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.

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:

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