Rapid City, SD Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Section
- § 6.08.054
- Licensing authority
- City's Designated Animal Control Authority
- Pre-issuance step
- Animal Control Officer property inspection
- License term
- 1 year, beginning January 1
- Exempt
- Licensed veterinary clinics/hospitals
- Fee
- Set by Common Council resolution
Summary
Rapid City Municipal Code Section 6.08.054 requires anyone operating a pet grooming business to hold a license from the city's Designated Animal Control Authority. An Animal Control Officer must inspect the property and confirm compliance with zoning and animal control ordinances before the Authority will issue it, and the license runs one calendar year from January 1.
It is unlawful for any person to operate a pet grooming business as defined in this title without first obtaining a license for the pet grooming business. Only 1 license is required per 1 pet grooming business. To apply for a license, a person desiring to operate a pet grooming business shall pay an application fee. An application fee to apply to operate a pet grooming business shall be established by resolution of the Common Council of the city. Licenses will be issued by the city’s Designated Animal Control Authority provided the use is in compliance with the city zoning ordinances and animal control ordinances. No pet grooming business license may be issued until the property has been inspected by an Animal Control Officer and the Animal Control Officer has reported to the city’s Designated Animal Control Authority, in writing, that the pet grooming business meets the requirements of all City ordinances, state statutes and is being operated in a humane manner. Pet grooming business licenses shall be issued for 1 year beginning January 1.
Full Breakdown
056), each licensed the same way. Only one license is required per pet grooming business, and the application fee is set by resolution of the Common Council rather than fixed in the code itself. G includes any contracted agent such as the Humane Society of the Black Hills, issues the license, but only after an Animal Control Officer physically inspects the property and reports in writing that the business complies with all city ordinances and state statutes and is operated in a humane manner; compliance with the city's zoning ordinances is a separate prerequisite the Authority must also confirm.
Licenses run for one year beginning January 1, meaning a groomer opening mid-year still renews on the same citywide January 1 cycle rather than on an anniversary date. Hospitals, clinics and other premises run by a licensed veterinarian for animal care and treatment are exempt from this licensing section entirely, so a veterinary clinic offering grooming as an ancillary service does not need the separate pet grooming license. 060 general penalty, apply to pet grooming licensees along with the rest of Title 6.
Violations & Fines
Operating a pet grooming business without the Section 6.08.054 license is a Title 6 violation subject to the general penalty at Section 6.04.060: the Chapter 1.12 fine of $1 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both. The city's Designated Animal Control Authority can also refuse or withhold the license outright if the pre-issuance inspection turns up noncompliance with zoning or animal control ordinances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a dog groomer need a city license in Rapid City?
When does a Rapid City pet grooming license expire?
Does a veterinary clinic that also grooms pets need this license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rapid City
Compare Rapid City to another location·View the South Dakota animal ordinances overview
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