The city may release dogs or cats impounded at the animal shelter, and dogs or cats running at- large or in the care of the animal control officer, to a person holding a foster caregiver’s permit.
(1) 
Application.
To obtain a foster caregiver permit, a person shall submit an application to the animal control officer, which shall include:
(A) 
The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant;
(B) 
The name, address, and telephone number of the location where foster care will be conducted;
(C) 
Written consent to the city’s random inspection of the applicant’s premises;
(D) 
Any other information determined necessary by the animal control officer for the enforcement and administration of this chapter; and
(E) 
Proof of attendance at a foster caregiver class sponsored by the animal shelter.
(2) 
Requirements for issuance.
The animal control officer shall issue a foster caregiver permit if:
(A) 
The applicant meets the requirements of this chapter; and
(B) 
An inspection of the applicant’s premises shows they are of sufficient size and in a sanitary condition to allow for healthy treatment of the animals.
(3) 
Conditions.
The permit holder shall comply with any conditions imposed by the animal control officer.
(4) 
Term.
The permit shall be valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of issuance.
(5) 
Transfer.
A foster caregiver permit is nontransferable and the permit fee is nonrefundable.
(6) 
Placement of animals.
The animal control officer may, at their discretion, place animals with the holder of a foster caregiver permit.
(Ordinance 2019-02 adopted 2/5/19)
(a) 
The animal control officer may deny a foster caregiver permit if:
(1) 
The applicant’s premises are not of sufficient size to allow for the safe placement of the dogs or cats;
(2) 
The applicant’s premises are not maintained in a sanitary condition;
(3) 
The applicant fails to meet any requirement of this chapter; or
(4) 
The applicant, or a person who resides with the applicant, has committed a violation of Texas Penal Code (cruelty to animals), or four (4) or more violations of an animal control ordinance of a Texas municipality within any twelve (12) month period.
(b) 
The animal control officer may revoke a foster caregiver permit if the permit holder:
(1) 
Fails to properly restrain their dogs or cats;
(2) 
Fails to adequately care for or protect the dogs or cats in their custody;
(3) 
Fails to meet any requirement specified in the foster caregiver permit or this chapter; or
(4) 
Fails to maintain their premises in a sanitary condition.
(Ordinance 2019-02 adopted 2/5/19)
If the animal control officer denies or revokes a foster caregiver permit, they shall give notice by personal service or by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner. The applicant or permit holder may appeal the decision to deny or revoke by filing written notice with the city manager or designee within five (5) days after receipt of notice. The city manager shall mail or cause to be personally delivered written notice of the time and place of the hearing to the person appealing. The notice shall be mailed to the address specified in the notice of appeal form. The city manager or designee shall make their decision on the basis of a preponderance of the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision of the city manager or designee shall be final.
(Ordinance 2019-02 adopted 2/5/19)