Duluth, MN Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)

Duluth Legislative Code Section 6-82 places commercial grooming shops and commercial mobile grooming shops on the same license-fee schedule as pet shops and breeding or boarding kennels: the city council sets the fee for each category by resolution, and the city animal shelter alone is exempt. Section 6-83 requires an annual license from the city clerk's office before anyone establishes, operates or maintains a licensed activity under the Article, with license renewal applications due at least 30 days before the current term expires; a license issued under the Article expires one year from issuance unless suspended or revoked sooner, and it must be displayed prominently at all times at the establishment.

Section 6-84 lets the animal control authority inspect a first-time license applicant before the license issues, and gives the authority discretion to inspect any premises under the Article at any time afterward; every application and renewal investigation is reported in writing to the city clerk's office, and a license cannot be issued or renewed without full compliance with the Article's terms. A groomer, like any other Article VIII licensee, is responsible for the conduct of its own employees and agents, and Section 6-86 lets the animal control authority suspend or revoke a license for cause, including any law violation relating to the business, unpaid fees or taxes, lapsed insurance or bond, refusal to cooperate with an investigation, or a false or fraudulent application, with an appeal to the administrative lieutenant of the Duluth police department.