Permitting for pet and animal-related businesses in Seattle: Pet shops, dog daycare, and pet boarding

What facilities require a permit?

In the City of Seattle, Public Health – Seattle & King County (Public Health) permits and inspects pet shops, dog daycare and pet boarding businesses.

• Commercial kennel is any establishment, other than a pet shop (described below), where four or more dogs or cats are kept for commercial purposes, including but not limited to board, propagation and treatment.
  
  
• Pet daycares that provide services to four or more dogs or cats qualify as commercial kennels even if they do not provide overnight boarding. This includes home occupation pet daycares.
  
  
• Pet shop is any establishment or premises maintained for the purchase, sale or exchange of domestic pets of any type. This includes animal rescues, shelters, and businesses that offer cats for adoption that are open to the public.

If you operate one of these businesses outside the city of Seattle you may need a permit from your local jurisdiction and/or King County Animal Care and Control's licensing services. For more information about business licenses in King County, please call 206-296-2710 or visit their website.

How much is the annual permit fee?

• Seattle Dog Daycare / Seattle Commercial Kennel: $75.00
  
• Seattle Pet Shop: $75.00

If your establishment provides more than one type of service you may need to have a permit for each service. For example: If you are a business that sells puppies and kittens and also offers pet daycare and boarding, you will need to have separate permits for a pet shop and for a commercial kennel/dog daycare. You will need to apply for and pay a separate permit fee for each service.

How long does a permit last?

The permit period is from January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed annually. Public Health sends renewal applications to permitted businesses every November.

Fee schedule

Annual permit fee

• Pet shop: $75.00
• Commercial Kennel: $75.00
• Pet Daycare: $75.00

Late Fees

• Annual permit: 10-30 days late, 25% of annual permit fee
• Annual permit: more than 30 days late, 50% of annual permit fee

Miscellaneous Fees

• Duplicate Permit $25.00
• Change of business name, no other change $25.00
• Check returned by bank $25.00
• Processing a refund $25.00

Change of ownership information

If a business transfers ownership, the permit does not transfer to the new owner. If you are a new owner of a currently-permitted facility you must apply and pay for a new permit.

How do I get a permit?

Download and complete the Permit Application (PDF) and mail or fax it to:

Public Health – Seattle & King County
Environmental Health Services Division
Zoonotic Disease Program – Permit Application
401 5th Ave, Suite 1100
Seattle WA 98104

Fax: 206-296-0189

New dog daycare and commercial kennel businesses must contact City of Seattle Department of Planning and Development (206-684-8600) to determine if the proposed location is zoned for the business prior to applying for a permit though Public Health.

See Seattle’s zoning ordinance for dog daycare / commercial kennels.

Inspections

Public Health inspectors will conduct inspections of new facilities before they open for business. Existing permitted facilities will be inspected by a Public Health inspector at least once a year. Inspections may be unannounced but are always conducted during business hours.

Complaints

In the City of Seattle call 206-205-4394 to file a complaint about a dog daycare, commercial kennel or pet shop.

Outside the City of Seattle contact King County Animal Care and Control at 206-296-PETS (7387).

Documents (PDF)

• Rules and regulations for kennels and pet shops in Seattle
  
  
• Seattle Municipal Code:
  • pet kennels
  • permit requirements
  • permit applications
  • permit revocation
    
    
• Disinfection recommendations
  
  
• Factsheet on disinfectants
  
  
• Infection control for pet shops offering cats for adoption

Proposed regulations for pet services

Public Health and the King County Board of Health are in the process of updating regulations governing pet-related businesses.  The new regulations are to go into effect in early 2010.  Learn about the changes and submit comments.

Resources

• King County animal services pet business licensing
• City of Seattle business licensing
• Business licensing outside the City of Seattle
• King County animal care and control
• Seattle animal shelter