Aliso Viejo, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Section 6.02.120 of the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code is a flat retail ban on dogs and cats. No commercial animal establishment can display, sell, deliver, offer for sale, barter, auction, give away, or otherwise transfer or dispose of dogs or cats in the city. The verb list is wide enough that a free giveaway is covered, not only a sale. The definition of "commercial animal establishment" in § 6.02.010 reaches any commercial breeder, kennel, pet shop, grooming parlor, commercial stable, riding academy, animal dealer and similar business, and it applies whether the business operates for profit or not. A "pet shop" is any place of business where dogs under four months of age, or cats, monkeys, birds, reptiles, fish or other animals to be used as pets are kept for sale.

Four exceptions keep adoption channels open: a commercial animal rescue shop that offers dogs or cats for an adoption fee, a publicly operated animal control facility or shelter, a private charitable nonprofit humane society or rescue organization, and a public or nonprofit rescue operating out of or in connection with a pet shop. A pet shop and its staff can provide space and appropriate care for animals owned by those groups so they can be adopted out to the public. The pet shop must then make sure the adoption partner complies with § 6.02.110, the animal care requirements, and all state laws on animal health and safety.

Other sections add duties. A pet shop needs a commercial animal establishment license under § 6.04.460. A licensed pet shop that hosts adoptions is responsible for ensuring a rabies vaccination is obtained for each dog in the shop under § 6.04.180, and for giving the adopter the certificate of vaccination (§ 6.04.580). The ban in § 6.02.120 covers dogs and cats only in its own text.

Enforcement sits with the animal services director and authorized deputies and agents, who can issue notices to appear in court (§ 6.02.040).