San Bernardino County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 32.0111
- License issuer
- County Health Officer
- Facility inspection window
- Within 10 days of application
- License term
- Expires end of fiscal year, renewable
- Transferability
- Not transferable except with property sale
- Covered establishments
- Pet shops, groomers, aquariums, petting zoos
Summary
The County does not ban retail pet sales; instead every pet shop, grooming parlor, aquarium, game bird farm, petting zoo, or wild-animal facility in the unincorporated area must hold an annual license from the County Health Officer under Code § 32.0111. Applications face a facility inspection, zoning conformance, and an annual fee before issuance.
§ 32.0111 Licensing of Animal Establishments Other Than Dog Kennels And Catteries. No person shall conduct or operate any pet shop, pet grooming parlor, public aquarium, game bird farm, petting zoo, wild animal breeding or boarding facility, or animal menagerie, without first obtaining a license from the County Health Officer. Any such establishment shall also conform to the appropriate zoning codes. § 32.0112 Application for a License to Operate. An application for a license to operate a pet shop shall be made in writing to the Health Officer. Not later than ten days after receipt of the application, the facilities will be examined by the Health Officer. No license shall be issued or renewed unless all general regulations relating to animals are complied with and an annual fee as specified in the County Schedule of Fees is paid. § 32.0117 Revocation of License. The Health Officer may revoke any license issued pursuant to this Chapter whenever he or she shall determine from an inspection that any animal establishment fails to meet all conditions contained in § 32.0113, or for any other violation of this Chapter.
Full Breakdown
0111 covers licensing of animal establishments other than dog kennels and catteries, requiring any pet shop, pet grooming parlor, public aquarium, game bird farm, petting zoo, wild animal breeding or boarding facility, or animal menagerie to obtain a license from the County Health Officer before operating, and to conform to applicable zoning. 0113 and pays the annual fee set in the County Schedule of Fees. Those general regulations require structurally sound, clean and sanitary housing that prevents animal escape and protects both animals and the public, adequate food, water, ventilation, and space, proper waste and manure disposal, and veterinary examination when the Health Officer orders it; any building used to house animals must also be approved by the County Building Department. 0115). 0117). 0118).
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed pet shop, grooming parlor, aquarium, or similar establishment, or failing to correct a cited deficiency within the time the Health Officer specifies, is just cause to deny or revoke the license under §§ 32.0111 and 32.0113(k)-(l). A revoked license stays void until all § 32.0113 conditions are met and the Health Officer gives written notice of compliance; operating during that period leaves the business subject to the Chapter's cumulative criminal, civil, and administrative citation remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone open a pet shop in unincorporated San Bernardino County without a permit?
How long does a pet shop license last?
Can the County revoke a pet shop's license?
Can a pet shop license be sold with the business?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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