Los Angeles County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 10.40.020
- Cage-dryer checks
- Every 15 minutes minimum
- Banned restraints
- Nooses, chokers, pinch, prong collars
- Unsupervised groomer
- Requires certification or 1-yr experience
- Scope
- Unincorporated areas + contract cities
Summary
In unincorporated LA County, licensed pet-grooming facilities must follow detailed equipment, sanitation, and staffing standards set by County Code, not just general business rules.
Animal facilities where animals are bathed or groomed for compensation must comply with the following provisions... A.Consultation. A consultation with the customer must take place prior to the grooming... B.Equipment.1.Tethering.a.All tethering devices must be equipped with a quick-release feature.b.Grooming nooses, chokers, slip collars, pinch collars, and prong collars cannot be used as tethering devices... 5.Dryers.a.Cage or box dryers with a fully enclosed drying chamber in which the animal is placed, with heating elements and without safety vents, are prohibited... c.Pets in cage dryers must be observed at least every fifteen (15) minutes to ensure they are not overheating and the dryer is functioning properly.
Full Breakdown
County Code § 10.40.020 requires grooming shops in unincorporated LA County to hold a consultation with owners before grooming, use quick-release tethers (no nooses, chokers, pinch or prong collars as restraints), fit tables and tubs with non-slip surfaces, ban fully-enclosed cage dryers with heating elements and no safety vents, and check caged animals every 15 minutes. Facilities must maintain a working relationship with a veterinarian and post that vet's contact info, and unsupervised groomers must hold a nationally recognized certification, grooming-school diploma with a year of experience, or a completed one-year apprenticeship. This governs unincorporated areas and, per Title 10's contract-city provision, contract cities as applicable -- not the City of Los Angeles or other independently incorporated cities.
Violations & Fines
Operating an animal facility, including a grooming shop, without complying with these equipment, staffing, and record-keeping standards is enforced by LA County Animal Care and Control as a licensing violation; related recordkeeping failures under Chapter 10.40 are charged as a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these grooming rules apply inside the City of Los Angeles?
Can a groomer use a cage dryer on a pet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.