Commercial boarding facility.
San Antonio City Code § 5-17
in effectSec. 5-17. - Commercial boarding facility.
(a) No person shall operate a commercial boarding facility within the city without first obtaining a license from the department.
(b) The exterior of a commercial boarding facility area shall be completely fenced or otherwise enclosed to prevent animals from leaving the premises.
(c) Runs shall be constructed to effectively enclose the animals housed therein. Construction shall permit ready observation and handling of the animals and promote ease of cleaning. Runs and exercise areas having gravel or other non-permanent surface materials shall be sanitized a minimum of once in each twenty-four-hour period and more frequently as may be necessary by removal of soiled materials and application of suitable disinfectants and replacement with clean surface materials.
(d) All primary enclosures shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury, to contain them, and exclude other animals. They shall be constructed and maintained to enable the animals contained therein to remain dry and clean and to permit regular and effective cleaning. Heating and cooling shall be provided as required, according to the physical need of the animals, with sufficient light to allow observation of animals and sanitation conditions.
(e) Group housing is permitted for animals that are compatible. Adequate space shall be permitted to allow freedom of movement and comfort.
(f) All animals that are known to be exposed to or show symptoms of having infectious or contagious diseases shall not be transferred to any person other than the owner of the animal or a licensed veterinarian.
(g) A commercial boarding facility shall not accept a dog for boarding without first obtaining a copy of the dog's immunization record or veterinarian receipt showing that the animal has a current rabies vaccination certificate and been vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis, para influenza, and canine parvovirus in accordance with standard veterinary practices. A commercial boarding facility shall not accept a cat for boarding without first obtaining a copy of the cat's immunization record or veterinarian receipt showing that the cat has a current rabies certificate and been vaccinated against feline panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis, and calici virus in accordance with standard veterinary practices. Puppies and kittens less than four (4) months of age are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement. A commercial boarding facility shall not accept an equine for boarding without first obtaining a copy of that equine's immunization record or veterinarian receipt showing that the equine has a current rabies certificate and current Coggins test certificate. The animal care services facility and commercial boarding facility possessing federal certification of non-profit status (IRS 501(c)(3)) are exempt from this requirement.
(h) It is the responsibility of the permittees, except for those exempted from the payment of commercial boarding facility fees, to be able to prove at any time that all cats, dogs and equines on the premises which are over four (4) months of age are currently vaccinated against rabies.
(i) All animals shall be supplied with sufficient species specific food during each twenty-four-hour period and more often if the physiological needs of the animal require it. Each animal shall have access to fresh potable water at all times.
(j) Precautions shall be taken to ensure that animals are not teased, annoyed, or made to suffer by any persons or means.
(Ord. No. 2010-06-17-0555, § 1, 6-17-10; Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755, § 1, 10-5-17; Ord. No. 2020-10-29-0772, § 1, 10-29-20)
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_ARTIINGE_S5-17COBOFAFetched: 10/27/2026