Aliso Viejo, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)

A pet groomer in the City of Aliso Viejo needs a commercial animal establishment license. AVMC 6.02.010 defines a grooming parlor or mobile grooming facility as any premises where animals are groomed, brushed, clipped or bathed or otherwise conditioned as pets or for show on a commercial basis, and the term expressly covers mobile grooming. AVMC 6.04.460 makes it unlawful to conduct that business without first obtaining a license, alongside animal exhibitions, rental establishments, commercial stables, kennels and pet shops.

Applications go to the director of animal services, who is the manager of the animal services department for the city of Mission Viejo, or a designee, acting pursuant to contract. The fee is the one established by the city of Mission Viejo, is payable in full when the application is submitted and is not refundable under AVMC 6.04.480. The license lasts one year from the date of issuance unless a council resolution provides otherwise (AVMC 6.04.490), and it must show the issue date, the expiration date and the location of the licensed activity.

The director must deny the application if the applicant does not meet the title's specific requirements, made a false, misleading or deceptive statement, is not a fit person, or if issuing the license would be detrimental to public health, safety, public morals or public order. The director can revoke a license at any time for conduct that does not comport with the public welfare, for illegal, improper or disorderly operation, or for operation substantially different from the application. A denied or revoked licensee can appeal under Chapter 1.10 AVMC.

Day-to-day rules come from AVMC 6.02.110: sound housing, food and water as often as feeding habits require, sanitary conditions, no animal left without attention more than 12 consecutive hours, and a posted phone number or responsible person when animals are left unattended. The licensee must display the license prominently in each licensed establishment, or carry it in the licensed vehicle, and show it to any peace officer who asks. Licenses cannot be transferred or used at another location. Zoning is separate: Table 15.18.020 shows Animal grooming as AUP in the CT, CC and CN districts, NP in PO, and P in BP-1 and BP-2.