Definition

Any person or establishment that acquires animals (dogs, cats, birds, fish, rodents, reptilians, primates, insects and any/or all others) bred by others, whether as owner, agent or on consignment, sells or boards any species of animals and offers to sell such animals to the public.

Requirements

• Any person keeping more than ten dogs and/or cats must provide kennel facilities.
• Kennel facilities are kennels, animal runs, enclosures, and/or any other building used for the keeping or housing of such dogs/cats. Kennel facilities shall comply with all zoning and code requirements, such as setbacks.
• Animals kept more than sixty days will be considered owned by the person housing the animal and must be licensed under PCC 6.04.020.
• Persons providing temporary housing must comply with PCC 5.24.030 F.
• Each license shall expire on December 31 of the year of issuance.

Applications may be submitted in person or by mail. Please review our Animal Business Checklist for what is required to submit with the application.

Pierce County Code Chapter 5  |  Kennel Regulations

Please note first time applicants must obtain a development permit from Pierce County Planning and Land Services. For more information please contact PALS at (253) 798-3739 or review Pierce County Code 2.05.040. View information on their fees.