Pet Grooming License & Business Requirements in Oregon (2025): The Complete Guide

Important: Fees, tax rates, and regulations change frequently. This guide reflects requirements as of early 2025. Always verify current requirements with the specific agencies listed before making business decisions. Direct links to official sources are provided throughout.

Starting a pet grooming business in Oregon is legally straightforward—and operationally layered.

You’ll often hear:

“Oregon doesn’t require a pet groomer license.”

That statement is true, but it conceals the actual compliance work. Oregon regulates grooming as a business activity and animal facility, not as a licensed profession. The real requirements live in business registration, tax obligations, county animal facility permits, zoning approval, and sanitation standards—not in a professional grooming credential.

This guide covers storefront salons, home-based groomers, and mobile grooming operations, with specific attention to requirements most groomers discover too late—including Oregon’s unique tax structure with no sales tax but mandatory income taxes and potential Corporate Activity Tax.

Quick Reference: What You Must Do

Required for ALL Grooming Businesses (Regardless of Model)

Oregon business registration (Secretary of State) - varies by structure
Federal EIN (IRS)
Oregon tax setup (income tax, and potentially Corporate Activity Tax if over $1M revenue)
Business insurance (general liability, CCC/bailee coverage)
Business banking account

Model-Specific Requirements

Requirement	Storefront	Home-Based	Mobile
Zoning approval	Commercial zoning verification	Home occupation permit/approval	Parking/storage location approval
City business license	If city requires (varies by city)	If city requires (varies by city)	Each city you operate in
County animal facility permit	Usually required	Often required	Varies by county
Wastewater approval	Commercial sewer/septic	Septic system approval critical	Holding tank + disposal plan
Facility inspection	Yes	Depends on county	Depends on county
Building permits	Often required	Rarely	Vehicle modifications only

Bottom line: Business registration and taxes apply to everyone. Zoning, county permits, and wastewater requirements vary dramatically by location and model.

If you’re setting up across the border in Washington, check out our comprehensive Washington grooming licensing requirements guide for state-specific differences in tax structure and permits.

Part 1: Do You Need a Pet Groomer License in Oregon?

The short answer

No. Oregon does not issue a professional license for pet groomers. Grooming is not regulated by any state licensing board that requires testing, certification, or continuing education.

There is:

no state grooming board
no state exam
no mandatory professional certification
no continuing education requirement

You can legally groom pets without a professional grooming license.

The important clarification

“No license required” does not mean “unregulated.”

Instead, Oregon regulates grooming businesses through:

state business registration with the Secretary of State
state and local income taxation (no sales tax)
city and county business licensing
county animal facility permits
zoning and land-use controls
facility sanitation and animal welfare standards

Most compliance failures happen because groomers stop researching after hearing “no license required.”

Part 2: Choose Your Business Model First (Everything Depends on This)

Before registering anything, decide how you will operate, because regulatory requirements change based on your model.

Common grooming business models

1. Storefront grooming salon

Commercial lease or owned retail space
Clients drop off and pick up pets
Highest startup cost, most straightforward regulatory path

2. Home-based grooming

Operates from a residence (garage, basement, converted room)
Lower overhead
Zoning and septic system constraints

3. Mobile grooming

Van or trailer-based grooming unit
Travels to client locations
Multi-jurisdiction licensing complexity
Wastewater disposal critical

Once you select a model, every subsequent step—zoning, permits, inspections, and taxes—follows from it.

Part 3: Oregon Business Registration (Required for Most Groomers)

Most grooming businesses in Oregon must register with the Oregon Secretary of State.

Official resource: Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry | Phone: 503-986-2200

Who must register

Always required:

LLCs and corporations
Sole proprietors or partnerships using an assumed business name (DBA)
Businesses with employees

May be exempt from state registration:

Sole proprietors using only their legal name with no employees

However, even if exempt from state registration, you may still need city/county business licenses and must register for federal and state tax purposes.

What business registration does

Your registration:

legally establishes your business entity with the state
creates your business’s legal identity
is required for tax accounts
is needed for city and county permits
is required for banking and insurance

Operating without proper registration means operating illegally.

Registration fees and renewal (verify current fees)

Current fees as of early 2025 (always verify at Oregon SOS Fee Schedule):

LLC registration: $100 initial filing, $100 annual renewal
Corporation registration: varies by type
Assumed Business Name: $50 filing, renewal every two years
Registration typically processed within days if filed online

Note: Fees are subject to change. Verify current amounts before filing.

Part 4: Taxes Groomers Must Pay in Oregon (No Sales Tax, But Complex Income Taxes)

Official resource: Oregon Department of Revenue | Phone: 503-378-4988

This is where Oregon differs dramatically from most states.

1. Oregon Has No Sales Tax

Oregon is one of five states with no sales tax.

This means:

you do not charge sales tax to customers
you do not collect or remit sales tax
this is a significant competitive advantage
pricing is simpler (no tax calculations at checkout)

However, Oregon makes up for this through higher income taxes.

2. Oregon Personal Income Tax (Pass-Through Entities)

For sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs taxed as partnerships, and S corporations, business income passes through to your personal tax return.

Oregon’s graduated personal income tax rates (2024 tax year):

Note: These rates are subject to annual adjustment. Verify current brackets at Oregon Department of Revenue - Personal Income Tax.

4.75% on income up to $4,050 (single) / $8,100 (married)
6.75% on income $4,051-$10,200 (single) / $8,101-$20,400 (married)
8.75% on income $10,201-$125,000 (single) / $20,401-$250,000 (married)
9.9% on income over $125,000 (single) / $250,000 (married)

You pay quarterly estimated taxes to both Oregon and the IRS.

3. Oregon Corporate Excise Tax (C Corporations)

Official guidance: Oregon Corporate Taxes

If you operate as a C corporation, you pay Oregon Corporate Excise Tax.

Current rates (verify for current tax year):

6.6% on Oregon taxable income up to $1 million
7.6% on Oregon taxable income over $1 million

There is also a minimum tax based on Oregon sales:

$150 (sales under $500,000)
$500 (sales $500,000-$999,999)
$1,000 (sales $1 million-$1.99 million)
$1,500 (sales $2 million-$2.99 million)
Scales up to $100,000 (sales $100 million+)

Even corporations with no net income pay the minimum tax.

4. Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) – Critical for Growing Businesses

Official guidance: Oregon Corporate Activity Tax

Implemented in 2020, Oregon’s Corporate Activity Tax applies to businesses with Oregon commercial activity exceeding $1 million (verify current threshold annually).

This is a gross receipts tax (not based on profit):

Current structure (verify for current tax year):

$250 base + 0.57% on commercial activity over $1 million
35% subtraction allowed for greater of cost of goods sold or labor costs
Quarterly estimated payments required if liability exceeds $5,000
Annual return due April 15

CAT applies to:

all business entities (sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, corporations)
regardless of profitability
based on gross receipts, not net income

Important: CAT rules are complex with apportionment formulas and specific deductions. Consult with a tax professional and review current Oregon DOR guidance.

Most small grooming businesses won’t hit the $1 million threshold initially, but this becomes relevant as you scale.

5. Employer Payroll Taxes (If You Have Employees)

Register through: Frances Online - Oregon’s Employer Portal

If you hire staff:

Oregon unemployment insurance tax (rates vary by experience rating; new employers typically ~2.1%)
State income tax withholding (based on employee’s Oregon W-4)
Transit taxes in certain districts (Portland TriMet, Lane Transit, etc.)
Federal payroll taxes (Social Security, Medicare, federal withholding)

Part 5: City Business Licensing (Highly Variable by Location)

Unlike many states with uniform requirements, Oregon city licensing is extremely decentralized.

Who needs city licenses

storefront salons inside city limits
home-based groomers inside city limits
mobile groomers operating in city limits

City-by-city variation

Oregon has no statewide city license requirement. Each city sets its own rules.

Some cities have no business license requirement. Others require registration and annual fees or taxes.

Portland and Multnomah County (Special Case)

Official resource: City of Portland Revenue Division - Business Tax | Phone: 503-823-5157

Portland has a Business License Tax, which is actually an income tax:

Register through City of Portland Revenue Division
One registration covers both Portland and Multnomah County
$100 minimum annual fee (verify current year)
2.6% tax on net income apportioned to Portland/Multnomah County (verify current rate)
Exemption for businesses grossing under $50,000 from Multnomah County sources (for County tax portion)
Metro Supportive Housing Services (SHS) tax may also apply

File annual return by April 15 (or your federal filing deadline).

Important: Portland and Multnomah County tax rates, minimums, and thresholds can change. Always verify current requirements at the official Portland Revenue Division website before filing.

Salem

Salem requires all businesses (home-based and commercial) to obtain a city business license:

Annual license required
Fee based on gross receipts
Renewal required annually
Application through city offices

Eugene

Eugene requires business registration:

Different requirements for home-based vs. commercial operations
Zoning approval required
Fee structure varies

Bend, Gresham, Hillsboro

Each has its own business license or registration requirements. Always check with your specific city clerk or revenue office.

For cities without requirements

Many smaller Oregon cities have no business license requirement. Contact your city hall to confirm.

Part 6: County Animal Facility Licensing and Permits

While the state does not license groomers, counties often regulate grooming facilities.

Official rules: Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 603-015-0025 through 0060) - View current rules

OAR 603-015-0025 defines “Grooming Parlor” as:

“Any establishment that bathes, clips, pedicures, or grooms any pet or captive animal for profit or compensation.”

Depending on your county and facility type, you may need:

an animal facility license
a grooming parlor permit
facility inspections
compliance with animal care standards

Critical: County requirements vary significantly. Contact your specific county animal services office to determine exact requirements, fees, and inspection procedures.

Part 7: County Examples (Requirements Vary Significantly)

Multnomah County

Official resource: Multnomah County Animal Services | Phone: 503-988-7387

Facility licensing: About Facility Licensing

Multnomah County Animal Services requires licensing for animal facilities, which includes grooming parlors.

Requirements:

annual facility license
facility inspection by Animal Services officer
compliance with county ordinances (Multnomah County Code 13.150-13.1524)
proof of insurance typically required
facility must meet sanitation and animal welfare standards

Licenses issued after inspection confirms facility meets requirements.

Important: Land use approval is separate from facility licensing. Contact Multnomah County Land Use Planning (land.use.planning@multco.us | 503-988-3389) for zoning questions.

Action step: Contact Multnomah County Animal Services directly to confirm current licensing requirements, fees, and inspection procedures before starting operations.

Clackamas County

Clackamas County regulates animal facilities under its animal control regulations.

Requirements vary based on:

facility type (storefront, home-based, mobile)
number of animals on-site at once
zoning district

Action step: Contact Clackamas County Dog Services directly to confirm specific permit requirements for your operation.

Washington County (Oregon)

Washington County Animal Services licenses animal-related businesses including grooming facilities.

Official resource: Washington County Animal Services | Phone: 503-846-7041

Requirements typically include:

facility license application
site inspection
proof of rabies vaccination verification procedures
compliance with facility standards

Action step: Contact Washington County Animal Services for current licensing requirements and fees.

Deschutes County

Deschutes County requires compliance with state animal facility standards but handles permits through the Community Development Department.

Official resource: Deschutes County Community Development | Phone: 541-388-6575

Requirements often involve:

zoning approval
building permits (if constructing or modifying space)
onsite septic system approval (critical for home-based operations)

Action step: Contact Deschutes County Community Development for zoning and permit requirements. Contact their Onsite Wastewater Program for septic questions.

Lane County

Lane County regulates kennels and animal facilities.

Fees and requirements (verify current amounts):

Non-commercial animal facilities: $150 annually
Commercial facilities: $250 annually
Inspection required
Facility must meet care standards

Action step: Contact Lane County Animal Services for current requirements and application procedures.

Marion County

Marion County requires zoning approval and may require specific permits depending on:

location (urban vs. rural zoning)
number of animals
whether facility is home-based or commercial

Conditional use permits may be required in residential zones.

Action step: Contact Marion County Planning Division and Animal Control to determine specific requirements for your proposed location.

Part 8: Zoning (The Requirement That Overrides Everything)

Zoning approval is mandatory before opening any grooming business.

Storefront zoning

You must confirm that:

pet grooming is an allowed or conditional use in your zoning district
parking requirements can be met
signage is permitted
noise and odor standards can be maintained
wastewater disposal is approved

Contact your city or county planning department for zoning verification.

Home-based zoning (Home Occupation Rules)

Home occupation regulations vary dramatically by jurisdiction but often limit:

number of client visits per day
number of employees (often zero or one non-resident)
animals on-site simultaneously (often 4-6 maximum)
exterior business signage
parking (often no commercial vehicle parking visible from street)
noise levels
hours of operation
wastewater generation

Some jurisdictions effectively prohibit commercial grooming from residential zones due to wastewater restrictions.

Portland home occupation rules (Title 33.203):

Type A: No employees or customers at site (consultants, remote work)
Type B: Limited employees/customers allowed with restrictions

Grooming would typically require Type B approval if allowed at all.

Mobile grooming zoning

Zoning still applies to:

where you park or store your mobile unit (home base)
where you conduct administrative work
wastewater disposal locations

Some residential zones prohibit parking commercial vehicles.

Part 9: Facility, Sanitation, and Wastewater Requirements

Facility standards: Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 603-015-0025 through 0060) - View current rules

Wastewater regulations: Oregon DEQ - Onsite Wastewater Systems

Oregon Administrative Rules establish standards for animal facilities including grooming parlors.

Indoor facility requirements (OAR 603-015-0040)

Facilities must have:

structural soundness (no injuries, proper containment)
electric power and potable water supply
adequate lighting (natural and artificial)
isolation facilities for sick animals
proper ventilation (temperatures 70-75°F recommended)
impervious, cleanable flooring
sanitary conditions maintained

Sanitation standards

Required practices:

daily removal of excreta from enclosures
weekly sanitization using safe, effective disinfectants
clean, accessible water at least twice daily
proper food storage and feeding practices
isolation of sick animals
premises kept free from trash

Professional grooming salon software with digital compliance tracking and vaccination management helps ensure you meet OAR 603-015 standards without manual checklists, keeping documentation audit-ready for county inspections.

Wastewater is critical

Grooming wastewater contains hair, chemicals, feces, urine, and cleaning agents.

This wastewater is different from residential wastewater and may not be appropriate for residential septic systems.

Official guidance: Oregon DEQ - About Septic Systems

Rules: Oregon DEQ - Onsite Wastewater Rules (OAR 340-071)

Home-based groomers on septic

Many jurisdictions restrict or prohibit commercial grooming wastewater from entering residential septic systems because:

higher volumes than residential use
chemical content (shampoos, disinfectants)
biological load (feces, urine, hair)
can overwhelm or damage septic system

You may be required to:

upgrade to a commercial-rated septic system
install a holding tank with commercial pumping service
connect to municipal sewer (if available)
obtain onsite wastewater permit modification from county

Action step: Contact your county’s On-Site Wastewater Program before starting home-based grooming. Do not assume your existing residential septic system is approved for commercial grooming wastewater.

Mobile groomers

Critical: Wastewater must be:

captured in onboard holding tanks
disposed of at approved dump stations or sanitary sewer connections
never dumped into storm drains, streets, yards, or natural water bodies

Illegal wastewater disposal can result in:

fines from Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
criminal charges
business closure
environmental cleanup liability

Action step: Before starting operations, identify and map approved wastewater disposal locations (RV dump stations, wastewater treatment facilities that accept commercial haulers, or properties with approved septic/sewer connections where you have permission).

Part 10: Animal Welfare and Operating Standards

Legal framework: Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 167.310-167.390) - Animal abuse and neglect laws apply to all animal businesses

Oregon expects groomers to follow humane handling practices:

no unattended animals in unsafe conditions
proper temperature control (heat stress prevention)
secure containment
immediate response to injuries or illness
vaccination verification (especially rabies)

While not codified as grooming-specific regulations, animal cruelty and neglect laws (ORS 167.310-167.390) apply to all animal businesses.

Best practice: Document handling procedures and incident response protocols to demonstrate compliance with animal welfare standards.

Part 11: Insurance (Not Optional in Practice)

Most Oregon groomers need:

general liability insurance
care, custody, and control (CCC) coverage (also called bailee coverage)
commercial property insurance
commercial auto insurance (mobile groomers)
workers’ compensation (if employees)

Many counties require proof of insurance to issue animal facility permits.

Typical liability coverage: $1-2 million.

Part 12: Home-Based vs Mobile vs Storefront — Key Differences

Home-based

lowest overhead
most zoning-sensitive
septic system compliance critical
client visit limitations
neighbor complaint risk

Mobile

multi-jurisdiction licensing (each city you serve)
wastewater compliance absolutely mandatory
commercial vehicle insurance required
flexible location, higher operating costs

Storefront

highest startup cost
clearest zoning path
easier client access
higher lease/mortgage costs
more straightforward permitting

Part 13: Example — Operating in Portland

Portland (Multnomah County) typically requires:

Oregon business registration (Secretary of State)
Portland/Multnomah County business tax registration
Multnomah County animal facility license (if applicable)
Zoning verification or home occupation permit
Facility inspection
Proof of insurance

Missing any layer can delay opening or result in closure and penalties.

Cost example:

LLC registration: $100
Annual renewal: $100
Portland business tax: $100 minimum + 2.6% net income
Multnomah County animal facility license: varies (contact Animal Services)
Insurance: $500-1,500 annually
Zoning/permits: varies

Part 14: Practical Compliance Checklist

Universal (all groomers)

Oregon business registration (Secretary of State)
Federal EIN (IRS)
Oregon tax registration (corporate excise or personal income setup)
Quarterly estimated tax payment system
Business banking account
Business insurance

Storefront

Zoning approval confirmed
City business license (if required in your city)
County animal facility permit
Building permits (if building out space)
Wastewater/sewer approval
Facility inspection passed
Proof of insurance submitted

Home-based

Home occupation zoning compliance verified
Septic system approval for commercial use (or sewer connection)
Animal count limits confirmed
Client visit restrictions understood
Parking regulations met
Neighbor notification (if required)
County animal facility permit (if required)

Mobile

Commercial vehicle registration and insurance
Wastewater holding tank and disposal plan
City licenses for all jurisdictions where you operate
County permits (if required)
Parking/storage location zoning approval
Proof of insurance

Part 15: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Assuming no sales tax means no taxes

Oregon may not have sales tax, but income taxes are higher than most states. Budget for:

quarterly estimated tax payments
potential Corporate Activity Tax (if you exceed $1 million in revenue)
city income taxes (Portland/Multnomah County)

Mistake 2: Starting home-based grooming without septic approval

Many home-based groomers discover after starting that their septic system cannot handle commercial grooming wastewater.

Result: expensive septic upgrades, holding tank installation, or forced closure.

Solution: Contact your county’s On-Site Wastewater Program before starting.

Mistake 3: Mobile groomers dumping wastewater illegally

Disposing of grooming wastewater down storm drains, in parking lots, or on the street is:

illegal
subject to DEQ enforcement
grounds for business closure
potentially criminal

Solution: Map approved dump stations and sanitary sewer connections before starting operations.

Mistake 4: Ignoring city-specific licensing

Operating in multiple cities as a mobile groomer without checking each city’s requirements can result in:

penalties
cease operations orders
back taxes and fees

Solution: Contact each city where you regularly operate to confirm requirements.

Mistake 5: Not getting zoning approval first

Signing a lease or starting construction without zoning approval can result in:

lease forfeiture
construction stop orders
inability to open

Solution: Get written zoning approval before signing leases or starting build-out.

Part 16: Licensing Timeline (How Long Does This Take?)

Important: These are general estimates. Actual timelines vary significantly by jurisdiction and depend heavily on permit backlogs, inspection schedules, and complexity of your specific situation. Always contact the relevant permitting authorities for current processing times.

Realistic timeline from decision to opening:

Storefront: 3-6 months

Business registration: 1-2 weeks
Zoning approval: 2-8 weeks (can be much longer if conditional use permit or variance required)
Build-out and permits: 4-12 weeks
Inspections and corrections: 2-4 weeks
Final approvals: 1-2 weeks

Home-based: 1-3 months

Business registration: 1-2 weeks
Zoning/home occupation approval: 2-4 weeks
Septic evaluation/approval: 2-6 weeks (often the longest step)
Animal facility permit: 2-4 weeks

Mobile: 1-2 months

Business registration: 1-2 weeks
Vehicle outfitting: varies (often done before registration)
City licenses: 1-4 weeks per jurisdiction
Insurance and permits: 2-3 weeks

Critical path items that cause delays:

Septic system approvals (home-based) - can extend timeline by months
Zoning variances or conditional use permits - add 2-4 months
Building permits and inspections - varies by city/county workload
County animal facility inspections - depends on scheduling availability

Action step: Contact each relevant permitting authority at the start of your planning process to ask for current typical processing times.

Part 17: How to Verify Your Specific Requirements

Regulations change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Use this checklist to verify current requirements for your specific situation:

State-level verification

Business registration: Confirm current fees and filing requirements at Oregon Secretary of State | 503-986-2200
Tax requirements: Verify current tax rates, thresholds, and filing requirements at Oregon Department of Revenue | 503-378-4988
Wastewater rules: Review current onsite wastewater regulations at Oregon DEQ

County-level verification

Animal facility permit: Contact your county animal services office directly to confirm:
- Whether grooming facilities require a permit in your county
- Current application process and fees
- Inspection requirements and timeline
- Insurance requirements
Zoning approval: Contact your county planning/zoning department to confirm:
- Whether grooming is allowed in your proposed location
- Home occupation rules (if home-based)
- Parking, signage, and operational restrictions
Septic/wastewater: Contact your county’s On-Site Wastewater Program (if not on municipal sewer) to confirm:
- Whether your existing septic system can handle commercial grooming wastewater
- What upgrades or permits are required
- Approval process and timeline

City-level verification

City business license: Contact your city clerk or revenue office to confirm:
- Whether your city requires a business license
- Current fees and filing requirements
- Renewal schedule
- Any city-specific taxes (especially Portland/Multnomah County)
City zoning: If within city limits, verify zoning with city planning department
Multiple cities (mobile groomers): Verify requirements for each city where you’ll regularly operate

Insurance verification

Contact commercial insurance providers to confirm required coverage types and amounts
Verify with county/city whether proof of insurance is required for permits

Professional assistance

Consider consulting:

Attorney: For business structure, contracts, and liability issues
Accountant/CPA: For tax planning, especially CAT and multi-jurisdiction issues
Insurance agent: For appropriate coverage types and amounts
Septic professional: For wastewater system evaluation (home-based operations)

Part 18: Resources and Contacts

State-level

Oregon Secretary of State – Business Registry

Website: sos.oregon.gov/business
Phone: 503-986-2200
Services: Business registration, annual reports, forms
Business Xpress License Directory

Oregon Department of Revenue

Website: oregon.gov/dor/programs/businesses
Phone: 503-378-4988
Services: Tax registration, returns, guidance
Corporate Activity Tax
Corporate Excise Tax

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

Oregon Business Xpress

Website: oregon4biz.com
Services: License directory, startup guides, resources

Oregon Employment Department (Payroll/UI)

Website: oregon.gov/employ/businesses
Frances Online Portal
Employer Tax Phone: 503-947-1484

County contacts

Multnomah County Animal Services

Website: multcopets.org
Phone: 503-988-7387
Facility Licensing

Multnomah County Land Use Planning

Email: land.use.planning@multco.us
Phone: 503-988-3389

Clackamas County Dog Services

Phone: 503-655-8628
Services: Animal facility permits

Washington County Animal Services

Website: washingtoncountyor.gov/animal-services
Phone: 503-846-7041
Services: Facility licensing

Deschutes County Community Development

Website: deschutes.org/cd
Phone: 541-388-6575
Services: Zoning, permits, septic
Onsite Wastewater Program

Lane County Animal Services

Contact county for current phone and website
Services: Animal facility licensing

Marion County Planning

Contact county for current phone and website
Services: Zoning, conditional use permits

City contacts

City of Portland Revenue Division

Website: portland.gov/revenue/business-tax
Phone: 503-823-5157
Services: Business tax registration and returns

City of Salem

Website: cityofsalem.net
Phone: 503-588-6178
Services: Business license information

City of Eugene Planning & Development

Website: eugene-or.gov
Phone: 541-682-5377
Services: Zoning, permits

City of Bend

Contact city for current requirements

City of Gresham

Contact city for current requirements

City of Hillsboro

Contact city for current requirements

Legal references

Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR)

Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS)

Final Reality Check

Oregon makes it easy to start grooming—there’s no professional license barrier.

But Oregon also makes it easy to accidentally operate out of compliance.

There is no groomer license—but there are:

business registration requirements
income taxes (no sales tax, but higher income taxes)
potential Corporate Activity Tax (verify current threshold)
city business licenses (varies by jurisdiction - confirm locally)
county animal facility permits (check with your specific county)
zoning approval (often the hardest hurdle - verify before signing leases)
wastewater disposal regulations (critical for home-based and mobile)
facility sanitation standards (OAR 603-015)

If you approach setup in order—business registration → tax setup → zoning approval → permits → inspections—you avoid expensive corrections later.

Compliance protects:

your business from closure and penalties
your clients from liability and quality issues
the animals in your care

And it keeps you operating legally and sustainably.

Take the Next Step

Once you’ve navigated Oregon’s licensing requirements and are ready to operate, professional grooming salon software built for Oregon groomers helps you manage the operational side—scheduling, client records, digital agreements, and compliance tracking—so you can focus on grooming instead of paperwork.

Start your free trial today and see how Packyard handles vaccination tracking, digital waivers, appointment management, and client communication in one platform.

Critical Reminder: Verify Everything Locally

This guide provides general framework only. Requirements, fees, rates, and procedures change frequently and vary significantly by jurisdiction.

Before making any business decisions:

Contact the Oregon Secretary of State for current business registration fees and requirements
Contact the Oregon Department of Revenue for current tax rates and thresholds
Contact your specific county animal services office for facility permit requirements
Contact your specific city for business license and tax requirements
Contact your county planning/zoning department for zoning verification
Contact your county’s On-Site Wastewater Program if on septic system
Verify all information at the official sources linked in Part 18

Do not rely solely on this guide. Use it as a starting point for your research, then verify every detail with the relevant authorities before proceeding.

This article is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm requirements with your city, county, the Oregon Secretary of State, and the Oregon Department of Revenue before opening. Regulations, fees, and requirements change frequently—verify current information with official sources.