Pocatello, ID Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Rather than licensing every animal a pet shop keeps for sale, Sections 6.04.150(A) (dogs) and 6.04.155(A) (cats) carve out an exception: the owner or manager of a commercial kennel or pet shop offering dogs or cats for sale may buy and renew one commercial animal establishment license that covers every animal in its care that is offered for sale, instead of individually licensing each one. Section 6.04.160 sets the actual licensing mechanics for that establishment license: subsection (A) requires an annual license from the Animal Services Department before operating any commercial animal establishment, granted upon application and fee payment if the establishment meets all applicable regulations including zoning and building codes; the director may deny or revoke the license for a record of neglect, abuse, or other chapter violations, with a written denial the operator can appeal to the City Council within ten days.

Subsection (B) bars transferring the license to another party or premises, and subsection (C) clarifies the license holder need not individually license animals offered for sale or bred, but must still license any dog it owns that is not for sale, breeding, grooming, boarding, or training. Subsection (D) requires all animals on the premises to be kept securely within the premises or on a secure leash, and subsection (E) gives Animal Services officers inspection authority as often as needed. Section 6.04.180 separately exempts individual dogs offered for sale in a pet shop or licensed commercial establishment, dogs in a veterinary or research facility, and dogs in grooming or boarding not owned by the facility, from the individual dog-licensing requirement while they remain in the facility.