Title
Ordinance to Amend and Reenact the City Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia by Amending Article IV, Chapter 5 Entitled "Dog and Cat Licenses" to Allow Citizens the Option to Purchase a Lifetime License for Their Dogs and/or Cats
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
On July 1, 2017, the General Assembly revised the state code relative to animal licenses. After putting together a team to investigate and report on the current licensing options, the General Assembly concluded that localities should be allowed to offer the option to their citizens to purchase a lifetime license for their pets. Pursuant to the Code of Virginia, the lifetime license is only valid as long as the animal is up to date on its rabies vaccinations and as long as the owner remains a resident of the locality. See Code of Virginia § 3.2-6528 and § 3.2-6530.
Discussion:
The proposed amendments will allow each pet owner to choose whether to purchase the traditional annual license for a fee of $10 per year ($4 per year if neutered or spayed) or to opt for the lifetime license for a fee of $20. This will give the owners flexibility to decide which option is best for them based upon their finances and the age or condition of the animal. Those citizens who choose the lifetime license will also enjoy the convenience of not having to renew the license each year. The optional lifetime license will also reduce the administrative and financial burden to the Treasurer’s office by reducing the amount of annual renewal mailings and other processing costs. Enforcement of the license and rabies vaccination laws by Animal Control will not be affected by those changes. The proposed ordinance changes also make clear that owners who purchase the lifetime license will not receive a refund if the animal were to be lost or passes away. The changes also clearly state the lifetime license is not transferable to another animal and that it only remains valid if the animal’s rabies vaccinations are up to...
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