A pet Shop You need a license issued by the animal health division, as this is the entity that has the legal responsibility to issue it, prior to the inspection of the store.
Well, by meeting all the requirements that correspond to the facilities, the store can receive the license. The requirements are intended to protect the health of animals, that of customers who come to the store and that of employees.
How to apply for a pet store license
Commercial license: To open a pet Shop You must apply for a business license from the state and local jurisdiction.
However, you should find out from the secretary of state where the store will operate, if you need to also request a special license for pet stores.
When you apply for the license, they may ask you for a list of the types of animals you are going to sell and a plan with all the details of the store.
Well, you will not be able to operate the store until you have at least obtained a general business license, in the event that your state does not require a specific license.
Zoning permit: Know your local zoning ordinances as this will help you know where you can open the store.
Well, if you plan to sell small domestic animals such as cats and fish, you can open your business in common commercial areas, but if you plan to sell large animals, you will not be able to open your business, unless you locate it in areas with enough space and with an appropriate permit.
Health code: Each state has its own rules for managing a store of this type. An example is California laws that state that the operators of these stores must allow at least one of their employees to stay in the store once a day even on days the store is closed to care for the animals.
Animal legality: Make sure that the animals are legal and that it is legal in the state where your business is established, because, for example, in some states the groundhog is a legal animal to have as a pet, but in others it is allowed.
For exotic animals, most jurisdictions require a special permit to sell exotic pets, and you may even need to apply for a license from the US Department of Agriculture.
Sure: You need commercial insurance or business insurance so that you have coverage in the event an employee or a client is injured by a bite from one of your animals.
Well, maybe you have a lot of experience and even your employees can also be experienced in handling animals, but there is always a possibility that someone will be injured and you and your store will be responsible.
Register the business: To register your store you must choose a name, which being fictitious you must register it and you will obtain a DBA, which corresponds to that name which of course is not your own, since you could also have chosen your own name in which case not you need to register it.
Business structure: It is convenient that you contact a lawyer to configure the business structure of your store, since this configuration will determine the registration at the different levels of government and you will know the specific requirements for that structure.
Legal documents: Contact the income department to request the tax identification number so that you can report your income and make the payment of taxes.
General business license: The general business license is the one that regulates business in a state or city. The business license helps the authorities to identify the business owner and locate the physical business premises, so you need to manage a business license even if you run your store in your residential area.
Local permit: In addition to the general business license, you must obtain local permits, which include a work permit for your store and a signage license if required by your state. In this way you can use posters with information about your store.
Building permit: This is the permit from which you can build a building or make an extension of a building within some premises. You can obtain these licenses by contacting local authorities such as the municipal or county council in your area.
Federal license: In addition to state and local licenses you need to obtain a federal license to operate your store.
The United States Department of Agriculture is the federal agency that oversees the transaction of animals in the country.
As a store owner who raises unregulated animals and runs the business from your own premises, you require a Class A license.
If you are dedicated to the sale and purchase of regulated animals, you require a class B license.
Regulated animals: Regulated animals are exotics such as tigers and snakes, as these animals are protected by federal law.
Unregulated animals: Unregulated animals are pets like cats and dogs.
However, both licenses can be obtained from your state department of agriculture.
Operations license: These are licenses issued by regional animal care offices after an inspection determines that the facilities meet the operating standards of a pet store.
Its regulations include a safe place for animals, as the health of the animals will also be inspected before the license is issued.
The operating license can be revoked if you do not demonstrate compliance with these standards.
License application process for a pet store
When submitting the application to open your pet Shop You will be able to receive advice from the Animal Health Inspectors before you can apply and start building your store.
Fill out the application completely, making sure you entered the opening date. When the appropriate office receives your application, it will notify the appropriate personnel to carry out the inspection on the opening date you indicated.
If the inspector does not find any violations, they will send a report to the office and the license will be issued. But if the inspection is unsatisfactory, it will send the report to the office and give you an appropriate time to correct the violation found.
If after a new inspection, you did not correct the violations, the license will be denied.