Part 3. Particular Licenses and Standards
Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.
Part 3. Particular Licenses and Standards
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-160 (2026)
Sec. 3-160. Kennel licenseLinkCopy Citation
(a)
No person may operate a kennel without first obtaining a kennel license. Research facilities wherein bona fide medical or other scientific research (including, but not limited to, dental, pharmaceutical and biological research) is being conducted and other animal holding establishments which are licensed by Federal law or operated by agencies or contractors of the United States, the State of Maryland or of any Maryland local government are excluded from the kennel licensing requirements of this Subtitle.
(b)
The applicant shall pay an annual kennel license fee as follows:
| (1) Authorized to house less than ten (10) animals | $75.00 |
| (2) Authorized to house ten (10) but less than fifty (50) animals | $125.00 |
| (3) Authorized to house fifty (50) but less than one hundred (100 animals | $175.00 |
| (4) Authorized to house one hundred (100) or more animals | $250.00 |
(c)
The holder of a commercial kennel license shall make and retain for one year records of the names and addresses of persons who board, buy, or otherwise receive dogs from the kennel.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-161 (2026)
Sec. 3-161. Guard dog facility; license requiredLinkCopy Citation
(a)
No person shall train, own or keep any dog to be used as a guard dog without obtaining a guard dog license for each location where a guard dog is kept. This Section shall not apply to governmental agencies.
(b)
The application for the guard dog license shall state:
(1)
The name and address of the owner, the trainer, and/or the handler;
(2)
The location of the guard dog facility; and
(3)
The maximum number of dogs to be housed in the facility.
(c)
The fee for a guard dog license shall be Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per year. The license fee shall be in addition to any kennel license fee required under this Subtitle.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-162 (2026)
Sec. 3-162. Pet shop licenseLinkCopy Citation
(a)
No person may operate a pet shop without first obtaining a pet shop license as provided herein.
(b)
The holder of a pet shop license shall make and retain for one year records of the names and addresses of persons who buy or otherwise receive ferrets, dogs, or cats from the pet shop.
(c)
The annual license fee for a pet shop shall be Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00).
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-163 (2026)
Sec. 3-163. Petting zoo licenseLinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not operate a petting zoo without first obtaining a petting zoo license as provided herein.
(b)
A petting zoo license must be obtained thirty (30) days prior to the petting zoo operating in the County regardless of the length of time of operation, i.e. for one hour, one day, one week, etc.
(c)
The application for a petting zoo license shall be accompanied by a site plan of the petting zoo, showing all cages/crates, enclosures, security fences and other arrangements for public security and animal care and feeding.
(d)
The petting zoo license fee shall be One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00). The petting zoo license shall be valid for the time(s) and date(s) stated in the application but in no event shall a petting zoo license be valid for a period in excess of one calendar year.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-164 (2026)
Sec. 3-164. Cattery licenseLinkCopy Citation
(a)
No person may operate a cattery without first obtaining a cattery license as provided herein.
(b)
The annual fee for a cattery license shall be as follows:
| (1) Cattery authorized to house less than ten (10) cats | $75.00 |
| (2) Cattery authorized to house ten (10) but less than fifty (50) cats | $125.00 |
| (3) Cattery authorized to house fifty (50) but less than one hundred (100) cats | $175.00 |
| (4) Authorized to house one hundred (100) or more cats | $250.00 |
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-165 (2026)
Sec. 3-165. Riding school and stable licenseLinkCopy Citation
(a)
No person may operate a riding school or commercial stable without first having obtained a riding school and stable license as provided herein.
(b)
This Section shall not apply to any private stable wherein the owner houses or stables only his own horses.
(c)
The annual fee for a riding school and stable license shall be as follows:
| (1) School or stable authorized to house or display less than ten (10) horses | $50.00 |
| (2) School or stable authorized to house or display ten (10) but less than twenty (20) horses | $100.00 |
| (3) School or stable authorized to house or display twenty (20) or more horses | $150.00 |
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-166 (2026)
Sec. 3-166. Commercial pet distribution facility licenseLinkCopy Citation
(a)
No person may operate a commercial pet distribution facility, without first obtaining a commercial pet distribution facility license.
(b)
Commercial pet distribution facility means a commercial establishment where animals are held for sale at wholesale or for distribution to other commercial establishments or users, sellers, or consumers of animals other than private pet owners or to zoological parks, aviaries, or aquariums.
(c)
The annual fee for a commercial pet distribution facility license shall be as follows:
| (1) Facility authorized to house less than one hundred (100) animals | $100.00 |
| (2) Facility authorized to house one hundred (100) but less than two hundred fifty (250) animals | $150.00 |
| (3) Facility authorized to house two hundred fifty (250) or more animals | $200.00 |
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-167 (2026)
Sec. 3-167. Grooming establishment licenseLinkCopy Citation
(a)
No person may operate a grooming establishment without first obtaining a grooming establishment license as provided herein.
(b)
The annual fee for a grooming establishment license shall be Fifty Dollars ($50.00) and the establishment is authorized to hold up to fifty (50) animals for the day (12 hour period).
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-168 (2026)
Sec. 3-168. Standards for kennel or catteryLinkCopy Citation
(a)
All kennels and catteries shall provide for each dog or cat:
(1)
A cage, crate or run of sufficient size to allow its occupant to stand up, lie down, and turn around without touching the sides or top. Cage floors shall be made of nonporous, impervious material and, unless radiantly heated, shall be equipped with a resting board or other bedding. Appropriate drainage is required between cages, crates and runs to prevent cross-contamination from waste materials or cleaning water. If animals are housed in two (2) or more levels, no waste or other matter from the upper levels is permitted to contaminate other levels.
(2)
Access to outside areas on a temporary basis, provided the outside area is of sufficient size with secure fencing and a secure latched gate. The outside area must be capable of being properly cleaned. In the event of weather extremes, an animal permitted outside must have access to inside runs or other proper shelter. Animals in kennels or catteries may not be permanently kept outside.
(3)
Enclosures, cages, crates, and exercise areas which shall be kept clean, dry, and in a sanitary condition, and which shall provide proper air, a temperature maintained at normal conditions (a minimum of sixty-five (65) degrees Fahrenheit, and a maximum of seventy-five (75) degrees Fahrenheit) on the premises, except for those animals requiring higher temperatures, and proper protection from the weather.
(b)
Where the holder of a kennel or cattery license is engaged in breeding of more than one (1) litter per year and/or the buying and selling of dogs and/or cats, the standards for pet shops and commercial pet distribution facilities, as prescribed in Section 3-170, shall apply to those animals being bred or held for sale, exchange, or purchase.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-169 (2026)
Sec. 3-169. Standards for Guard Dog FacilitiesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
All owners or trainers of guard dogs shall, in addition to the requirements provided in Section 3-168, comply with, but are not limited to, the standards of this Section whenever any dog is to be trained or used as a guard dog. Failure to comply with these standards shall be grounds for denial or revocation of the license.
(b)
Dogs being trained or used as guard dogs must be able to demonstrate obedience training, but they shall not be subjected to cruel or inhumane treatment prohibited by State law or this Subtitle.
(c)
Guard dogs must be under the control of a responsible adult handler when they are being trained or utilized.
(d)
Kennel, training, and work site areas for guard dogs must meet the following requirements;
(1)
Runs must have at least six foot (6') fences completely surrounding them to which anticlimbers are added at the top or the top is completely covered and anti-diggers at the bottom of the runs.
(2)
All gates and entrances to the runs, kennel, training or work site area must be kept locked so that the public is unable to enter.
(3)
The kennel, training, or work site area must be enclosed within a building to which the public does not have access or by fences at least eight feet (8') high to which anticlimbers and anti-diggers are added. Fences must be kept escape proof.
(e)
Guard dogs may not be allowed in any area to which the public has access unless they are securely restrained, humanely muzzled, and under the control of an adult handler.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-170 (2026)
Sec. 3-170. Standards for pet shops and commercial pet distribution facilitiesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
A pet shop or commercial pet distribution facility receiving animals from a common carrier shall take delivery and physical possession of those animals within four (4) hours after notification by the carrier that the animal has arrived at the carrier's point of delivery.
(b)
No sick animals may be sold or further transferred in the course of commercial distribution until transfer is approved by a veterinarian. All animals and birds received by a pet shop or commercial pet distribution center shall be isolated until they can be examined. The examination shall be conducted in an area separate and apart from the housing or display area provided for other animals. Any bird or animal exhibiting illness, disease, or a present crippling deformity must be provided with immediate and proper care and treatment by a licensed veterinarian.
(c)
Animals with only present crippling deformities or noncontagious health problems may be placed in an area with healthy animals or returned to the breeder, broker, or shipper. Animals with noncontagious diseases or present crippling deformities may be given away as pets if the recipient signs a written release indicating that the recipient is aware of the deformity or noncontagious disease and agrees to spay or neuter the animal at the appropriate age and releases the pet shop from responsibility for that condition. Animals with present crippling deformities or known noncontagious diseases may not be sold or displayed.
(d)
A pet shop or commercial pet distribution facility shall maintain healthy animals in an area separate and apart from diseased animals. Healthy animals shall be provided with a ventilation system designed and operated to prevent air from housing areas for diseased animals from reaching areas in which healthy animals are housed. The ventilation system shall provide a reasonably healthy method of air entry, circulation, and filtration, and the system shall condition the air to eliminate noxious substances and objectionable odors.
(e)
A pet shop or commercial pet distribution facility shall maintain under normal conditions a minimum temperature of 65 degrees F and maximum temperature of 75 degrees F on the premises, except for those animals which require higher temperatures. There shall be a visible working thermometer in the display window where animals are shown and any area where animals are being kept.
(f)
A pet shop or commercial pet distribution facility shall have all canines and felines on the premises examined by a veterinarian every fourteen (14) days for compliance with Section 3-159 and appropriate records signed by the attending veterinarian. All animals shall be checked daily for signs of illness.
(g)
In every pet shop or commercial pet distribution facility, all canines shall have received distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and leptospirosis inoculations as required by applicable law or regulation prior to shipping, or prior to display upon receipt by the pet or commercial distribution facility after consultation with the attending veterinarian. Felines shall have received vaccine inoculations with FVRCP as required by applicable law or regulation prior to shipping, or prior to display upon receipt by the pet or commercial distribution facility after consultation with the attending veterinarian. The pet shop or distribution facility shall have canines checked for worms on a routine basis and wormed if necessary. This Subsection does not permit a pet shop or commercial pet distribution facility to accept, sell, or display a dog or cat younger than eight (8) weeks of age.
(h)
All ill animals, maimed animals, and animals with present crippling deformities shall be under the care of a veterinarian at the expense of the pet shop or distribution facility until they are permanently cured, humanely destroyed, or properly given away. Any animal certified by a veterinarian to be healthy may be transferred or sold.
(i)
(1)
It shall be a violation for any pet dealer to sell a dog or cat without providing the consumer with a pet dealer's animal history certificate at the time the consumer takes possession of the dog or cat. The pet dealer's animal history certificate shall be signed by the pet dealer, or the dealer's agent or employee, and shall contain the following information:
(A)
The animal's breed, sex, age, color, and birth date;
(B)
The name and address of the person from whom the pet dealer purchased the animal;
(C)
The breeder's name and address;
(D)
The date on which the animal was examined by a veterinarian, the name and address of such veterinarian, and a brief statement of any findings made; and
(E)
A statement of all vaccinations administered to the animal, including the identity and quantity of the vaccine, the name and address of such veterinarian, and a brief statement of all findings.
(2)
The information contained in the pet dealer's animal history certificate required in paragraph (1), above, shall be informative only, and the pet dealer shall not be responsible in any manner for the accuracy of such information unless the dealer knows or has reason to know that such information is erroneous. A copy of the pet dealer's animal history certificate signed by the consumer shall be maintained by the pet dealer for a period of one year following the date of sale.
(3)
It shall be a violation for a pet dealer to include in the pet dealer's animal history certificate provided for in paragraphs (1) and (2), above, any false or misleading statement regarding the information to be contained therein.
(4)
If, at any time within ten (10) days following receipt of an animal by a consumer, a veterinarian certifies such animal to have been unfit for purchase due to illness, a congenital defect deleterious to the health of the animal, or the presence of symptoms of a contagious or infectious disease, the pet dealer shall afford the consumer the right to choose one of the following options:
(A)
The right to return the animal and receive a refund of the purchase price including sales tax; or
(B)
The right to return the animal and to receive an exchange animal of equivalent value from the dealer, subject to the choice of the consumer.
(5)
The refund required in paragraph (4), above, shall be made by the pet dealer not later than ten (10) business days following receipt of a signed veterinary certificate as hereinafter provided. A pet dealer shall give notice hereinafter set forth in writing to a consumer prior to the delivery of an animal. Such notice shall be embodied in either a written contract, the pet dealer's animal history certificate, or a separate document and shall state in at least ten point (10 pt.) bold face type the following:
| NOTICE |
| The sale of animals is subject to the provisions of Section 3-170(i). In the event that a veterinarian certifies your animal to have been unfit for purchase within ten (10) business days following receipt of your animal, you may choose: |
| (1) To return your animal and receive a refund of the purchase price; or |
| (2) To return the animal and receive an exchange animal of your choice of equivalent value. |
| In order to exercise these rights, you must present a written veterinary certification, indicating that the animal was unfit for purchase, to the pet dealer within three (3) business days after receiving such certification. |
(6)
If the consumer agrees, the pet shop may provide to the animal purchaser free veterinary treatment for any illness or condition existing at the time of sale that is diagnosed by a veterinarian within ten (10) days of the date of sale. The initial examination fee, office visit fee, vaccine cost, and inoculation fee are to be the pet owner's responsibility. The pet shop shall choose the veterinarian who is to provide treatment for the illness or condition.
(j)
The pet shop shall maintain an accurate individual history and health record for each dog or cat and lot records for birds. The records shall contain the name of the pet shop; a full description of the animal; the name and address of the person from whom the animal was obtained and the federal dealer identification number, if available; the date of the animal's entry into the State of Maryland; the animal's date of birth; the name and address of the breeder; the name and address of the broker; the name and address of the shipper; a record of all vaccines administered to the animal and the date of administration; a record of any disease of the animal observed while in the possession of the pet shop, including, but not limited to, symptoms of illness, diagnosed illness, treatment, medication, and prognosis, if known; and the date of sale or other disposition.
(k)
The pet shop shall maintain a record of sale for each bird in conformance with the requirements of the Department of Health.
(l)
All cages must meet the following requirements:
(1)
All cages are to be constructed of nonabsorbent, nonporous, and impervious material.
(2)
The floors of the primary enclosure shall be constructed so as to protect the animals' feet and legs from injury. Primary enclosures for animals, except cats, may have wire or grid flooring provided that the gauge of the wire or grid material is of proper size to support the animal(s) and to prevent sagging under the weight of the animal and provided that the mesh openings are of a suitable size for the age and species of the animal. Wire or grid flooring for small animals (quadrupeds), shall have mesh openings of such size as to prevent the animals' feet from passing through the openings.
(3)
Each primary enclosure shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide sufficient space to allow each animal to turn about freely and to easily stand, sit, or lie in a comfortable position. Containing a dog by means of tying or chaining shall not be permitted, except that a dog may be restrained when grooming if the chain is placed or attached to a well-fitted collar. The area of confinement for cats shall be large enough to permit proper exercise for the animals.
(4)
A primary enclosure for a cat shall have a litter pan made from nonabsorbent material, or disposable pans containing sufficient clean litter to contain the excreta.
(5)
There shall be available for cleaning and sanitation a sufficient supply of hot running water and an effective chemical sanitizing agent.
(6)
If a cage is made of material which can be scratched, they shall be steam cleaned or cleaned with an effective disinfectant every fourteen (14) days and before the introduction of another animal. Cage walls and ceiling shall have a smooth, washable surface and shall be finished in a light color and kept in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition.
(m)
All areas of confinement, display, storage, and sales shall be maintained in a rodent-free, vermin-free, and sanitary condition. These areas shall be cleaned and disinfected regularly as conditions warrant. All cages shall be cleaned and disinfected daily. Feed and water dishes shall be emptied and sanitized at least once daily. No animal is permitted to be maintained in an area being cleaned until this process is completed and the area is dry. Sipper tube water bottles, if used, shall be kept clean and sanitized regularly and kept free of dirt, debris, and algae.
(n)
At least one (1) sink or tub equipped with both hot and cold running water shall be provided within the building in a location easily accessible to the areas where animals are housed. All wastes or sewage shall be discharged to a Health Department approved waste disposal system. Floors shall be smooth and easily cleanable and kept in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition. Where flooding or steaming methods are employed for cleaning floors, proper means shall be provided for removal of waste water. Water shall not be permitted to pool under equipment, partitions, animal enclosures, or other places within the building. Any animal enclosure which is subject to waste water runoff after cleaning or subject to the influence of weather shall be connected to an approved waste water disposal system.
(o)
A pet shop may not confine or display animals of different species in the same cage or enclosure, except that fish, birds, and nonpoisonous reptiles of different but compatible species may be displayed or confined in the same tank or cage.
(p)
A pet shop shall not display any animal in a manner that is detrimental to the health or well-being of that animal. The management of the pet shop shall give proper instruction on the handling of an animal.
(q)
No more than one (1) adult dog or cat may be confined in the same cage. Young animals may not be confined or displayed in the same cage with adult animals. Pugnacious or dangerous animals shall be isolated from other animals. Dogs shall be taken from cages and allowed to exercise at least twice daily, including Sundays and holidays. Dogs and cats under the age of eight (8) weeks may not be displayed or offered for sale.
(r)
The water temperature in a fish tank shall be maintained at a constant level appropriate for the fish confined therein. If necessary for purposes of health or sanitation, the fish tank shall be equipped with an efficient circulating pump, filter, thermometer, and light for the emission of heat. Fish tanks shall be kept in a sanitary condition at all times.
(s)
Each bird cage housing small-sized birds up to and including doves, cockatiels, and love birds shall contain at least two (2) horizontal perches and provide sufficient perch space for every bird confined therein; and one-third (1/3) of the perch space is to be vacant at all times. If a perch is detrimental to the health of a particular species, then the perch is to be omitted from the cage in which that species is confined. In addition to bird seed and water, each bird cage shall contain an amount of fresh gravel, where appropriate and needed for digestion, sufficient for the number of birds confined therein. Parrots and other large bird species shall have sufficient cage space or sufficient T-stand perch space. They shall not be confined or displayed in a cage with smaller birds.
(t)
Hand washing facilities for the public shall be provided.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-171 (2026)
Sec. 3-171. Standards for petting zooLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Cages, crates and enclosures shall provide proper space to allow each animal to move around with ease. Cages, crates and enclosures shall be maintained at all times in a sanitary condition, with sufficient clean and dry bedding to prevent offensive odors.
(b)
Animals shall be provided proper water at all times.
(c)
Animals shall be provided with proper food.
(d)
Animals shall be provided with proper air and healthful temperatures for every species. Access to proper shelter and protection from the weather must be available at all times.
(e)
A proper number of attendants shall be on the premises during the hours the zoo is open to the public in order to provide proper supervision.
(f)
Hand washing facilities for the public shall be provided.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-172 (2026)
Sec. 3-172. Standards for catteriesLinkCopy Citation
All catteries shall comply with the standards for commercial kennels set forth in Section 3-168, above.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-173 (2026)
Sec. 3-173. Standards for riding schools and stablesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
All riding schools and stables shall comply with the minimum standards of this Section.
(b)
All animals shall be provided with daily food and water which shall be wholesome, palatable and of sufficient quantity and nutritional value to meet the normal daily requirements for the condition and size of the animal. The food shall be free of any contamination.
(c)
All horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, and other livestock shall have an enclosure with at least three (3) solid walls and a solid roof. All buildings and sheds used for the stabling of animals shall be well lighted and ventilated and provide protection from extremes of weather.
(d)
All buildings and sheds used for stabling animals shall be kept clean and in good repair at all times and manure shall be removed therefrom daily.
(e)
Stacked manure piles shall not be allowed to stand for a period in excess of four (4) days except when conditions of ice and/or snow prohibit its removal, and in all instances must be kept at least fifty (50) feet from a building or shed housing animals.
(f)
Any enclosure where animals are kept shall be graded and drained to prevent pooling of water. No garbage, fecal matter, or other similar matter shall be placed or allowed to remain in any stable or enclosure. No open drain is permitted to run through any stable or enclosure.
(g)
The owner and operator of the stable shall be responsible for taking steps to suppress internal parasites, flies, and other insects attracted to the stable site.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-174 (2026)
Sec. 3-174. Standards for Grooming EstablishmentLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Enclosures, cages/crates, and/or exercise areas shall be maintained in a sanitary condition which shall provide proper air, a healthful temperature, and proper shelter and protection against extreme weather.
(b)
All areas of confinement, display, storage, and sales shall be maintained in a rodent-free, vermin-free, and sanitary condition. These areas shall be cleaned and disinfected regularly as conditions warrant.
(c)
At least one (1) sink or tub equipped with both hot and cold running water shall be provided within the building in a location easily accessible to the areas where animals are housed. All wastes or sewage shall be discharged to a Health Department approved waste disposal system. Floors shall be smooth and easily cleanable and kept in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition. Where flooding or steaming methods are employed for cleaning floors, proper means shall be provided for removal of waste water. Water shall not be permitted to pool under equipment, partitions, animal enclosures, or other places within the building. Any animal enclosure which is subject to waste water runoff after cleaning or subject to the influence of weather shall be connected to an approved waste water disposal system.
(d)
No animal may be held for more than one (1) hour without having access to water in a secured container.
(e)
No animal may be retained overnight in a grooming establishment unless the facility is also licensed as a kennel.