Lake County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

9 of the Lake County Code govern commercial kennels and pet shops together as a single licensed category. 4 requires the legal owner or operator of a commercial kennel or pet shop to annually procure and maintain a valid kennel license from the Animal Control Director, and bars anyone from establishing a kennel before obtaining that license. 5 requires the Director to inspect and approve the premises before issuing an original license, though renewal does not require a new inspection. 6 goes further: the Director cannot issue an original kennel or pet shop license until the Community Development Department certifies that the county's zoning regulations permit a kennel at the proposed location, and applicants must show proof that all dogs kept in the facility are currently vaccinated against rabies.

7 requires the Director to issue license tags matching the number of licensed dogs, with an added fee once tags exceed sixteen. 8 sets the operating standard: adequate exercise area, clean and sanitary conditions, construction that prevents animals from escaping and running at large, and no detriment or nuisance to the immediate neighborhood, all enforced through periodic inspections by the Animal Control Director or the Health Officer. 9 lets the Director or Health Officer recommend license revocation to the Board of Supervisors, and refusing a reasonable inspection is itself a valid ground for revocation.