Bonita Springs, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Pet stores in the City of Bonita Springs are regulated as commercial animal establishments under Chapter 8. Sec. 8-1 defines a pet shop as a store, person, partnership, corporation or franchise operation that buys, sells or boards any species of animal for a fee or reimbursement, and it lists a pet shop first among commercial animal establishments. Bona fide commercial agricultural establishments with livestock are exempt.

Sec. 8-27(a) gives domestic animal services authority to enter and inspect during reasonable hours to find violations of the chapter or state statutes. On an officer's demand, the owner, manager or staff must produce all records on the sale or purchase of animals, veterinary care, rabies certification, health certification, feed receipts, and business or exhibitor licenses or permits for each animal on the premises.

Sec. 8-27(c) sets standards that must be maintained but are not limited to: adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care as defined in the chapter; cages, kennels, stalls or enclosures cleaned daily with clean bedding; healthful room temperature for every species and adequate ventilation in shops or kennels; well-ventilated buildings and sheds with protection from the elements; sufficient space for each animal to stand up, lie down and turn around in a natural position without touching the sides or top of the enclosure, with overcrowding determined by the inspecting officer; and quarantine of any sick-looking animal, examined by a licensed veterinarian before returning to other animals or sale.

Other Chapter 8 rules also reach retail sellers. Sec. 8-20(g) requires pet stores and other outlets selling cats, dogs or ferrets to inform the public in writing of the rabies and license requirements, including the license cost and how to get one, by sign or brochure. Sec. 8-24 bans dyeing animals and bars selling or giving away baby chickens, ducklings or other fowl under four weeks of age, or rabbits under two months of age, as pets, toys or retail premiums.