About Pet and Animal Food Stores
Los Angeles County Code Title 8, Section 8.04.025 defines an "Animal food market" (aka animal food store or pet food store) as a retail facility selling pet food or livestock feed, either packaged or in bulk.
We are responsible for conducting annual inspections of pet and animal food stores to ensure that food provided at these establishments is safe and free from contamination. The inspectors act under the authority of the California Health and Safety Code, and Los Angeles County Code Titles 8 and 11. See more in the Business Information section below.
The Pet and Animal Food Store inspection program is part of the District Inpsection (DI) Branch. It is deployed throughout Los Angeles County by the twenty-nine DSE district offices spread across all geographic areas. The program is responsible for conducting routine inspections once a year and for responding to complaints regarding these establishments.
All pet and animal food stores within Los Angeles County are required to apply for a Public Health Permit (PHP) regardless of locality.
How to open a business
To open a pet or animal food store in any part of Los Angeles County, you must apply for a Public Health Permit and be approved to operate by your local District Surveillance and Enforcement District Office.
You will be asked to provide business or individual identity documents, such as a Business License, Seller's Permit, Articles of Incorporation, or California ID, depending on the nature of your business.
The Public Health Permit is not transferrable and must be renewed annually.
Application and Information
Sanitation and Licensing Requirements
Health and safety inspections at pet and animal food stores ensure that facilities comply with the California Health and Safety Code and the Los Angeles County Code Titles 8 and 11. These requirements protect the health and safety of workers and limit the potential for infectious disease to spread.
During the annual routine inspections, we check for the following:
- Vermin infestations (violations must be corrected immediately)
- Rodent proofing
- Waster water discharges (violations must be corrected at once)
- Pet food from approved sources
- Pet food with approved labels
- Food temperature requirements
- Sanitation
- Toilets and Hand sinks available and clean (violations must be corrected immediately)
If you are interested in opening an animal food store in Los Angeles County, contact your local DSE office.
Report a Problem
Pet and animal food store complaints can be filed by calling the Environmental Health Division at (888) 700-9995 or file a complaint online. You will not ask about your immigration status, and you can file complaints anonymously.
You can report to Environmental Health if pet and animal food stores do not:
- Control pests like rats, mice, and cockroaches
- Dispose of wastewater through an approved system
- Ensure sanitary conditions inside the store
- Have clean bathrooms with soap, water, toilet paper, and hand towels
- Have hot and cold running water
- Take steps to prevent all imminent health and safety hazards as defined in the California Health and Safety Code
Contact Us
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Tel: (888) 700-9995
Fax: (626) 813-4833
For local district offices contact information, please visit our
District Offices Page
for complete contact information.