Pleasanton, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Kennel threshold
- 4 or more dogs kept
- Permit issuer
- City health officer
- Annual license fee
- $20.00
- License period
- Calendar year, due Jan. 1
- Immediate suspension
- Up to 10 days
- Appeal window
- 10 days to city council
Summary
Pleasanton does not ban retail pet sales outright, but no one may operate a pet shop or kennel in the city without a health officer permit and a $20 annual license. The health officer weighs sanitation, animal housing and the applicant's character before approving, and can suspend or revoke a permit for cruelty, neglect or unsanitary conditions.
It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association to erect, establish or maintain any kennel or pet shop as defined in this chapter, without first obtaining a permit from the health officer. The granting of such permit shall be in the discretion of the health officer, who shall take into consideration the type of construction to be employed as it relates to sanitation and manner in which animals, birds, or fowl are to be housed, as well as the character of the person, firm, corporation or association making application, and such zoning regulations as may be in effect or adopted from time to time. Upon approval of the health officer or his or her designated agent aforesaid, the tax collector, upon the payment of an annual license fee of $20.00 for the privilege of maintaining such kennel or pet shop, shall issue to the applicant a license in such form as he or she may prescribe and deliver a copy thereof to the poundmaster.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4955754; v17 updated 2026-06-02).
Full Breakdown
010). 020 makes it unlawful to erect, establish or maintain a kennel or pet shop without a permit from the health officer, who has discretion to weigh construction and sanitation, how animals, birds or fowl are housed, the applicant's character, and applicable zoning before granting one; the health officer may deputize the poundmaster to investigate applications. 00 annual fee, running the calendar year and due each January 1st. The code does not address what species a permitted pet shop may sell or require adoption-only sourcing; it regulates who may operate a kennel or pet shop and under what sanitary and licensing conditions, not the sourcing of animals sold.
030: failing to provide any animal, fowl or reptile in the permittee's care with proper food, drink, shelter or protection, subjecting an animal to needless suffering or cruelty, failing to keep the premises clean and sanitary, or violating a health officer rule or regulation. 040 lets the health officer order an immediate 10-day suspension and requires five days' written notice before any revocation hearing; while suspended or revoked, no one may operate the business or keep the fowl, game birds or horses covered by the permit in the city.
A permittee dissatisfied with a revocation has 10 days to file a written appeal with the city council, whose decision by majority vote is final.
Violations & Fines
Operating a kennel or pet shop without a health officer permit is unlawful under § 6.48.020. A permit already issued can be suspended for up to 10 days immediately, or revoked after a noticed hearing, for cruelty or neglect toward the animals in the permittee's care, unsanitary premises, or violation of a health officer rule; during any suspension or revocation the business or animal-keeping activity must stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pleasanton require pet shops to be adoption-only?
What can get a Pleasanton pet shop or kennel permit suspended?
Can a Pleasanton kennel permit holder appeal a revocation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pleasanton
California rules heatmap·Compare Pleasanton to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Pet Store Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle pet store rules.