Corpus Christi, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)

Sec. 6-1 defines a 'grooming shop' as 'a commercial enterprise where two (2) or more dogs or cats over four (4) months of age are groomed, upon agreement with the dog or cat owner, on a service-for-fee basis,' located in an appropriately zoned area with a certificate of occupancy. That makes a grooming shop a 'commercial animal establishment' under Sec. 6-1, which triggers Article III of Chapter 6.

Sec. 6-51(a) requires every commercial animal establishment, other than veterinarians and veterinary hospitals, to 'maintain a valid commercial permit.' The permit is nontransferable between owners or locations (Sec. 6-51(b)), a separate permit is required for each distinct grooming shop even under common ownership (Sec. 6-51(c)), and a new application is required on any change of location or ownership (Sec. 6-51(d)). The shop is subject to inspection by an animal care officer during normal business hours (Sec. 6-51(e)) and must display the permit prominently (Sec. 6-51(f)). Sec. 6-51(h) bars selling a dog or cat four months or older without a valid rabies vaccination, and Sec. 6-51(i) makes it an offense to operate before the permit is issued or to let a renewal lapse more than thirty days.

Applications go to the Animal Care Services division under Sec. 6-52, which reviews for compliance with construction, zoning, and other city ordinances before issuing the permit; a certificate of occupancy can serve as evidence of that compliance. The current fee schedule, filed under Sec. 6-15 and effective October 1, 2025, lists a $100.00 fee for a grooming shop permit. Under Sec. 6-53, the permit renews annually. Sec. 6-58 lets Animal Care Services suspend or revoke the permit for unsanitary conditions, cruelty, or three or more notices of violation within twelve months.