St. George, UT Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Regulatory permit from animal control
- Term
- Expires December 31 each year
- Renewal window
- Apply within 2 months of expiration
- Posting
- Permit must be posted on site
- Violation class
- Infraction, per day
Summary
St. George requires anyone operating a pet-grooming business, called a "groomery" in the code, to obtain a regulatory permit from the division of animal control before opening.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or maintain a kennel, cattery, pet shop, groomery, riding stable, veterinary clinic or hospital, or any similar establishment, unless such person first obtains a regulatory permit from the division of animal control, in addition to all other required licenses. All applications for permits to operate such establishments shall be submitted, together with the required permit fee, on a printed form provided by the animal control division to that division. Establishments operated by a governmental or humane society shall be exempt from this section.
2. Sportsman’s Permit: Where permitted by other applicable ordinances of the city, the owner of purebred dogs may obtain a permit to keep up to five (5) dogs in a residential area provided:
a. Such dogs are individually licensed;
b. Such dogs are registered with a national registry (AKC, UKC, Field Dog);
c. Approval is granted by the department of community development and the division of animal control;
d. Adequate runs (not necessarily concrete) are provided; and
e. Other provisions of this chapter are complied with, and no dog or premises is deemed to be a nuisance.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
City code defines a groomery as any establishment offering cosmetic services for animals for profit and makes it unlawful to operate one without a regulatory permit from the division of animal control, on top of any other required business licenses. Applications go to animal control with the prescribed fee, and the permit must be posted conspicuously on site and is not transferable to a new location or owner without notifying the division. Permits expire every December 31 and must be renewed within two months beforehand, with a late fee for renewals filed after the deadline. Animal control can also issue rules and regulations governing groomery operations that carry the same force as the ordinance itself.
Violations & Fines
Operating a groomery without a permit, or violating animal control's rules for groomeries, is an infraction under section 5-2-12, with each day of continued violation a separate offense; a permit can also be suspended or revoked for false statements on the application or ongoing violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a home-based pet groomer need a city permit in St. George?
Can a St. George groomery permit transfer if the business moves?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. George
Compare St. George to another location·View the Utah animal ordinances overview
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