Facility licensing

A facility license issued is required for anyone that owns, maintains, or operates a facility in Clark County or Vancouver. 

What is a facility?   

Facility means any premises used to conduct an animal shelter or animal-related business such as: 

  • Kennel (breeding, boarding)
  • Grooming parlor (including mobile grooming)
  • Pet shop
  • Dog day care
  • Training facility
  • Animal shelter
  • Other animal related facility

Animal hospitals or clinics where animals are kept only for treatment by licensed veterinarians are excluded. 

How do I get a facility license? 

Apply or renew online using these links:

Fees                                                                                                                                              

All fees must be paid prior to inspection.

Vancouver

  • Kennel (0-75 animals): $200
  • Kennel (75-175 animals): $350
  • Doggy day care: $150
  • Grooming parlor/mobile grooming: $100
  • Pet shop: $150
  • Combination: $350
  • Transfer fee: $15

Clark County

  • Kennel: $200
  • Grooming parlor/mobile grooming: $100
  • Pet shop: $100
  • Training: $100
  • Animal shelter: $150
  • All other facilities: $150
  • Combination: $300
  • Transfer fee: $25

Once the application and fee is submitted, our facility inspector will contact you to inspect your facility. 

Why do I need an inspection?

Regular inspection of animal facilities is important to ensure adequate and humane care of animals and for the safety of staff and the public. We will observe for proper treatment and housing of animals and make sure the facility is clean and following proper sanitation standards. 

Licensing is good for one year and your facility must be inspected annually to renew your license. 

Links

 

Your facility may need land use approval. 

Approval for a facility license does not include approval by Community Development Land Use Review. Land use or zoning approval is a separate process. Contact them at landuse@clark.wa.gov for further information. Read our handout about commercial kennels (PDF) 

Wild animal licensing

Need assistance with your online account or have questions? Email animal@clark.wa.gov for help during regular business hours.