Dog Grooming Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if operating as a business entity or if you have employees. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. General Liability & Pet Care Insurance

   While not federally mandated, dog grooming businesses should carry general liability insurance and pet bailee/care, custody, and control (CCC) insurance to cover injuries, escapes, or accidental deaths of animals in your care. Most landlords and all professional grooming standards bodies recommend at least $1 million in coverage.

   $500–$2,500/year depending on business size·Obtained before opening

   $500–$2,500/year depending on business size

   Obtained before opening

1. California Secretary of State — Business Entity Registration (no state groomer license)

   California does not license pet groomers at the state level. If you form an LLC or corporation, register with the California Secretary of State; sole proprietors using a trade name file a Fictitious Business Name with the county clerk. LLCs/corps owe the $800/yr FTB minimum tax.

   Official government source

   $70 (LLC Articles) or $100 (corporation) + $800/yr FTB minimum tax·1–2 weeks (online)

   $70 (LLC Articles) or $100 (corporation) + $800/yr FTB minimum tax

   1–2 weeks (online)

2. California — Sales Tax Registration

   Pet grooming services are not subject to California sales tax (services are generally not taxable in CA). If you sell retail products (shampoos, accessories), register for a free CDTFA seller's permit and collect tax on product sales only. City of Los Angeles combined rate is 9.75% as of April 2025 (Measure A); other LA County cities range up to ~10.75%. Verify on the CDTFA rate lookup.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate to 1 week (online)

   Free

   Immediate to 1 week (online)

3. California — Pet Groomer Continuing Education (Voluntary Certification)

   California does not license pet groomers at the state level, but professional certification improves credibility and may be required by some pet care chains or franchise agreements. Recognized certifications include: National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA), International Professional Groomers (IPG), and Certification Council for Professional Dog Groomers (CCPG).

   Official government source

   $150–$1,000 (exam and portfolio review)·3–12 months (training and portfolio required)

   $150–$1,000 (exam and portfolio review)

   3–12 months (training and portfolio required)

1. Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC)

   All businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance for a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) — LA's equivalent of a business license. Registration is free; the obligation is an annual business tax based on gross receipts. Businesses with worldwide gross receipts of $100,000 or less owe $0 tax under the Small Business Exemption if the annual renewal is filed on time. Note: the first year is not tax-exempt; first-year tax is paid as 'back tax' at the first renewal.

   Official government source

   $0 to register; annual tax gross-receipts-based ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal is filed on time)·1–3 weeks

   $0 to register; annual tax gross-receipts-based ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal is filed on time)

   1–3 weeks

2. Los Angeles / Los Angeles County — Zoning Approval & Animal Facility Permit

   Dog grooming businesses operating from a commercial location must verify the property is properly zoned for retail or personal services. Some municipalities require a specific Animal Facility, Pet Shop, or Kennel permit for any location where animals are kept, even temporarily. Check with the Los Angeles County planning or zoning department before signing a lease.

   Official government source

   $50–$300 (zoning verification and permit fee)·1–4 weeks

   $50–$300 (zoning verification and permit fee)

   1–4 weeks

3. LA Animal Services — Animal Grooming Parlor Permit

   Dog grooming businesses in the City of Los Angeles need an Animal Grooming Parlor permit from LA Animal Services (the city's animal-establishment permitting authority). Animals may not be kept overnight at a grooming parlor. There is no separate health-department permit or inspection for pet grooming in LA County.

   Official government source

   $180 (LA Animal Services grooming parlor permit fee)·1–3 weeks

   $180 (LA Animal Services grooming parlor permit fee)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• California Department of Consumer Affairs
• Los Angeles Business Licensing
• National Dog Groomers Association of America

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