Hammond, IN Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

35 defines a PET SHOP as 'any establishment or premises where animals and birds are kept for sale as pets, and where more than the average of 3 animals or pets per month are sold for profit,' and a CATTERY as an establishment keeping cats for sale, exchange, or sporting purposes. 36(A) makes it unlawful to operate a pet shop or cattery without first obtaining a license, with applications made to the City Controller stating the address, a description of the premises, and the number of animals proposed to be kept.

37 ties the annual fee to that number: $20 for under 25 animals or birds, and $50 for 25 or more, counting all puppies and dogs of both sexes except those still nursing. 39 subjects the premises to Board of Health inspection for sanitation, ventilation, and floor space fitness at all reasonable hours. 40 requires every pet shop or cattery operator to give a numbered, triplicate bill of sale with each dog sold, stating the dog's approximate breed, color, sex, and age, sterilization and inoculation status, and the name and address of whoever supplied the animal to the dealer; one copy goes to the purchaser, one to the Police Department, and one is retained by the seller, with a diagram of any special markings on the reverse.

41 requires sick or unfit animals to be disposed of humanely under state law rather than sold. The code, per the target's own scout note, imposes licensing, inspection, and disclosure duties rather than a ban on retail dog or cat sales.