Los Angeles, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Max density
- 1 adult dog or cat per 45 sq ft
- Maximum total animals
- 40 adult dogs and/or cats
- Boarding area location
- Not in front 25% of building or first 25 feet
- Outdoor dog runs
- Prohibited
- Max dogs per walker
- 3 at one time
- Hours near residential
- 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily for entries abutting residential zones
Summary
Pet shops in the C2 zone with four or more dogs at least four months old must meet detailed density, space, and operational standards, including a limit of one adult dog or cat per 45 square feet of floor area and a maximum of 40 total animals.
(4) Any Pet Shop where four or more dogs that are each at least four months of age are kept or maintained shall comply with the following: (Added by Ord. No. 186,372, Eff. 12/10/19.)
(i) Development Standards:
a. The total number of adult dogs and/or cats in a Pet Shop shall not exceed one for every 45 square feet of floor area of the facility, rounded up to the nearest whole number, up to a maximum of 40 adult dogs and/or cats.
b. Animal boarding areas shall not occupy the first 25 percent of the depth of the portion of the building used as a Pet Shop, or the first 25 feet, whichever is less, as measured from the front of the shop; and animal boarding areas shall be separated from retail, grooming, or food storage areas.
d. Outdoor dog runs and training activities are not permitted.
(ii) Operation Standards:
b. Where a Pet Shop has an entrance on any side that abuts, has a common corner with, or is across a public right-of-way from any residentially zoned land, pets can only be brought through that entrance between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
d. The maximum number of dogs to be walked by one caretaker at the same time shall be limited to the number that can be safely controlled by the caretaker, not to exceed three dogs at one time.
Full Breakdown
Development standards require that animal boarding areas be separated from retail and grooming areas and not occupy the front 25 percent of the building or first 25 feet, whichever is less. All onsite animal activities must be conducted within an enclosed building and outdoor dog runs are prohibited. Operationally, animals may not be left outside, dog walkers may not handle more than three dogs at once, and pet shops with an entrance abutting residentially zoned land may only bring pets through that entrance between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily. No unreasonable noise or odor may cross the property line.
Violations & Fines
Administrative fines and code enforcement under LAMC Section 12.14 A.1.(b)(4); Pet shops in M1 zones or less restrictive zones are exempt from these standards under LAMC § 12.14 A.1.(b)(4) as amended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pet store in LA let dogs play outside?
How many animals can a pet shop keep at once?
Can a pet shop near homes have dogs go out early in the morning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pet Store Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle pet store rules.