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Thurston County, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License required: Before operating any pet shop
Initial license fee: $150, nonrefundable
Renewal fee: $125 annually
Transfer fee: $100 on ownership change
License term: Expires every December 31
Issuing authority: Thurston County Auditor
Violation classification: Misdemeanor, Section 6.80.090

Summary

Thurston County requires anyone who owns, maintains, or operates a pet shop to first obtain a pet shop license from the county auditor under Code Section 6.80.020. Applications cost a nonrefundable $150, must name a supervising veterinarian, and are reviewed by the planning department and the director of joint animal control before the license can issue. Licenses expire every December 31 and must be renewed annually.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Thurston County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(1)No person, firm partnership, corporation or other entity shall own, maintain or operate a pet shop without first obtaining a pet shop license issued pursuant to this chapter. (2)Applications for pet shop licenses shall be made to the Thurston County Auditor. An application for a pet shop license shall contain the following information: ...(e)The name and address of a licensed veterinarian who will care for any animals which become sick or injured while at the pet shop; ...(g)The applicant shall be required to pay a nonrefundable license fee upon filing the application in the sum of one hundred fifty dollars; ...(j)The pet shop license shall expire on December 31 and must be renewed annually.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 77).

Full Breakdown

020(2)). The nonrefundable filing fee is $150. 020(2)(i)). 040). 050). 060). 070).

Violations & Fines

Operating a pet shop without a license, refusing an animal control inspection, or violating facility and care standards is a misdemeanor under Section 6.80.090. The director of joint animal control may petition the auditor to revoke or deny renewal of a license after a conviction or on other competent evidence (Section 6.80.100); the auditor must set a hearing at least fourteen days out, and a licensee may appeal the auditor's decision to the Thurston County hearings examiner within ten days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Thurston County require a license to sell pets?

Yes. Section 6.80.020 makes it unlawful to own, maintain, or operate a pet shop in Thurston County without first obtaining a pet shop license from the county auditor. The application must list every species sold, name a supervising veterinarian, and pass review by the planning department and the director of joint animal control.

How much does a Thurston County pet shop license cost?

The initial application fee is $150 and is nonrefundable, per Section 6.80.020(2)(g). Renewing the license each year costs $125 under Section 6.80.030, and transferring a license to a new owner after a sale costs $100 under Section 6.80.040. All pet shop licenses expire December 31 regardless of when issued.

Can Thurston County deny or revoke a pet shop license?

Yes. Under Section 6.80.020(2)(i), the license can be denied if the location violates zoning or building, fire, mechanical, or plumbing codes, or if the applicant was previously convicted of animal cruelty or neglect. Section 6.80.100 lets the director of joint animal control petition for revocation after a hearing, with appeal rights to the hearings examiner.

Sources & Official References

[1]Thurston County Code § 6.80.020 (Municode)

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All Thurston County rules

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