Santa Clarita, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Municipal Code Ch. 8.28
- Licensing agency
- L.A. County Dept. of Animal Care and Control
- Pre-issuance step
- Inspection plus zoning sign-off
- License term
- 12 months from issuance
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under Penal Code Sec. 19
Summary
Any pet grooming business in Santa Clarita, whether a storefront grooming parlor or mobile van, is an "animal facility" under the municipal code and must hold a Department of Animal Care and Control license before opening. Operating without one is a misdemeanor. The license requires a Regional Planning zoning sign-off and an inspection before the city will issue it.
"Animal facility" means a lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises for any animal-related business or organization, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit humane organization animal facility (as defined in Section 8.08.175), a grooming shop, a pet shop, a boarding facility, and a breeding facility, which is required to be licensed under Section 8.28.060. ... Any person, including a new owner of an existing organization or business, shall not conduct or operate any animal facility listed in Section 8.90.010.VII, or keep any wild animal, within the City of Santa Clarita, without first obtaining a license from the Department, except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.28.060.
Full Breakdown
VII within the City of Santa Clarita without first obtaining a license from the Department of Animal Care and Control. 140. 050 requires the Director to inspect the premises and confirm the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Director has approved the grooming use under the applicable zoning ordinance, and that the operator has not had a similar license denied or revoked anywhere in Los Angeles County within the prior twelve months. 090 unless the business relocates or changes ownership sooner. 060 among the sections whose violation is a misdemeanor punishable under Penal Code Section 19, rather than the default infraction.
Violations & Fines
Running a grooming parlor or mobile grooming van in Santa Clarita without a Department of Animal Care and Control license violates Section 8.28.060 and is charged as a misdemeanor under Section 8.04.060(B), punishable per Penal Code Section 19 rather than as a simple infraction. The Department can also deny the license if the operator had a similar license denied or revoked anywhere in Los Angeles County within the prior twelve months, per Section 8.28.050(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a mobile dog groomer in Santa Clarita need a city license?
What happens before the city issues a grooming facility license?
What is the penalty for grooming animals commercially without a license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clarita
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clarita to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Pet Groomer Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle pet groomer rules.