Dog Grooming Salon Permit Requirements in Birmingham, AL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a dog grooming salon in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $200–$800 est. 2–5 weeks to obtain all permits
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Alabama

2 stops

  1. Alabama Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Alabama. Alabama's state sales tax rate is 4%. Local city and county sales taxes are additional and can be significant (total rates range from 5–10%). Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue via My Alabama Taxes (MAT).

    Official government source

    Free1–5 business days (online via MAT)

  2. Alabama does not require a state dog groomer license

    Alabama does not have a statewide licensing requirement for dog groomers. Professional certification from organizations such as the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) or International Professional Groomers (IPG) is strongly recommended.

    Official government source

    $200–$600 (professional certification)1–6 months (self-study and exam)

City of Birmingham / Jefferson County

3 stops

  1. City of Birmingham License and Revenue Division — Business License

    Birmingham requires an Occupational License for all businesses operating within city limits. License fees are based on gross revenues. The License and Revenue Division processes applications. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  2. Jefferson County Animal Services — Animal Care Facility Permit

    Dog grooming salons in Birmingham that handle animals commercially may need an Animal Care Facility permit or kennel license from Jefferson County Animal Services. The facility may be subject to inspection for sanitation and animal welfare standards.

    $50–$200/year1–3 weeks

  3. Jefferson County / Birmingham Certificate of Occupancy

    A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial grooming salon. The space must meet zoning requirements for a pet services business.

    Official government source

    $100–$4002–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$800 · 2–5 weeks to obtain all permits

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Official Sources

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