Fishers, IN Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned
- Puppy mills and backyard breeders
- Allowed
- Compliant pet shops may still sell
- Sale ban
- No unweaned or diseased animals
- Penalty
- Up to $500 per occurrence
Summary
Fishers bans puppy mills and backyard breeders outright; pet shops may still sell animals but must meet care, inspection, and no-unweaned-or-diseased-animal standards under § 91.09.
(L) Puppy mills, as defined in § 91.02, will not be permitted in the city. No person shall engage in, participate in, or assist with those activities defined as a backyard breeder or puppy mill in accordance with this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance No. 051826E, passed 5-18-26; and Resolution No. R051826C, passed 5-18-26; and State legislation current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2026 Acts, Pamphlet #1).
Full Breakdown
Fishers City Code § 91.09(L) bans puppy mills, as defined in § 91.02, from operating in the city, and bars anyone from engaging in or assisting backyard-breeder or puppy-mill activity. § 91.09 isn't a blanket retail ban, though: a commercial pet shop may still sell animals if it meets the chapter's standards, isolating sick animals (B), keeping animals caged or controlled (C), never selling unweaned or diseased animals (E), and allowing Animal Control to inspect the premises at any time (G). § 91.02 defines PUPPY MILL as a commercial establishment that breeds more than one female dog and skips buyer screening, sells unweaned or diseased puppies, or isolates breeding dogs from human interaction, among other listed practices.
Violations & Fines
Operating as a puppy mill or backyard breeder, or otherwise violating the commercial animal establishment standards, carries a civil penalty of up to $500 per occurrence under § 91.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pet store in Fishers sell dogs and cats?
What counts as a puppy mill under Fishers' code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fishers
Compare Fishers to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
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