Albuquerque, NM Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Animal Service Provider Permit (ASPP)
- Cleaning frequency
- At least twice daily
- Enclosures
- Must meet secure-facility standards
- Max fine
- $500 or 90 days jail
Summary
Albuquerque grooming parlors must hold an Animal Service Provider Permit, meet secure-facility and sanitation standards, and clean animal areas at least twice daily.
(A) Indoor and outdoor facilities must meet the definitions of "Secure Facility" and "Secure Fence"... Outdoor facilities must provide shade from the sun and shelter from rain or snow. Suitable drainage must be provided. There can be no unintentional standing water. (B) Cleanliness. Feces and urine shall be removed as necessary to prevent the Animals from becoming soiled and to prevent odors but under no circumstances less than twice each day or every time a new Animal is placed in a temporary enclosure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).
Full Breakdown
The Revised Ordinances define a Grooming Parlor as an establishment maintained wholly or partly to perform cosmetological services for animals, classifying it as an Animal Service Provider that must obtain an Animal Service Provider Permit (ASPP) with a valid Tax ID and City business registration before operating. Facilities must meet the code's secure-facility and secure-fence standards, provide non-injurious, adequately sized enclosures, litter access for cats, odor-free ventilation, and weatherproof outdoor areas with drainage. Feces and urine must be removed at least twice daily or whenever a new animal enters an enclosure.
Violations & Fines
Operating a grooming parlor without an ASPP or violating facility standards can bring permit suspension or revocation by the Mayor's designee, plus the code's general penalty of up to a $500 fine or 90 days imprisonment per violation, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Albuquerque dog groomer need a city permit?
How often must a grooming facility be cleaned?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
Compare Albuquerque to another location·View the New Mexico animal ordinances overview
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