Wicomico County, MD Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Section 133-26 defines a pet shop as a person, entity, sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation that sells or offers to sell two or more species of animals to the general public with the intent that they be kept as pets, and it applies the same minimum standards to breeders. Pet shops and breeders may not sell or give away puppies or kittens under eight weeks old, must physically separate any animal showing disease symptoms from healthy animals, must have any animal suspected of a disease communicable to humans treated by a licensed veterinarian rather than offered for sale, and must keep fresh food and water available to every animal at all times.

The caging standards are specific: wire-floor cages must be in good repair so animals are not injured and feet cannot pass through the openings, metal-strand cages must use strands no larger than 1/8 inch in diameter (nine-gauge wire) or be coated in plastic or fiberglass, animals need a ten- to twelve-inch clearance while standing, and indoor housing areas must be sufficiently heated or cooled. Dogs must be housed separately or only with dogs of similar temperament. Every purchaser must receive complete medical records for the animal.

Section 133-25 separately bars selling or bringing into the state any dog or cat under eight weeks old unless accompanied by its dam, with exceptions for USDA-licensed biomedical facilities and animals a veterinarian certifies cannot stay with an incapacitated dam. Breeders, defined in Section 133-24 as anyone owning more than five unspayed females or selling from more than five litters a year, must hold a license from the Animal Control Authority and allow inspections during normal business hours.