(a) For purposes of this section, “owner” shall not include:
(1) A licensed veterinary hospital;
(2) A licensed pet shop; and
(3) An incorporated animal welfare agency not engaged in the sale of animals.
(b) An owner who has a dog over the age of 4 months shall before July 1st of each year, or within 10 days of acquiring the dog, or within 10 days after the dog becomes 4 months of age, obtain an annual license. An owner shall ensure that his or her dog wears a collar or harness and a license.
(c) Before any annual license may be issued, the owner of the dog shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies and distemper, and shall pay any outstanding fines.
(d) Repealed.
(e) The annual license fees for dogs is as follows:
(1) No fee for a dog trained as a service animal and actually used for the purpose of assisting a person with a physical or sensory impairment, such as a vision or hearing impairment;
(2) $15 for a male or female dog certified by a licensed veterinarian as neutered or spayed or certified as incapable of enduring spaying or neutering; and
(3) $50 for all other dogs.
(e-1) $2 of each fee collected pursuant to subsection (e) of this section shall be deposited into the Animal Education and Outreach Fund, established by § 8-1810.01. Remaining money from the fees collected shall be deposited in the General Fund of the District of Columbia.
(f) The Mayor may periodically revise the schedule of fees by rulemaking.
(g) No license may be transferred from 1 dog to another.
(h) Any license issued pursuant to this section shall be issued by the Department of Health. The Department of Health may delegate this function to any veterinarians licensed in the District of Columbia.
