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Pet Store Rules

Animal Ordinances

Restrictions on retail pet sales, including bans on commercially bred dogs and cats and rescue-only sourcing requirements.

2% permissive37% moderate31% strict(332 locations)

How Pet Store Rules Rules Differ by Place

332 places covered103 strict123 moderate7 permissive

Anaheim, CA: Anaheim Pet Store Sourcing Restrictions

Heavy Restrictions

Anaheim pet stores must comply with California AB 485, which prohibits retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits unless sourced from public shelters or qualifying nonprofit rescues…

Carlsbad, CA: Carlsbad Retail Dog and Cat Sale Ban

Heavy Restrictions

Pet stores in Carlsbad cannot sell dogs or cats at all: City Code § 7.16.010 bans display, sale, barter, or transfer of dogs and cats by any retail pet store citywide. Stores may still…

Chula Vista, CA: Chula Vista Pet Shop Dog & Cat Sales Ban

Heavy Restrictions

Chula Vista bans pet shops from selling dogs or cats outright under CVMC 6.08.108, and every kennel, cattery, or pet shop must still hold an annual City permit certified against zoning…

Little Rock, AR: Little Rock Pet Shop Sales Rules

Few Restrictions

Little Rock does not ban retail sale of dogs or cats. Sec. 6-47 lets any licensed pet shop sell live animals as pets, provided the shop meets minimum sanitation and cage-size standards.

Petaluma, CA: Petaluma Pet Store Animal Sale Rules

Few Restrictions

Petaluma does not ban pet stores from selling dogs and cats. Municipal Code §9.08.190 bars public sale, barter, or display-for-sale of any animal citywide, but expressly exempts pet…

Redding, CA: Redding Curbside Pet Sale Ban

Few Restrictions

Redding does not ban pet stores from selling dogs, cats or other animals: RMC § 7.04.160 only bars selling, bartering or giving away animals on streets, sidewalks, trails, or in front…

Other Animal Ordinances Topics

Chickens & Livestock

Combined rules for keeping chickens and other livestock such as goats, rabbits, and ducks on residential property, including lot size requirements.

Dog Leash Laws

When and where dogs must be on a leash, off-leash park rules, leash length limits, and penalties for dogs running loose.

Breed Restrictions

Bans or special requirements for specific dog breeds, including breed-specific legislation, muzzle requirements, and insurance mandates.

Beekeeping

Rules for keeping bees in residential areas, including hive placement, number of colonies allowed, and registration requirements.

Exotic Pets

Which non-traditional pets are allowed or banned, such as reptiles, ferrets, potbelly pigs, and other exotic animals.

Wildlife Feeding

Rules about feeding wild animals like deer, coyotes, or feral cats, and requirements for securing trash to prevent wildlife encounters.

Pet Limits

Maximum number of cats, dogs, or other companion animals allowed per household, including counts that trigger kennel-license requirements.

Cat Rules

Rules specific to cats, outdoor roaming, feral cat colonies, leash laws (yes, some cities require them), and licensing requirements.

Mandatory Spay/Neuter

Requirements that dogs and cats over a certain age be sterilized, with intact-animal permits, exemptions for breeders, and penalties for noncompliance.

Microchipping

Mandates that dogs and cats be microchipped before leaving a shelter or by a certain age, including registration and tag requirements.

Coyote Management

How your city handles urban coyotes, including hazing protocols, feeding bans, and what residents should do when sighting one near homes.

Pet Groomer Rules

Health and safety standards for commercial pet grooming, including animal-handling certifications, sanitation, and zoning where mobile groomers may operate.

Veterinary Clinic Zoning

Where veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and emergency animal-care facilities may be located, including overnight-boarding and noise buffers.

Bird Protection

Local rules protecting specific bird species (LAMC §53.55), including penalties for trapping or harming protected species and bird-safe building design.

Wildlife Rescue Permits

CDFW and city permits required to rehabilitate injured wildlife, including the Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit program and approved holding facilities.