Laredo, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)

Sec. 6-47 makes it unlawful to operate any grooming shop in the city without first obtaining a permit from the animal care services director. The director weighs the type of building construction, whether the applicant holds the mobile business permit required by Chapter 18 for a mobile grooming operation, the applicant's regulatory compliance history on sanitation, health, and animal welfare, and applicable zoning requirements, using a standardized checklist to inspect and evaluate every applicant. A mobile grooming permit cannot be approved unless the applicant already has the Chapter 18 mobile business permit.

Applications for an original or renewal permit go to the animal care services department, which investigates the applicant's qualifications and reports its findings to the director for approval or denial; a conviction for violating any provision of Chapter 6 can be grounds for denial or revocation. Every permit is valid for one year and must be displayed in a prominent place on the premises. Grooming shops are subject to inspection at any time during their regular business hours, and a permit holder has the right to require proof of vaccination before accepting a dog or cat for grooming.

Sec. 00 per year. Sec. 6-49 lets the department revoke any permit, including a grooming shop's, if the holder fails to maintain required city licenses, violates permit terms, makes a false statement on the application, or creates a substantial danger to animal health through neglect, cruelty, unsanitary conditions, or three verified complaints within twelve months; a revoked permit holder can appeal to the city manager in writing within ten days.