Pierce County, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License required by
- PCC 5.24.030
- Reviewing agencies
- Fire, Planning and Public Works, Health Dept.
- Records retention
- 3 years (current + past 2)
- Renewal deadline
- March 31, or 100% late penalty
- Transfer fee
- $75 upon change of ownership
Summary
A grooming parlor in unincorporated Pierce County must hold a county license under PCC 5.24.030, the same chapter that licenses kennels, catteries, and pet shops, and it undergoes fire, planning, and health department review before opening.
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, maintain, or have six or more dogs and/or cats, or operate a commercial kennel or cattery, boarding kennel/cattery, foster shelter/kennel/cattery, hobby kennel, grooming parlor, private kennel/cattery, short-term boarding facility, or pet shop, within the unincorporated areas of Pierce County without an applicable license as provided for by this Chapter.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-515, and legislation passed through May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
24 PCC, the same licensing scheme covering commercial and hobby kennels, catteries, boarding facilities, and pet shops. Licensed veterinarians are exempt if grooming is only an ancillary service to their veterinary practice on the same premises. 040 requires the groomer to submit the facility address, maximum animal capacity, a written statement from the Pierce County Planning Department confirming zoning compliance, permission for inspections at any reasonable time, and a statement or permit from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department confirming adequate sanitary facilities; the Auditor routes each application to the Fire Prevention Bureau, Planning and Public Works, and the Health Department for review.
F requires the licensee to keep three years of records on every animal received, sold, traded, or groomed, available to the Auditor on request. D. B.
Violations & Fines
Operating a grooming parlor without the license PCC 5.24.030 requires, or failing to maintain records, post the license, or renew on time, exposes the operator to license suspension or revocation under PCC 5.24.110, plus the civil and criminal penalties set out in PCC 5.24.150 and PCC 5.24.160; a late renewal alone carries a penalty fee of 100 percent of the license fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a dog grooming business need a county license in unincorporated Pierce County?
What agencies review a Pierce County pet grooming license application?
What happens if a Pierce County kennel or grooming license isn't renewed on time?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pierce County
Compare Pierce County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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