Animal Permit Applications

This page has all of the information about animal-related permits for the City of Kansas City, MO. Inspections are performed by the Animal Services Division of KC Pet Project.

Animal Show and Display Permits

Any circus, horse or stock show, rodeo, petting zoo, pony ride, trained animal act, or temporary or traveling animal display in the City of Kansas City Mo., must have a special permit from the Animal Services Division of KC Pet Project, pursuant to Kansas City, Missouri ordinance 14-46.

Download the Animal Display application and submit your form to [email protected] or drop off at the north entrance of the KC Campus for Animal Care at 7077 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64132 at the Admissions department, along with the $100 permit fee. The fee may also be payed online through Paypal.

The applicant must provide proof that the location where the show will be held meets zoning, building, and fire code requirements. Only one permit and fee is required, provided the event is only held on consecutive days. All applications must be submitted at least (10) days prior to the event. This allows for proper vetting of the application process. All health certificates must be submitted along with the application. An inspection will be scheduled to determine suitability for the intended use, and to determine that appropriate restraints will be used during the show prior to authorizing a permit. 


Commercial Animal Establishment Permit

Any pet shop, grooming shop, boarding kennel, auction, riding school, stable, sentry or guard dog service, animal trainer, or business keeping animals in stock for retail or wholesale trade, or any establishment performing one or more of the principal activities of such establishments must have a special permit from the Animal Services Division of KC Pet Project, pursuant to Kansas City Missouri ordinance 14-39.

Download the Commercial Animal Establishment Permit Application and submit your form, along with the $100 permit fee, to [email protected] or drop off at the north entrance of the KC Campus for Animal Care at 7077 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64132 at the Admissions department. The fee may also be payed online through Paypal. Applicant must also provide proof that the establishment meets zoning, building and fire code requirements, and must provide a written program of veterinary care.  An inspector will contact the applicant to review the application and schedule a preliminary inspection.

For questions regarding how to obtain the additional necessary business licenses, registrations and permits for your business, click here.


Domestic Animal Avocation Permit

Owners of hobby kennels or hobby catteries must have a special permit from the Animal Services Division of KC Pet Project, pursuant to Kansas City, Missouri ordinance 14-44.

Download the Domestic Animal Avocation Permit Application and related documents (please see related documents below) and submit your forms to [email protected] or drop off at the north entrance of the KC Campus for Animal Care at 7077 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64132 at the Admissions department, along with the required fees ($100 plus $5 tag fee per animal on the required roster). The fee may also be payed online through Paypal. An Inspector will contact the applicant to review the application and schedule the required inspection.

Domestic Animal Avocation Permit Documents (in various formats):


Domestic Animal Rescue Kennel and Rescue Cattery Permit

Owners of rescue kennels or rescue catteries must have a special permit from the Animal Services Division of KC Pet Project pursuant to Kansas City Missouri ordinance 14-44. Download the Domestic Animal Rescue Kennel or Cattery Permit.  Application and related documents and submit your forms to [email protected] or drop off at the north entrance of the KC Campus for Animal Care at 7077 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64132 at the Admissions department, along with required $100 fee. The fee may also be payed online through Paypal. An Inspector will contact the applicant to review the application and schedule the required inspection.  Within thirty (30) days following issuance of the domestic animal rescue kennel and rescue cattery permit, applicant must obtain licensure pursuant to the State of Missouri Animal Care Facilities Act and must provide a copy to the Animal Services Division of KC Pet Project upon receipt.


Special Exception Permit for Fowl/Small Animals

The Special Exceptions Permit is designed for Individuals who would like to keep small animals or fowl on their property, Chapter 14, Section 15, but may not have the appropriate footage to do so. Persons who are interested in obtaining a permit must apply for the permit here or at the KC Pet Project, Animal Services Division, 7077 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64132.  Office hours are 10:00am – 6:00pm Monday through Friday, 10:00am. to 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday.

Applicants are given a two week time period to complete the application along with the supporting document i.e.: consent form and return to our office for processing. Once returned to the Animal Services Division, the processing period for the applications may take up to two weeks. The over all process should be completed within a thirty day time period. Please note: Small animal and fowl permit holders must renew their permit every five years from the date of issue, with the Chief of Animal Services. 

Consent Sheet (PDF)


Breeding and Show Dog Exception

The application is for those who wish to submit the appropriate forms and fees required in order to seek consideration for a breeding permit and/or show dog exception permit of pit bulls. Persons who are interested in obtaining a permit must apply for the permit here or at the KC Pet Project, Animal Services Division, 7077 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64132.  Office hours are 10:00am – 6:00pm Monday through Friday, 10:00am. to 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday. This permit is required by KCMO City Ordinance, Section 14-60.