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Valencia County, NM Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit required for
pet shops, kennels/catteries, guard dog sites
Violation fine
$100 flat
Permit term
1 year
Late renewal fee
$10
Minimum revocation
1 year

Summary

A pet shop in unincorporated Valencia County can't operate without a permit from the Animal Control Director, under Code § 90.080(A). The same permit requirement covers commercial kennels/catteries, humane society guard dog sites, and hobby kennels/catteries, and operating without one, or keeping a dangerous animal without one, draws a flat $100 fine.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Valencia County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

PET SHOP. Any establishment owned or premises maintained for the purchase, sale, exchange or hire of animals except livestock. ... (A) No person shall operate a commercial kennel/cattery, pet shop, humane society guard dog site, hobby kennel/cattery or keep a dangerous animal without a valid permit issued by the Animal Control Director. (B) A fine of $100 will be assessed for any violations.

View official code

Full Breakdown

080 opens the PERMITTED PREMISES subchapter of the Animal Control chapter by requiring a valid permit from the Animal Control Director before anyone may operate a commercial kennel/cattery, pet shop, humane society guard dog site, or hobby kennel/cattery, or keep a dangerous animal, and it sets a flat $100 fine for any violation (division (B)). 002). 081). 082(A)-(C)). 082(E)). 082(F)). 085).

Violations & Fines

Operating a pet shop, commercial kennel/cattery, guard dog site, or hobby kennel/cattery without a valid permit, or keeping a dangerous animal without one, draws a flat $100 fine under § 90.080(B). The County Manager can suspend a permit for 30 days to let the holder come into compliance, or revoke it for at least a year for serious or repeated violations, with the permit surrendered to the Animal Control Director on suspension or revocation (§ 90.085).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a pet shop operate in unincorporated Valencia County without a permit?
No. Section 90.080(A) requires a valid permit from the Animal Control Director before operating a pet shop, commercial kennel/cattery, humane society guard dog site, or hobby kennel/cattery, or before keeping a dangerous animal.
What counts as a pet shop under county law?
The Animal Control chapter defines a pet shop as any establishment owned or premises maintained for the purchase, sale, exchange, or hire of animals except livestock, so the permit rule covers any business buying, selling, or renting out non-livestock animals.
What's the fine for running a pet shop without a permit?
Section 90.080(B) sets a flat $100 fine for operating without the required permit. The county can also suspend a permit for 30 days or revoke it for at least a year for serious or repeated violations under § 90.085.
How long does a Valencia County pet shop permit last?
Permits expire one year after issuance under § 90.082(F). Renewal requires a current inspection certificate filed 30 days before expiration; filing late adds a $10 fee on top of the normal renewal cost.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Valencia County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsBeekeepingFew RestrictionsMicrochippingSignificant RestrictionsCat RulesFew RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsBuilding Safety: Childcare Center RulesSignificant RestrictionsHistoric Preservation: Historic-Cultural MonumentsSome RestrictionsSidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment PermitsSome Restrictions

All Valencia County rules

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