[Adopted 9-27-2005 by L.L. No. 27-2005 (Ch. 216, Art. II,
of the 1985 Code)]
A.Â
This Legislature hereby finds that many diseases that affect dogs
and cats are highly contagious and the chances of transmitting such
diseases are greatly increased when dogs and cats are housed in boarding
kennels.
B.Â
This Legislature also finds that vaccinations are an important part
of preventing diseases among dogs and cats. By requiring dog and cat
owners to provide proof of vaccination for certain common diseases
before such animals are placed in boarding kennels, Suffolk County
can lower the incidence of preventable diseases and help improve the
health of these animals.
C.Â
Therefore, the purpose of this article is to prevent the spread of
disease in the domestic animal population by regulating boarding kennels,
businesses and establishments.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any facility other than an animal shelter where ownership
of the animal is not transferred and such animals are sheltered, harbored
or maintained in return for a fee.
The Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health
Services.
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services.
A.Â
No dog shall be accepted at a boarding kennel, business or establishment
unless the owner of such animal provides to such facility a current
health certificate from a licensed veterinarian stating that such
animal has been vaccinated against rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza,
and parvo and coma viruses within the previous one year, unless the
vaccine is an approved three-year vaccination as certified by the
veterinarian, and against bordetella during the previous six months;
provided that an owner of a dog may provide a written recommendation
from a veterinarian exempting the dog of such owner from receiving
a vaccination for distemper due to medical considerations.
B.Â
No cat shall be accepted at a boarding kennel, business or establishment
unless the owner of such animal provides to such facility a current
health certificate from a licensed veterinarian stating that such
animal has been vaccinated against rabies within the previous one
year, unless the rabies vaccine is an approved three-year vaccination
as certified by the veterinarian, and against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis,
calisi and chlamydia psittaci within the previous one year.
A.Â
Every boarding kennel, business or establishment shall maintain,
and make available for inspection, records for each dog and cat utilizing
such facility, for a period of 12 months from the last day of such
utilization, indicating the owner's name, address, telephone number
and emergency contact; the animal's duration of stay; services provided;
and proof of vaccinations.
B.Â
The Department shall conduct an inspection of the records of each
boarding kennel, business or establishment not less than once every
12 months to determine such facility's compliance with the provisions
of this article.
The Department shall promulgate such rules and regulations as
it deems necessary and appropriate for the implementation and enforcement
of any provisions of this article.
Any owner or operator of a boarding kennel, business or establishment
that violates any provision of this article shall be liable for a
civil penalty of $250 for each violation.
This article shall be enforced by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services in accordance with the provisions of Article II, § 760-200 et seq., of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code.
This article shall apply to actions occurring on or after the
effective date of this article.
