Commercial Animal Operation Permits
All businesses which keep or maintain animals for sale or other commercial purposes such as animal boarding and breeding are required to maintain a Commercial Animal Operation Permit with Animal Services. Permits are issued on a calendar year basis and must be renewed annually.
What is the process?
Apply for a Business License
Apply for a business license with the city the business is located in. If the business is located outside of the city limits or in an unincorporated area of the county, you will need to apply for a business license with the County Tax Collector:
County Tax Collector
1055 Monterey St. Rm. D-290,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Ph: (805) 781-5830
Obtain a Commercial Animal Permit Application
You may obtain a permit by downloading the Commercial Animal Operation Permit or by picking it up in person at the Animal Services Office.
Submit Completed Application
Submit the completed application form along with payment to our office or mail it to:
San Luis County Animal Services
Attn: Permit Clerk
865 Oklahoma Ave.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Ph: (805) 781-4400
Site Check
Once your permit has been received, a site check will be conducted at random between the hours of 9am-4pm Monday through Saturday. Once the inspection has been completed and approved, you will receive your permit certificate in the mail.
Renew Permit
Permits must be renewed annually and expire on 12/31 of the current year. Renewal forms will be sent out in November of the current year for existing permit holders. If you are planning to renew your permit, the renewal form and payment must be postmarked by 12/31 to avoid a late fee. The late fee schedule is as follows:
Up to 30 days past due = 25% of permit price
31 to 60 days past due = 50% of permit price
61 to 90 days past due = 75% of permit price
Over 90 days past due = 100% of permit price
* If you choose not to renew your permit, please return the renewal form with a brief description of why you are not renewing, or contact the permit clerk at (805) 781-4400 or [email protected] - please include all necessary information.
Who is eligible?
All businesses which keep or maintain animals for sale or other commercial purposes such as animal boarding and breeding are required to maintain a Commercial Animal Operation Permit with Animal Services
This requirement does not apply to:
- Dog trainers (provided they are not boarding animals overnight)
- Pet groomers
- Veterinary facilities
- Agricultural operations other than boarding stables
Is there a charge for this service?
A standard fee of $278 applies to all Commercial Animal Operations Permit applications.
When and where is this service offered?
Applications for a Commercial Animal Operation Permit can be obtained by contacting Animal Services during normal business hours. All permits expire at the end of the calendar year and must be renewed annually.
Depending on the type and location of an operation, a municipal or county business license and planning agency approval may also be required.
Location, directions and hours of operation
Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information
865 Oklahoma Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Tel: (805) 781-4400
Lost and Found Animal Recording: (805) 781-4407
