Mobile Dog Grooming Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a mobile dog grooming in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $150–$600 est. 1–3 weeks for all registrations and permits
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of California

3 stops

  1. No State Grooming License Required

    California does not require a state license for pet groomers. The CA Dept of Consumer Affairs does not regulate pet grooming as a licensed trade. Professional certifications (NDGAA, IPG, ISCC) are voluntary.

    Official government source

    N/AN/A

  2. California Seller's Permit (CDTFA)

    Pet grooming services are generally not subject to California sales tax, as services are not taxable unless specifically enumerated. However, if you sell grooming products (shampoos, accessories), you must collect sales tax on those product sales. Register with CDTFA if you have product sales.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  3. Commercial Vehicle Registration (CA DMV)

    Mobile grooming vans operated commercially in California must be registered with the California DMV. Commercial registration may be required if the vehicle has a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,001 lbs or if it is used for hire. The CA DMV requires commercial liability insurance.

    Official government source

    Registration + weight fees + VLF vary by vehicle (see DMV fee calculator); commercial auto insurance priced by insurerSame day at CA DMV office

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

2 stops

  1. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

    All businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance for a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). Registration itself has no fee. The first year of business is not tax-exempt — first-year tax is paid as 'back tax' at the first annual renewal. Businesses with worldwide gross receipts of $100,000 or less pay $0 tax under the Small Business Exemption, provided the annual renewal is filed on time.

    Official government source

    $0 to register; annual tax based on gross receipts ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal is filed on time)1–2 weeks

  2. LA County Dept of Animal Care and Control — Mobile Pet Service Compliance

    Mobile pet grooming businesses operating in LA County should confirm with the LA County Dept of Animal Care and Control whether any specific registration is required for commercial mobile pet services. LA County Animal Care ordinances (Title 10) govern animal businesses. Contact LA County Animal Care and Control at 562-728-4882.

    Official government source

    Varies (contact DACC for current requirements)1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$600 · 1–3 weeks for all registrations and permits

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