Wichita, KS Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Sec. 156 makes it unlawful to offer, sell, exchange, barter, give away or accept any animal on property not owned or rented by the buyer or seller, unless that property is a pet shop, an animal shelter licensed by the State of Kansas, or property separately licensed for breeding or sale that also complies with all City of Wichita zoning and licensing regulations. It further bars any sale or transfer on shelter property unless the director authorizes it, and requires that all advertisements for dogs sold or produced by licensed breeders include the breeder's name and City of Wichita breeder license number, so the ordinance does not create an adoption-only mandate but does route commercial sales through licensed, zoning-compliant channels.

A violation of Sec. 156 is a misdemeanor. Sec. 176 then layers operational standards onto any pet shop, rescue organization, animal foster care organization, commercial animal facility, groomer, breeder, kennel, stable or animal day care business: two years of retained records on every animal handled (breed, markings, source, disposition, and treatment history) available to the Supervisor of Animal Control on request; nontoxic, easily cleanable, water-impervious cages kept clean and sanitary; adequate space and ventilation to prevent overcrowding and contagion; comfortable building temperature; enough room for each animal to stand, lie down and turn around without touching the enclosure, with an added exercise area if not; clean, dry enclosures; uncontaminated food of sufficient quantity; fresh water at all times except during veterinary treatment; and veterinary care to maintain health.

Subsection (l) requires full compliance with the Unified Zoning Code as well. Failing any of these operational duties is also a misdemeanor under Sec. 176's closing sentence.