Tustin, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Tustin regulates pet shops by amending the animal control provisions it adopts from the Codified Ordinances of Orange County. Section 4206 defines "pet shop" as any person or facility engaged in the sale or trade of live animals, including fish, birds, and reptiles, on a commercial basis, alongside related terms like "kennel" (four or more dogs or cats over four months old) and "animal rental establishment." Section 4207 then makes it unlawful to engage in, conduct, manage, or carry on a pet shop, kennel, grooming parlor, commercial stable, animal exhibition, or animal rental establishment within the City of Tustin without first obtaining a permit or license issued under Divisions 2 and 3 of Title V of the county code.

Section 4208 assigns the County Health Officer as the issuing officer for pet shop permits, and Section 4209 lets the Orange County Board of Supervisors set the license fee by resolution, with fees non-refundable once paid. Section 4221(d) confirms the general parcel-based pet limits elsewhere in the chapter do not prohibit animals kept in an authorized pet shop or kennel, meaning a licensed pet shop can lawfully house more animals than a private household could. The code does not restrict what species a licensed pet shop may sell or require adoption-only sourcing; it conditions the business entirely on holding a valid county-issued permit and a City business license.