Inspection Program:
For Pet Dealerships & Kennels

Animal Services manages an inspection program for pet dealers/kennels and inspects them up to twice a year to ensure compliance with Pinellas County Code Chapter-14 (see below). Pet dealer means any person who, in the ordinary course of business, engages in the sale of more than two litters or 20 dogs or cats per year, to the public. This includes breeders of animals who sell pets directly to a consumer. 

Pinellas County Animal Services Code Chapter-14 Sections:

• 14-26 - Definitions
  
• 14-29 - Pet Dealers and Kennels

Additional Information:

• Pet Lemon Law
• Pinellas County Permitted Breeders

Please provide the requested information:

• Sign, mail or deliver this pet dealer/kennel permit/application with the $150.00 fee to Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774. Cash or Credit Card preferred, Checks should be made payable to: Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. Please allow approximately two weeks for processing and mail delivery.
  • The issuance of a Pet Dealer/Kennel Permit does not waive or supersede, or modify and requirements or restrictions of any other department, agency, municipality, state of Florida or US Federal Government. By signing the Pet Dealer/Kennel Permit Application, you agree to allow Animal Services Code Enforcement Officers to inspect animals, facilities where animals are kept and records as specified in the Pinellas County Code Chapter 14 and Florida State Statutes 585,767 and 828 at any reasonable time or day.

Inspection Program Requirements:

Records:

• Records shall be kept on each individual animal boarded, housed, trained, groomed, hired or offered for sale and must be available to the inspecting Officer.
• Records must include the name, address and phone number of the legal owner and description of the animal(s).
• Name, address and phone number of the attending veterinarian.
• All vaccination records and license information for each animal.
• Records of any medications administered to the animal that includes date, medication given and dosage.
• Current Official Certificates of Veterinarian Inspection on all animals offered for sale. All Certificates must be available to the inspecting Officer, and renewed every 30 days while the animal is offered for sale. The Certificates must be maintained for one year.
• Point of Sales reports must be sent to Pinellas County Animal Services and a copy must be maintained on the property for one year and must be available to the inspecting Officer. 8. A current/valid Dealer Permit must be displayed, and must be renewed by fee annually at: Pinellas County Animal Services 12450 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL. 33774 9. Have an evacuation plan for animals.

Basic Physical Standards of Facility / Animal Enclosures:

• Are solidly constructed and sound physical structure
• Are maintained in good repair
• Facility ensures that animals are kept from injury, and are kept dry and clean.
• When applicable, cage/kennel have adequate gauge coated wire to prevent sagging under the animals’ weight, and the mesh is small enough to prevent their feet from passing through.
• Interior surfaces are water resistant and capable of being readily cleaned and sanitized
• All primary enclosures allow each animal to turn around, and exercise normal postural movements.
• Electric power is provided
• Potable water is provided
• Adequate ventilation with fresh or mechanical air is provided
• Natural and or artificial lighting is provided and so arranged as to protect each animal from excessive illumination
• Sewage and waste is disposed of, and drainage shall not back flow into animal areas.
• Isolation areas are segregated from the main population
• All pets and animals, regardless of species are provided with the basic standard husbandry requirements and sanitation/maintenance needs.
• Food and food storage areas must be maintained dry, clean and free of pests.
• Animals housed in boarding kennels, or “in estrus” shall be separated in individual cages unless requested by owner.
• Animals must be kept in good condition.

Inspections:

• Dealers must provide access to Pinellas County Animal Control Officers during regular business hours for annual inspection or complaint.
• Inspections shall include the inspection of records, facility and animal care.
• Inspection results will be rated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
• An unsatisfactory rating may result in one or more of the following actions:
  • a. Non renewal of Permit
  • b. Citation(s)
  • c. Warning
  • d. Corrective action needed Non renewals

Non Renewals of Permit:

• Non renewal may be based upon a severe/critical deficiency(s) relating to but not limited to:
  
  • a. Failure to correct previously reported deficiency(s)
  • b. Maintenance of records
  • c. Facility sanitation or safety
  • d. Animal care e. Pursuant to a court order naming the permit holder or representative guilty of an animal cruelty charge
• Once deficiency(s) has been corrected the business owner must submit a letter to the Director or designee at the Department of Animal Services detailing corrections and requesting a new inspection.
  • a. Animal Services will inspect business within three business days after the receipt of request.
  • b. Once inspection is rated satisfactory, the business owner may reapply for a new permit and must submit annual fee.
  • c. Citations issued for violations found initially will not be dropped.

Return to top