§ 3-148.03. Animal Foster Care Permit.

(a)

Any person, group, or organization which provides temporary holding, care, and treatment for a companion animal pending permanent adoption may apply for a foster animal care permit. The requirements are:

(1)

The organization or group must be approved and registered with the Animal Management Division of the Prince George's County Department of the Environment. Requirements for the organizations or groups are:

(A)

Federal registration as a nonprofit or not-for-profit organization;

(B)

Proof of incorporation in the state in which they do business, as well as proof of good standing; and

(C)

Compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws in keeping animals and record maintenance for the animals and the organization.

(2)

Each individual location holding animals must be registered with the Animal Management Division. The custodian must be associated with a group or organization registered with the Prince George's County Animal Management Division.

(3)

Each location is limited to ten (10) animals including animals owned by the care taker or other residents of the location. Any location housing more than ten (10) animals must apply for an Animal Holding Facility permit.

(4)

Each location must be inspected on an annual basis upon renewal of the permit. In addition, the Animal Management Division may inspect the location for compliance with requirements for the care and maintenance of each animal.

(5)

Each animal owned by custodians, residents, or caregivers at each location must be legally registered with Prince George's County and must be up-to-date on rabies inoculations and other required preventative care requirements.

(6)

Animals being held for temporary foster care may be kept for ninety (90) days without being licensed by Prince George's County. An extension of no more than sixty (60) days may be applied for, and may be granted by, the Associate Director of the Animal Management Division. After that time, the animals will be considered owned animals and must be registered with the County. The Animal Management Division must be notified when a new animal is accepted for temporary foster care and when an animal is adopted from the foster location. The Animal Management Division will maintain and keep current a list of animals at each location.

(7)

With the exception of the animal licensing requirement, each location must meet the requirements set forth for an animal hobby permit. In addition to the penalties set forth for failure to obtain or maintain an animal foster care permit, the custodian is also subject to fines for failure to obtain an animal license for each animal held in custody.

(CB-26-2001; CB-30-2014)