Definitions.
Atlanta City Code § 18-211
in effectSec. 18-211. - Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Animal care facility means an animal control center or animal shelter, maintained by or under contract with any state, county, or municipality, whose mission or practice is, in whole or significant part, protecting the welfare of animals and placing animals in permanent homes or with animal rescue organizations.
Animal rescue organization means any not-for-profit organization which has tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, whose mission and practice is, in whole or in significant part, the rescue and placement of animals in permanent homes.
Cat means cat, or any domesticated feline, of either sex, whether vaccinated against rabies or not.
Dog means dog, or any domesticated canine, of either sex, whether vaccinated against rabies or not.
Pet shop means an establishment, for which an occupation tax certificate issued pursuant to chapter 30 is necessary, where dogs and cats are sold, exchanged, bartered or offered for sale as pet animals to the general public at retail. Such definition shall not include an animal care facility or animal rescue organization, as defined herein.
(Ord. No. 2018-55(18-O-1655), § 1, 11-14-18)
Source: City of Atlanta, Code of Ordinances (Charter and Related Laws, General Ordinances, Land Development Code) (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ga/atlanta/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOORENOR_CH18AN_ARTVPESH_S18-211DEFetched: 10/28/2026