Bellevue, NE Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)

Bellevue's Article V, Commercial Animal Establishments, governs grooming shops. Section 6-0 defines a GROOMING SHOP as a commercial establishment where animals are bathed, clipped, plucked or otherwise groomed, and folds it into the broader COMMERCIAL ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENT definition alongside pet shops, auctions, riding schools, zoological parks, circuses, performing animal exhibits and kennels. Section 6-101 then makes it unlawful to operate any commercial animal establishment, including a grooming shop, without first obtaining a permit.

Under § 6-102, the licensing authority writes the regulations for that permit, covering humane care of animals and compliance with chapter 6 and other applicable law, and can amend them over time. Section 6-103 issues the permit once an applicant shows willingness and ability to comply and pays the applicable fee. The permit period runs with the fiscal year under § 6-104, with renewal applications due 30 days before to 60 days after the fiscal year starts. A change in ownership can transfer the permit for a fee under § 6-105, and § 6-106 sets an annual permit fee per the Master Fee Schedule, though § 6-107 exempts veterinary hospitals, animal shelters and government zoos from that fee while still requiring a separate permit per facility. Section 6-108 lets the licensing authority revoke a permit for noncompliance, bars anyone convicted of animal cruelty from holding one, and gives the authority a standing right to inspect the grooming shop's animals and premises at any time.