Pierce County Pet Business Licensing

The Pierce County Auditor Is Now Issuing Pet Business Licenses.

General Information | License Fees | Inspections

General Information about Pet Business Licensing

Pet business licenses are required by law in unincorporated Pierce County to provide for the humane care and treatment of animals and to protect the health and safety of the public.

If you own, maintain or operate a commercial, hobby, foster, or private kennel or cattery, or own six or more dogs and/or cats, you must obtain a business license from the Pierce County Auditor's Office.

A license is also required for grooming parlors, short-term boarding facilities and pet shops.

If you are unsure if you operate a commercial pet business, definitions are provided in the Pierce County Code, Chapter 5.24.

More information: Contact the Pierce County Auditor at (253) 798-7445.

Top of page

License fees

Commercial Kennel or Cattery $250.00
Boarding Kennel or Cattery $200.00
Foster Shelter/Kennel/Cattery $75.00 if spayed/neutered $150.00 if not
Hobby Kennel/Cattery (Six to 20 dogs and/or cats) $150.00
Grooming Parlor $100.00
Pet Shop $200.00
Private Kennel/Cattery $150.00

Top of page

Inspections

To make sure animals are treated humanely and the health of the community is protected, Pierce County must be allowed to inspect all animals and premises at reasonable intervals. An owner's permit or license may be revoked if the inspection is not permitted.

Top of page