Retail Pet Store License

Retail Pet Store License Documents and Materials

Latest Updates
At its September 18, 2023 meeting, City Council unanimously approved a new ordinance that prohibits retail pet stores in the city from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits. Under the new rules, a retail store in Berkley cannot sell, adopt, exchange, or transfer dogs, cats, and rabbits as of October 18, 2023. This decision was made following eight months of community feedback and City-led research on retail pet stores.

Ordinance O-15-23 was introduced on the First Reading at the Regular City Council meeting on November 20, 2023, and adopted on the Second Reading at the Regular City Council meeting on December 4, 2023. 

The ordinance does not prohibit retail pet stores from collaborating with and providing space to an animal protection shelter or an animal control shelter to showcase dogs, cats, or rabbits available for adoption on a not-for-profit basis. 

A violation of the ordinance is a civil infraction and is punishable by a fine of not more than $500 and/or other penalties as authorized in city code.

Policy Updates and Documents
Download the Retail Pet Store License Form
View the Animal Disposition Form submissions
View the Retail Pet Store New Animal Form submissions
View Ordinance O-15-23

City of Berkley Press Releases
September 19, 2023
February 24, 2023