Bloomington, IN Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Cat sales
- Banned outright at every pet shop
- Dog sales
- Not banned, but adoption fees can't go to the shop
- Permit required
- Commercial animal establishment permit from Animal Care and Control
- Penalty
- $2,500-$7,500 for unpermitted operation
Summary
In the City of Bloomington, no pet shop may sell cats or even offer them for sale; violating that ban is a separate offense for every sale or offer under Chapter 7.56's enforcement provisions. Pet shops may still host adoption events, letting a municipal shelter or nonprofit rescue display dogs and cats, but the shop can't profit from the adoption fees.
(a)No pet shop shall sell cats or offer cats for sale.(b)Each sale or offer for sale made in violation of subsection (a) of this section shall constitute a separate violation subject to the penalties set forth under Chapter 7.56.
Full Breakdown
56. 080 channels pet shops toward adoption rather than commercial breeding for both species: a pet shop may offer space to a municipal animal shelter or an animal rescue organization to display dogs and cats for adoption, but none of the adoption fees or space fees may be paid to the host pet shop or any affiliated entity, and the host pet shop can't hold any ownership interest in the animals on display. 020, with an inspection warrant available from a county court of record if the operator refuses entry.
Violations & Fines
Selling or offering to sell a cat through a pet shop is a separate violation for each sale under Bloomington Municipal Code § 7.16.070(b), enforced through Chapter 7.56's penalty schedule; operating a commercial animal establishment such as a pet shop without a permit carries a $2,500 civil penalty for a first offense, $5,000 for a second offense within two years, and $7,500 for a third or later offense under Section 7.56.030(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pet store sell cats in Bloomington?
Can pet stores sell dogs in Bloomington?
What permit does a Bloomington pet shop need?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
Compare Bloomington to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
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