San Jose, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Before operating any grooming business
- Covers
- Commercial shops and paid in-home grooming
- Issued by
- City administrator (Animal Care & Control)
- Term
- Valid twelve months, renewable annually
- Non-compliance
- Grounds for permit denial or revocation
Summary
San Jose requires anyone operating a pet grooming business, a commercial shop or in-home paid grooming, to obtain an animal facility permit from the city before opening for business.
§ 7.10.030: "'Animal facility' means any pet shop, commercial kennel, private kennel, pet grooming business, animal menagerie, animal shelter, or horse establishment." § 7.60.010(B): "It is unlawful for any person to operate an animal facility without first obtaining a permit under this part."
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
San Jose's municipal code defines 'animal facility' to include any pet shop, commercial kennel, private kennel, pet grooming business, animal menagerie, animal shelter, or horse establishment (SJMC § 7.10.030), and separately defines 'grooming business' to cover both a commercial grooming shop and any person who grooms animals inside a home and charges a fee (§ 7.10.120). Under § 7.60.010(B), operating any animal facility, including a grooming business, without first obtaining a permit is unlawful. The administrator reviews a written application with a processing fee, may set standards for facility construction, sanitation and maintenance, and can inspect, deny, or revoke the permit for violations.
Violations & Fines
Operating a grooming business, commercial or paid in-home, without an animal facility permit is unlawful under § 7.60.010(B); the administrator may deny, revoke, or refuse renewal for code violations or falsified applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a mobile or in-home pet groomer need a permit in San Jose?
What does the permit application involve?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Pet Groomer Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle pet groomer rules.