Norfolk, VA Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)

1-9(a) requires anyone operating a pet shop or grooming salon, dealing in companion animals, or offering any companion animal for sale to obtain a permit from the animal control officer no later than January 31 of each year. The animal control officer inspects the facility before issuing the permit, and the permit renews each January 31 thereafter subject to the officer's approval; the fee is $50 per year. 1-9(b), permit holders must keep records in the format the city specifies on the application, and the animal control officer or the public health officer may inspect the facility without prior notice at any time animals are present; the permit itself must be displayed where the public can see it.

1-9(c) lets the animal control officer deny an application or renewal for fraudulent practices, inhumane treatment of animals, or violations of local, state, or federal animal law, with a denied applicant able to appeal to the animal welfare board of review under article VII. 1-9(d) after investigation and a hearing; the officer must give at least five days' written notice, hold the hearing within ten days of service, and issue written reasons for revocation within five days of the hearing, with the same appeal right to the board of review.