Noblesville, IN Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Section 90.26 sets the standards that every commercial animal establishment in Noblesville must meet, and a pet shop falls squarely within the definition, which also covers auctions, flea markets, circuses, riding schools or stables, veterinary hospitals, zoological parks, pet grooming shops, kennels, and permanent fairgrounds. Under division (A), an establishment cannot operate as a public nuisance, must isolate sick or diseased animals to prevent disease spread, must keep animals caged in a secure enclosure with adequate space or under an owner's direct control, must supply adequate care, shelter, food, water, space, and veterinary care as defined in the chapter and consistent with the outdoor-animal duties in § 90.03, cannot engage in cruelty, mistreatment or neglect, cannot sell un-weaned or diseased animals, and must let the animal control officer inspect the premises at any time.

Division (C) requires every commercial animal establishment other than a circus present fewer than ten days a year to operate from a permanent building and hold a special use permit or other applicable zoning permit, plus commercial breeding or a Noblesville Breeder's Permit where applicable. Division (D) adopts the federal Code of Federal Regulations, 9 CFR 3.1 through 3.19, as the kennel operation and inspection standard, enforced by the Police Department or the Chief's designees. Division (E) then draws a bright line: puppy mills, defined in the chapter as commercial operations that breed more than one female dog at a time without good breeding, care and sale practices, are not permitted in the city at all. Retail sale of a properly cared-for, eight-week-or-older animal from a compliant, permitted establishment remains lawful.