Any dog left unattended outside must have:
- Fresh, clean and drinkable water at all times in a non-tip bowl.
- A dog house, with no interior metal surfaces, that protects the animal from the heat and sunlight and is at least 2" off the ground.
- Dry bedding or resting board inside the dog house.
- Separate shade (manmade or natural), other than a dog house available at all times.
- If the dog is an enclosure, the minimum enclosure size must meet County minimums
- Minimum Enclosure sizes: 100 square feet for dogs under 80 pounds, 150 square feet for dogs over 80 pounds, additional 50 square feet for each dog under 80 pounds in the same enclosure, additional 75 square feet for each dog 80 pounds in the same enclosure.
Dogs CANNOT:
- Be tethered outdoors in temperatures exceed 89 degrees
Animal Service also recommends:
- If the temperature or heat index is expected to be at or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit all dogs should be brought indoors to an area that is temperature controlled.
Failure to comply with the above requirements and recommendations may result in civil citations with fines from $125 - $1000 in violation of the County Code, removal of the animal and/or criminal prosecution for abuse or neglect of an animal in violation of State Law.
