Lincoln, NE Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Pet shop permit fee
- $85.00 annually
- Groom shop permit fee
- $85.00 annually
- Combined shop fee
- $100.00 annually
- Pet shop inspections
- At least every 6 months
- Permit expires
- September 30 each year
Summary
Lincoln requires a Director-issued permit before operating any pet shop or groom shop, backed by mandatory sanitation inspections and annual fees of $85 to $100.
No pet shop or groom shop shall be operated or maintained in the City of Lincoln without a permit issued by the Director. Before such a permit is issued, an inspection of the premises shall be conducted by the Director. Upon a finding by the Director that the premises are in compliance with the law and upon payment of the following fees, said permit shall be issued:
Pet Shop
$85.00
Groom Shop
$85.00
Pet Shop with Groom Shop
$100.00
First Mobile Groom Shop Unit
$55.00
Each Additional Unit
$20.00
A permit holder who fails to renew the permit within thirty days of the permit expiration date shall pay a late fee of $25.00 in addition to the annual permit fee.
a. Permits are not transferable from one person to another person or place. A valid permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place in every pet shop or groom shop.
b. A permit holder shall notify the Director of any change of operations which may affect the status of the permit and shall keep the Director apprised of any change in name or location of such business.
c. The pet shop or groom shop permit shall expire September thirtieth of each calendar year and shall be renewed by October first of that year.
Full Breakdown
Under Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 6.04, no pet shop or groom shop may operate without a permit from the Animal Control Director, issued only after a premises inspection confirms compliance. Fees are $85 for a pet shop, $85 for a groom shop, $100 for a combined pet shop/groom shop, $55 for a first mobile groom shop unit, and $20 per additional unit; late renewal adds a $25 fee. Permits are non-transferable, must be posted conspicuously, and expire every September 30, renewing by October 1. The Director inspects each pet shop at least every six months and each groom shop at least every twelve months.
Violations & Fines
Inspection violations trigger a written notice with a correction deadline; failure to comply can bring prosecution or permit suspension. Serious or repeated violations, after notice and a hearing opportunity, can result in permanent permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pet groomers in Lincoln need a city permit?
How often are Lincoln groom shops inspected?
Can Lincoln suspend or revoke a groom shop permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska animal ordinances overview
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