Lakewood, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Grooming parlor defined
- Bathes/clips/combs animals for a fee
- License required
- Before operating in Lakewood
- Zoning proof
- Planning and Public Works letter
- Health review
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept sanitary statement
- Ownership transfer
- Approved automatically after 30 days
Summary
Lakewood defines a "grooming parlor" as any place where animals are bathed, clipped or combed for a fee, and LMC 6.06.023 requires that business to hold a license before operating, alongside commercial kennels, pet shops and catteries. Applicants must prove their location meets the City's zoning rules before the license issues.
“Grooming parlor” means any place or establishment, public or private, where animals are bathed, clipped, or combed for a consideration. ... ... 6. A written statement issued by the City of Lakewood Department of Planning and Public Works (PPW) that such commercial kennel or cattery, foster shelter/kennel/cattery, hobby kennel, grooming parlor, private kennel/cattery, or pet shop is in compliance with applicable zoning codes of the City;
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 852, passed June 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
023(A) defines a "grooming parlor" as any place or establishment, public or private, where animals are bathed, clipped, or combed for a consideration. Subsection B folds grooming parlors into the same licensing mandate that covers commercial kennels, foster shelters, hobby kennels, private kennels, and pet shops: it is unlawful to operate any of them within Lakewood without the applicable license. 023(G), give the City the facility's address, the name of the person supervising it, a written statement from the Department of Planning and Public Works confirming compliance with applicable zoning codes, permission for inspection of the premises at any reasonable time, a sanitary-facilities statement or permit from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, and the name of the veterinarian who cares for sick or injured animals on site. 010, and the transfer is deemed approved if the City has not rejected it within 30 days. 023(F).
Violations & Fines
Running a grooming parlor without the license required by LMC 6.06.023(B) exposes the operator to license denial, suspension, or revocation under the grounds listed in LMC Chapter 5.02, and the City's Planning and Public Works and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Departments can withhold approval until zoning and sanitation requirements are met. The City may also decline to approve an ownership transfer that is not filed and reviewed within the 30-day window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lakewood require a license to run a dog grooming business?
What does a Lakewood groomer need to submit for a license?
Can I transfer a grooming parlor license to a new owner?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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