Chicopee, MA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Section 144-1 defines COMMERCIAL ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENT as "Any pet shop, auction, riding school or stable, zoological park, circus, performing animal exhibition or kennel." Section 144-2(A) then prohibits operating one without first obtaining a permit. Under § 144-2(B) the City promulgates the permit regulations, which must include requirements for humane care of all animals and compliance with the chapter. An applicant who shows willingness and ability to comply receives the permit on payment of the applicable fee under § 144-2(C).

Timing: the permit period begins April 1 and runs one year. Renewal applications are due 30 days before and up to 30 days after April 1, while a new establishment can apply at any time. On a change of ownership the new owner can transfer the current permit for a $25 transfer fee. Every facility at a different address is a separate enterprise needing its own permit, and a change in the permit category triggers reclassification and a fee adjustment. Veterinary hospitals, clinics, animal shelters and government-operated facilities pay no fee.

Fees: the schedule in § 144-2(F) prints kennel tiers of $50, $75 and $100, then $100 for a zoological park, $125 for a circus, $50 for a performing animal exhibition and $50 for a grooming shop. It prints no separate pet shop line.

Inspection and discipline: under § 144-3 every permit is conditioned on inspection of the animals and the premises at any time. A withheld or falsified application can lead to refusal, suspension or revocation, and a cruelty to animals conviction bars a commercial animal establishment permit for five years. After a revocation the holder has 10 days to place or humanely dispose of all animals. Section 144-20(O) also requires pet shops, shelters, rescue organizations, professional breeders and veterinarians to notify the licensing authority on any transfer of ownership of a dog. Chapter 144 does not ban retail sale of dogs or cats or limit sales to adoption only.