Palm Desert, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Section 6.12.120 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code covers business licensing for animal operations in the City of Palm Desert. Subsection A requires kennels or pet shops to obtain a current business license and a separate annual kennel license from the health officer. Subsection B requires catteries to obtain a current business license and a separate annual cattery license from the health officer. Kennel and cattery license fees are set by city council resolution, or else match unincorporated Riverside County rates.

Sale and transfer of animals is limited by two other sections of Chapter 6.28. Section 6.28.090 states that no person can, in the incorporated area of the city, offer for sale, sell, give away or transfer for adoption any cat, kitten, dog or puppy on any public street, public sidewalk, public park or private property. Its only printed exception is for adoptions by licensed humane societies, rescues or shelters, citing Health & Safety Code § 122350. The section does not mention pet shops or licensed retailers. Section 6.28.080 prohibits backyard breeding: no person can breed, sell, transfer or otherwise give away any dog, or any part of a litter of dogs, that has been bred or reared on a property zoned for residential use.

Transfers of dogs and cats also carry paperwork. Under § 6.12.160.C, an owner or custodian who offers a dog over the age of four months for trade or adoption must provide the microchip number and the valid dog license number, and both must appear on the document transferring the dog. For a cat over four months, the microchip number must appear on the transfer document. The county of Riverside must be told the new owner's name and address. Under § 6.12.150.D.4, animals owned by recognized breeders with a valid city business license under Chapter 5.04 are exempt from the spay and neuter requirement.