Federal Way, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting agency
- Seattle-King Co. Dept. of Public Health
- Boarding
- not allowed, grooming visits only
- Cage rule
- 1 animal per cage
- Sink size required
- 24 in. x 18 in. x 12 in. minimum
- Non-compliant parlor
- permit must be revoked (9.09.030(3))
Summary
Federal Way grooming parlors need a Seattle-King County Department of Public Health permit and must follow specific animal-handling rules: no boarding, one animal per cage, restraining straps required, and equipment sterilized after every animal.
It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any grooming parlor without a valid permit from Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. Any grooming parlor permit and any certificate of inspection issued pursuant to Chapter 8.03 of the King County Board of Health Code shall be in addition to any business registration required pursuant to Chapter 12.05 FWRC and shall be conspicuously displayed at the establishment to which such license was issued.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
05 FWRC; both must be conspicuously displayed. Operationally, grooming parlors may not board animals, only keep them for a reasonable time to complete the grooming, and must provide restraining straps so an animal cannot fall or be hanged while being groomed. 010, and no more than one animal may be placed in each cage. 190, which additionally requires water-impervious, easily cleaned floors and walls in grooming areas, hot and cold running water with a sink or tub at least 24 by 18 by 12 inches, toilet and handwashing facilities for staff, and routine disinfection of every cage, pen or kennel used to hold animals. A grooming parlor permit must be revoked, or renewal refused, if the establishment becomes a public nuisance or fails to meet these requirements.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the county health permit, or breaching the handling and sanitation standards, is grounds for mandatory revocation or refusal to renew the grooming parlor's permit under FWRC 9.09.030(3), and unsanitary operation is separately unlawful and enforceable as a public nuisance under FWRC 9.18.150(3).
Frequently Asked Questions
What permit does a Federal Way dog groomer need?
Can a Federal Way grooming parlor board my dog overnight?
What happens if a Federal Way grooming parlor breaks the sanitation rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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Pet Groomer Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle pet groomer rules.