Montgomery County, MD Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)

A person must not provide Groomer, Trainer or Guard Dog services for a fee without an annual license from the Division.

2.   A license issued shall expire on June 30 of each year unless earlier suspended or revoked. A license issued shall be prominently displayed at all times and the license number must be contained in any advertisement.

3.   The holder of any expiring license desiring a new annual license to be effective on the expiration of the existing license must, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days before the expiration of the existing license, file a written application for renewal with the animal control officer. The applicant must complete the form provided and pay the annual renewal fee. The animal control officer must notify licensees at least 60 days before a license expires.

B.   Special provisions for Groomers, Trainers and Guard Dog Operators:

1.   Groomers. A license to provide grooming services for a fee will not be issued or renewed by the animal control officer unless the applicant provides documentation of completion from a certified grooming school. The Director of animal control may make special exemptions or waivers. A license to provide grooming services for a fee will not be issued until the animal control officer inspects and passes the facility and or equipment used to provide the grooming services.

2.    Trainers. A license to provide animal behavior modification