whelping dog or cat and each litter member prior to the required deadline. The department has the authority to extend or exempt this requirement if proof of need (such as medical necessity) is provided. (2) An owner in violation of this section shall not dispose of or divest ownership of the whelping mother or any member of the litter until the sterilization requirement is met and the department has received proof of sterilization. (3) This section does not apply to caretakers of feral cat colonies or animal rescue organizations with an active animal rescue organization license issued by the department. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17; Ord. No. 2020-10-29-0772, § 1, 10-29-20)

San Antonio City Code § 5-106 Seller's permit; sterilization required for violation.

Sec. 5-106. - Seller's permit; sterilization required for violation. (a) Any person who sells or offers for sale one (1) or more animals must obtain a seller's permit. (1) Each seller's permit shall be valid for one (1) animal or one (1) litter. (2) The seller's permit number shall be prominently displayed in all advertisements, notices, or displays for sale of the animals. (3) Each permit applicant shall be required to have taken in the prior two (2) years a department approved responsible pet ownership course prior to the approval of a seller's permit. (4) A seller's permit holder shall provide a purchaser a written statement which shall include a guarantee of good health for a period of not less than two (2) weeks with a recommendation to have the animal examined by a licensed veterinarian. (5) A person who obtains a pet shop license or animal rescue organization license issued by the department shall not be required to obtain a seller's permit under this section. (6) A person who obtains a litter permit is still required to obtain a sellers permit if the person intends to sell the litter. If a litter permit and seller permit are requested simultaneously, the seller's permit fee may be waived. (7) If a person fails to obtain a permit after notice, then the department shall be authorized to impound the animals. (8) If an animal seller violates this section, the seller shall be required to sterilize all dogs and cats present at the location of the sale within sixty (60) days of receiving a citation for violation of this section. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17; Ord. No. 2020-10-29-0772, § 1, 10-29-20)

San Antonio City Code § 5-107 Animal limits; excess animal permit.

Sec. 5-107. - Animal limits; excess animal permit. (a) A maximum number of eight (8) cats or five (5) dogs, or an aggregate number of eight (8) is permitted at a residence. In order to have more dogs and/or cats than this chapter allows at a residence, an owner must apply for an excess animal permit which shall be valid for one (1) year. The criteria used to evaluate the granting of a dog or cat permit are as follows: (1) All dogs and cats for which a permit is required must be sterilized, unless the dog(s) or cat(s) qualifies for a certified medical exception by a licensed veterinarian or is under four (4) months old. (2) All dogs and cats must be currently vaccinated for rabies. (3) All dogs and cats must have a registered microchip. (4) The dogs and/or cats must not be housed exclusively outside and no more than five (5) dogs may be housed outside between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (5) The primary form of restraint for any dog shall not be tethering. (6) Each dog must have access to its own shelter when housed outside. (7) There must be a minimum of four hundred fifty (450) square feet of unobstructed housing space available per animal. The department shall have the discretion to increase the minimum square feet required when the requesting permit is for larger dogs. (8) All dogs and cats must have a photograph of each animal attached to an animal profile sheet that will be kept on record as verification of the animals allowed in the permit. Rescuers with an animal rescue organization license shall be exempt from the photograph and profile sheet requirement for those animals that are temporarily being housed at the location for less than four (4) months. (9) If the owner of the dogs and/or cats is not the owner of the property, the permission of the property owner must be obtained before a permit application will be processed. (10) A check will be made to determine if there are any previous valid complaints. A previous valid complaint can be grounds for the denial of a permit request. (11) The requestor must have adequate property or facilities to ensure the dogs and/or cats do not disturb any neighbors. The facilities shall be subject to inspection by the department. (12) An animal rescue organization and designee(s) of an animal rescue organization with an active animal rescue organization license issued by the department, that are temporarily housing pets (less than four (4) months) with the intent to re-home the pets elsewhere, may exceed the maximum number of pets as long as the animal rescue organization and its designee(s) follow requirements for those with an excess animal permit. (b) A maximum number of eight (8) domestic fowl is allowed at a residence of which only one (1) may be a rooster. (1) An owner must comply with the following with regard to domestic fowl: a. The owner must have adequate facilities to house the domestic fowl and ensure adequate sanitation. All domestic fowl must be kept in a coop and run that is at least twenty-four (24) square feet in size, or has at least six (6) square feet of space per fowl, whichever is larger. b. The domestic fowl must be kept housed or confined in a manner that does not allow them to create a nuisance. c. Sanitation must be addressed in a manner that prevents the attraction of pests. (2) If an owner desires to exceed the maximum number of domestic fowl specified in subsection (b), an owner must make an application for an excess animal permit with the department which shall be valid for one (1) year. The criteria for evaluating the application for an excess animal permit shall be those listed in subsection (b). In addition, all domestic fowl must be kept in a coop and run not less than fifty (50) feet from any business or dwelling occupied by any person other than the owner. The facilities shall be subject to inspection by the department. An owner with between twenty-six (26) and fifty (50) domestic fowl must keep the animals in a coop and run not less than seventy-five (75) feet from any business or dwelling occupied by any person other than the owner. An owner with fifty-one (51) or more domestic fowl must keep the animals in a coop and run not less than one hundred (100) feet away from any business or dwelling occupied by a person other than the owner and have a business license that demonstrates a need to house over fifty (50) domestic fowl. The facilities shall be subject to inspection by the department. a. The maximum number of roosters allowed for excess animal permits shall be one (1) rooster for every ten (10) authorized domestic fowl. b. Up to eight (8) fowl may be allowed to temporarily roam outside the coop and run at a time, but within an enclosed area within the boundaries of the real property of the owner between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (c) The total number of livestock allowed at a residence is two (2) animals from the following classes of livestock: Equines; bovines; sheep; goats; and llamas. (1) All livestock must be enclosed in a pen the nearest point being at least one hundred (100) feet from any dwelling or business building owned or occupied by any person other than the owner. For the purpose of this section, a pen shall mean a fully enclosed space that is adequately sturdy to prevent the livestock from being unrestrained. An owner must comply with the following with regard to livestock: a. The owner must have adequate facilities to house the livestock and ensure adequate sanitation. b. The livestock must be kept housed or confined in a manner that does not allow them to create a nuisance. c. Sanitation must be addressed in a manner that prevents the attraction of pests. d. Livestock permits are required for every livestock animal. (2) If an owner desires to exceed the maximum number and type of livestock specified in this section, an owner must make an application for an excess animal permit with the department which shall be valid for one (1) year. The criteria for evaluating the application for an excess animal permit shall be those listed in subsection (c) and section 5-52 of this chapter. (d) The total number of rabbits allowed at a residence is ten (10). An owner must comply with the following with regard to rabbits: (1) The owner must have adequate facilities to house the rabbits and ensure adequate sanitation. (2) The rabbits must be kept housed or confined in a manner that does not allow them to create a nuisance. (3) Sanitation must be addressed in a manner that prevents the attraction of pests. (4) If an animal owner desires to exceed the maximum number of rabbits specified above (ten (10) rabbits), an owner must make an application for an excess animal permit with the department which shall be valid for one (1) year. The criteria for evaluating the application for an excess animal permit shall be those listed in subsection (d). The facilities shall be subject to inspection by the department. The maximum amount of rabbits allowed with an excess animal permit is twenty-five (25). (e) Any owner, caretaker, or other person who keeps any non-venomous snake over three (3) feet and/or fifteen (15) pounds, in addition to complying with all federal and state laws, regulations, and permit regulations affecting such snake, shall: (1) Keep the snake at all times in a cage or enclosure of such size and construction and in a manner as to preclude the possibility of escape. Such enclosure shall be of such size as to permit the snake reasonable freedom of movement; (2) Keep the snake in such a manner so as not to threaten or annoy any person of normal sensitivity; and (3) Prevent unauthorized access to the snake through adequate safeguards. (f) The following shall apply for all excess animal permits: (1) Once a permit is granted, the permittee must obey all rules pertaining to animal ownership within the city and the state. Any valid violation under this chapter, including exceeding the number of animals allowed on the original permit is grounds for revocation of the permit by the department. (2) If a permit is revoked, the permittee upon notification by the department, will have thirty (30) days to come into compliance with existing numbers limits. (3) An owner who is denied a permit or whose permit is revoked has the right to appeal the denial or revocation by submitting written notice to the director within fifteen (15) working days of the denial or revocation. Upon the timely receipt of such written notice, the department shall schedule an animal permit hearing. The owner shall be notified of said hearing by certified mail, return receipt requested. If the hearing is not conducted within fifteen (15) working days of the date the notice of appeal is received, the department shall issue the requested permit or reinstate the revoked permit. Failure of the owner of the animal to appear at the permit hearing shall result in a final denial or revocation with no further appeal. The owner may be represented by counsel. (4) The animal permit hearing officer shall determine whether, by a preponderance of the evidence, a permit should not be denied or revoked based upon evidence, affidavits, and testimony presented at the time of the hearing by the owner, witnesses to any incident which may be germane to such a determination, department personnel, police or any other person possessing information pertinent to such determination. The owner may cross examine witnesses. A record of the hearing shall be kept. The animal permit hearing officer shall issue written factual findings and a determination as to whether the permit denial or revocation should be reversed within five (5) working days after the animal permit hearing. The owner shall be notified of the animal permit hearing officer's findings and determination by certified mail, return receipt requested. (5) If the animal permit hearing officer does not reverse the permit denial or revocation, the owner has the right to appeal the determination to municipal court by submitting written notice to the department within five (5) working days of receiving the animal permit hearing officer's determination. Failure to appeal within the time allotted shall result in the animal permit hearing officer's determination as final. (6) A municipal court judge shall sit as the administrative appeal hearing officer. The administrative appeal hearing officer shall apply a pure substantial evidence review of the animal permit determination. The administrative appeal hearing officer shall consider only the factual record made at the animal permit hearing and decide if the determination of the animal permit hearing officer is reasonably supported by substantial evidence. In addition, the administrative appeal hearing officer is permitted to consider whether the animal permit hearing satisfied the requirements of due process. The administrative appeal hearing officer shall prepare a written memorandum of findings and declare the animal permit hearing officer's determination either affirmed or reversed. (7) The result of the administrative appeal hearing is final. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17; Ord. No. 2020-10-29-0772, § 1, 10-29-20)

San Antonio City Code § 5-108 Permit required for circuses, rodeos, animal exhibits, animal shows, petting zoos and recreational animal rides; special exceptions for institutions and special attractions.

Sec. 5-108. - Permit required for circuses, rodeos, animal exhibits, animal shows, petting zoos and recreational animal rides; special exceptions for institutions and special attractions. (a) Any operator of a circus, rodeo, animal exhibit, or entertainment show, or other persons desiring to bring any non-aquatic mammal into the city to use in a circus, rodeo, animal exhibit or animal show other than a dog show or a cat show where the animals will not be directly accessible to the public, shall first submit a written request to the department for a permit and pay a permit application fee to cover the cost of inspecting the facility where the animal(s) will be kept during the event, which may be for any number of consecutive days. The permit application shall be submitted at least twenty (20) days prior to the event, and shall contain information as to the kind and number of animals involved, records showing animals are up to date on required vaccinations and are considered by a certified veterinarian as healthy, how they will be housed safely and not physically accessible to the public, required state or federal licensing documentation, the reason for bringing the animal(s) to the city, the name and address of the person or business that will keep, feed, and confine the animal(s) during their stay in the city and any other information requested by the department. The director has the authority to determine the requirements necessary with regard to risk to public safety or the safety of the animals for each event. If the intent of the operator is to allow a member of the general public direct contact with any of the animals, the operator must submit a written request to the department for a temporary petting zoo permit in addition to the exhibit permit as outlined in subsection (a). The temporary petting zoo permit shall be valid for the duration of the event outlined in the application. (b) No person shall operate a petting zoo or recreational animal ride where an animal is allowed to be in contact with the public (which include, but are not limited to, horses, ponies, donkeys, camels, elephants or cows) within the city without first obtaining a petting zoo permit which shall be valid for one (1) year. An operator of a petting zoo or recreational animal ride shall first submit a written request to the department for a petting zoo permit and pay a permit application fee to cover the cost of inspecting the facility where the animal(s) are kept and shall contain information as to the kind and number of animals involved, and the name and address of the person or business that will keep, feed, and confine the animal(s). Animals used within the city for petting zoos or recreational animal rides must be provided with all the necessities of life including air, food, water, veterinary care, exercise, and protection from the sun and other elements of nature. (c) A permit shall not be required for any animal so long as it is owned by a governmentally owned and operated facility, publicly operated facility, a public zoological park, or bona fide medical institution or research institution. (d) A prohibited animal brought into the city for entertainment purposes which is not approved by the department, upon the order of the department, will be immediately removed from the city. If not so removed expeditiously, an animal care officer shall seize such animal if he has reason to believe the animal is not being properly fed, housed, or cared for, or is not being safely and securely confined for public safety. Failure to comply with the removal order shall constitute a misdemeanor offense. (e) Animals used within the city for entertainment purposes such as rodeos and circuses must be provided with all the necessities of life including air, food, water, veterinary care, exercise, and protection from the sun and other elements of nature. A licensed veterinarian must be in attendance at all such functions. Once determined to be injured or ill by a licensed veterinarian, an animal may be returned to use only after certification as healthy by a licensed veterinarian. (f) Nothing in this section shall authorize the department to issue a permit to a person to sell, trade, barter, lease, rent, or give away any animal on any roadside, public right-of-way, commercial parking lot, or at any garage sale, flea market or festival. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17)

San Antonio City Code § 5-109 Pet shop license.

Sec. 5-109. - Pet shop license. No person shall operate any pet shop as defined in this chapter, without first obtaining a license from the department who shall take into consideration the type of building construction, the regulatory compliance history of the permittee as it relates to sanitation, health, welfare of the animals, birds or reptiles housed, and related zoning requirements. The department shall inspect and evaluate the qualifications of applicants. (1) Applications for an original or renewal pet shop license shall be submitted to the department and shall be approved or denied by the department. The department shall investigate the applicant's qualifications for a license. A conviction for the violation of any provision of this chapter may constitute cause for denial or revocation of a license. (2) Failure to apply for a license prior to the opening of such a commercial animal facility, or within thirty (30) days after the renewal date, shall constitute a misdemeanor offense. (3) Each pet shop license shall be valid for one (1) year. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17)

San Antonio City Code § 5-110 Grooming shop license.

Sec. 5-110. - Grooming shop license. (a) No person shall operate any grooming shop, as defined in this chapter, without first obtaining a license from the department who shall take into consideration the type of building construction, the regulatory compliance history of the permittee as it relates to sanitation, health, welfare of the animals, and related zoning requirements. The department shall inspect and evaluate the qualifications of applicants. (1) Applications for an original or renewal grooming shop license shall be submitted to the department and shall be approved or denied by the department. The department shall investigate the applicant's qualifications for a license. A conviction for the violation of any provision of this chapter may constitute cause for denial or revocation. (2) Failure to apply for a license prior to the opening of such a commercial animal facility, or within thirty (30) days after the renewal date, shall constitute a misdemeanor offense. (3) Each grooming shop license shall be valid for one (1) year. (b) A permit holder has the right to request that any dog or cat accepted for grooming be vaccinated against common diseases, and require proof of such vaccinations be furnished to the shop operator. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17)

San Antonio City Code § 5-111 Commercial boarding facility license.

Sec. 5-111. - Commercial boarding facility license. No person shall operate a commercial boarding facility without first obtaining a license from the department which shall be valid for one (1) year. Such license shall be issued after inspection and approval of the facilities, taking into consideration the type of construction as it relates to sanitation, the health and welfare of the cats, dogs and equines, and related zoning regulations. (1) Application for licenses under this section shall be made to the department on the form furnished by the department and approved by the director. The department shall conduct the investigation necessary to determine the applicant's qualifications for a license. (2) Failure to apply for a license prior to the opening of a commercial boarding facility, or within thirty (30) days after the renewal date is a misdemeanor offense. (3) The director, after an administrative hearing, shall make a determination of whether the commercial boarding facility conditions and the applicant's animal care practices meet the standards of this chapter, whether the facilities are adequate, and whether the applicant is otherwise willing and capable of complying with city ordinances. If the application is for renewal of an existing license, and the applicant has not complied with the rules and regulations established in this chapter, said director shall issue a "letter of denial of renewal and order of termination of operations" of the subject commercial boarding facility upon the expiration of the current license period. Any unlicensed commercial boarding facility is hereby declared a public nuisance, and shall be summarily abated by seizure and impoundment of all cats and dogs exceeding the legal number that may be kept by a resident. (4) Each commercial boarding facility license application submitted to the department shall be accompanied by an application fee. (5) Corporations with Internal Revenue Service Code Section 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization established for the purpose of protecting and caring for stray and unwanted animals with an active animal rescue organization license issued by the department are exempt from requiring a commercial boarding facility license. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17; Ord. No. 2020-10-29-0772, § 1, 10-29-20)

San Antonio City Code § 5-112 Animal rescue organization license.

Sec. 5-112. - Animal rescue organization license. No person shall operate an animal rescue organization as defined in this chapter within the city, without first obtaining a license from the department. For the purposes of this section, operating an animal rescue organization includes to house in an enclosure or exchange ownership of an animal(s) to or from said organization. The director shall take into consideration the housing conditions, the history of the animal rescue organization as it relates to sanitation, health, welfare of the animals, birds or reptiles housed, and related zoning requirements. The director may require an inspection and evaluation as part of the approval process or upon the receipt of a complaint after approval. (1) Applications for an original or renewal of an animal rescue organization license shall be submitted to the department and shall be approved or denied by the department. The department shall investigate the applicant's qualifications for a license, and report findings to the director. A conviction for the violation of any provision of this chapter may constitute cause for denial or revocation of a license. (2) Failure to apply for a license, or within thirty (30) days after the renewal date, shall constitute a misdemeanor offense. (3) Each animal rescue organization license issued by the department shall be valid for two (2) years. (4) Organizations with an animal rescue organization license issued by the department shall be exempt from being required to have a seller's permit or pet shop license. (5) The following outlines the appeal process for denial or revocation of an animal rescue organization license: a. A person, group or organization that is denied a license or whose license is revoked has the right to appeal the denial or revocation by submitting written notice to the director within ten (10) working days of the denial or revocation. Upon the timely receipt of such written notice, the department shall schedule an animal permit hearing. The person, group or organization shall be notified of said hearing by certified mail, return receipt requested. Failure by the person, group or organization to appear at the hearing shall result in a final denial or revocation with no further appeal. The person, group or organization may be represented by counsel. b. The director shall determine whether, by a preponderance of the evidence, an animal rescue organization license should not be denied or revoked based upon evidence, affidavits, and testimony presented at the time of the hearing by any person possessing information pertinent to such determination. The person may cross examine witnesses. A record of the hearing shall be kept. The director shall issue written factual findings and a determination as to whether the license denial or revocation should be reversed within five (5) working days after the animal permit hearing. The person shall be notified of the director's findings and determination by certified mail, return receipt requested. The result of the appeal is final. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17; Ord. No. 2020-10-29-0772, § 1, 10-29-20)

San Antonio City Code § 5-113 Livestock permits.

Sec. 5-113. - Livestock permits. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep livestock in the city without first applying in writing and obtaining a permit from the department, such permit to be valid only for the location for which it was issued. (b) A person who keeps livestock as defined in this chapter shall pay a permit fee per year for each animal. (c) All fees payable under this chapter, for whatever purpose required, shall be paid to the city. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17)

San Antonio City Code § 5-114 Cat colony permit and registration.

Sec. 5-114. - Cat colony permit and registration. (a) Each cat colony will be registered by the caretakers with the department which will serve as a clearinghouse for information on current caretakers, education for new caretakers, and assistance for persons found in violation of this section. Cat colonies with eight (8) or fewer cats are not required to be registered as a cat colony. (b) Any feral cat picked up by the department which has an appropriate ear tip will be returned to that colony unless veterinary care is required or the criteria listed in subsection (d) apply. (c) Caretakers of feral cat colonies shall obtain a cat colony permit which shall be valid for one (1) year, and implement proper management and sterilization practices as required by the department. Any person or caretaker determined to be in violation of proper management and sterilization practices required by the department shall be issued a written warning and be allowed a period of time to come into compliance, or provide satisfactory evidence of working to achieve compliance. That period of time shall not exceed ninety (90) days from issuance of the initial warning notice. Failure to comply shall result in a violation of this chapter, which may result in the issuance of a citation. (d) The department has the right to immediately seize and remove all, or parts of any colony for the following reasons: (1) Public health and public safety concerns including rabies, other epizootic and certain zoonoses identified by the department of health; or (2) Animals creating a public nuisance as defined in section 5-150. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17)

San Antonio City Code § 5-115 Permit or license fees.

Sec. 5-115. - Permit or license fees. (a) A permit or license shall be issued after payment of the applicable fee, if any. The director is authorized to reduce or waive any fee provided for in this chapter. (b) Failure to pay for and be in receipt of final approved permits or license within thirty (30) days of issuance of a temporary permit or license shall require re-inspection of facilities at the applicant's expense and shall constitute a misdemeanor offense. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17; Ord. No. 2020-10-29-0772, § 1, 10-29-20)

San Antonio City Code § 5-116 Revocation.

Sec. 5-116. - Revocation. All permits or licenses issued under this chapter may be revoked by the director for violation by the holder thereof of any of the provisions of this chapter. Revocation of the permit or license is accomplished by mailing to the holder of such permit or license a written notice by certified mail stating the permit or license is revoked. Revocation of the permit may also be accomplished by personally delivering to the holder thereof a written notice stating the permit or license is revoked. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17; Ord. No. 2020-10-29-0772, § 1, 10-29-20)

San Antonio City Code § 5-117 Impoundment of animals due to non-compliance.

Sec. 5-117. - Impoundment of animals due to non-compliance. If an owner of animals intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly engages in non-compliance or refusal to comply with permit ordinance requirements, the department may seek to impound and take ownership of any available animals if the city follows the process outlined below. The department shall send certified letter of notice to the animal owner indicating the department's decision to seize the animal(s) if compliance is not achieved within ten (10) days of receipt of the letter. (1) The letter shall include the history of past violations, compliance requirements and instructions regarding the appeal process and deadlines. (2) The owner must come into compliance or request an appeal hearing to municipal court and provide notice in writing to the animal care services department within the deadline outlined in the letter. (3) The following outlines the appeal/hearing process: a. The owner must submit in writing a request for an appeal hearing to the department within ten (10) days following receipt of the notification letter. Upon receipt of the appeal request, no animal may be impounded until after the requested hearing is complete, or an additional court order is received. b. A requested hearing will be scheduled no earlier than the 11th day after the date of the service of notice at a date and time determined by the court. c. The municipal court shall issue an order of resolution following the conclusion of the hearing. (4) If the department determines that the owner did not achieve compliance, if the owner did not request a hearing/appeal within the required period of time, or if the determination of the appeal hearing finds non-compliance, the department is authorized to immediately remove the subject animal(s) via court order. a. The department shall take ownership of the animal immediately upon removal from the property; and b. Upon taking ownership, the department has the authority to immediately dispose of the animal(s) as determined by the department. (Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17)

Source: City of San Antonio, City Code, City Charter and Unified Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/san_antonio/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH5AN_ARTVANMIPELIFetched: 10/27/2026