Environmental Health

Pet Shop Licensing The City of Racine Public Health Department - Environmental Health Division annually inspects and licenses pet shops in order to ensure the well-being of the animals and the people who purchase the animals. Pet shops are regulated solely by Racine Municipal Code, and are defined as a person or corporation that sells any animals which will be kept by others for pleasure. However, a person selling only animals which he/she has bred and raised is not considered a pet shop.

The following is required for licensing:

1. Complete the required application for license.

   Application for Pet Shop License

2. Review the appropriate section of the Racine Municipal Code: Municipal Code Chapter 22, Article IV
   
   

3. Complete and submit a business plan, including details regarding what types of animals will be sold and how those animals will be cared for.

4. Pay the one-time pre-inspection/application fee. This must be paid before any site visits will be conducted.

5. A pre-inspection of the facility must occur. All pre-inspections must be scheduled at least two (2) weeks in advance. Any violations found during the pre-inspection must be corrected pursuant to applicable state and local requirements prior to issuance of the license.
   
   If a follow-up inspection is deemed necessary, it must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance.

6. Pay the license fee. The licensing year runs from July 1 through June 30, and the license fee must be paid annually before July 1 to avoid penalties.
   
   I is the responsibility of establishment operators to ensure licenses are paid on-time.
   

For More Information

If you have questions or would like more information, call 262-636-9203.