Guidance & Best Practices
Some best practices that all licensed pet dealers should follow include maintaining clean animal housing; providing food and water; monitoring housing temperature; maintaining required vaccinations; obtaining appropriate health certificates; monitoring animal health; adhering to isolation and biosecurity guidance; documenting sales; handling medication appropriately; and protecting consumers. Learn more below.
Determine whether licensure is required at the state level. In the U.S., the states of Connecticut and Florida require a boarding license, while Maine, Iowa, Illinois and Colorado require boarding and shelter licenses. Missouri requires an annual license for animal boarding facilities, and Michigan requires a state registration form. If you live in one of these states, contact the state’s Department of Agriculture for more information. Some states, including Maine, require a criminal background check and will not grant licensure to people previously convicted of certain crimes, such as murder or animal cruelty.
Conform to minimum kennel standards. Most locales do not allow kennels to operate in a residential zone. All kennels should be clean, well-lit and ventilated with adequate space for each dog. Dogs should have access to shelter and water at all times. Maintain files with vaccination records for each dog. Also, plan for environmentally sound waste management procedures. Your city or county may require an inspection of the facilities before granting licensure. Inspecting departments may include the health department, environmental safety department and animal control. Some states, like Pennsylvania, have a Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement or similar agency that also maintains kennel inspection and complaint records.
A dog-boarding kennel provides a valuable service to dog owners who need overnight care for their pets. A clean, reputable facility with knowledgeable staff provides clients with peace of mind and the assurance that their pets are being fed, exercised and receiving human interaction. Any facility providing care for several dogs can be a breeding ground for bordetella and other communicable diseases, so it is important that kennel owners require all dogs to be current on vaccines. Kennel licenses also are required for facilities that breed or sell dogs.
Contact your city or county clerk for information on the kennel license application. Most locales require kennel licensure for facilities boarding five or more adult dogs. The definition of “adult dog” for kennel licensure purposes varies, but most locales define it as 3 or 4 months old. The city or county usually requires proof of rabies vaccination for each dog as well as a fee based on the number of dogs your facility accommodates. This transaction usually takes place through the treasurer’s office. Some applications include a questionnaire requesting more information about the facility and its intended usage, such as whether dogs are bred or sold.
Attend classes to obtain detailed knowledge of the proper care and handling of the animals you intend to board and kennel sanitation and maintenance. Study animal behavior. Know how to read a dogs body language to help prevent incidents that can occur when animals are kept in close quarters.
Visit the Small Business Administrations website to search for your business and license requirements. Enter your zip code and select “General Licensing” since an animal boarding kennel license is not listed. Click on “Business Licenses,” then follow the link to your local or state level, which is provided based on your zip code.
To operate your boarding business, regardless of the need in your jurisdiction for a specific animal boarding license, you will at least need to be licensed at the state, county or municipal level to run a business. Where you obtain your business license depends on the jurisdiction where you operate. Failure to obtain a business license is a misdemeanor in many areas.
There are no federal licensing requirements or standards for private animal boarding businesses. Whether you must meet some specific state or local standards to operate an animal boarding facility depends on the local laws in your jurisdiction. Some states, among them Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, Nebraska, North Carolina, Missouri, Connecticut, Michigan, Georgia and Illinois, require boarding kennel licensing and inspections at the state or local level. Business associations such as the International Boarding and Pet Services Association offer education, standards and certification.
Visit your local city hall or tax and permit office. Bring applicable proof of your business, such as photographs, proof of insurance or other business-operating-related documents. File an application and pay the fees, which vary from one municipality to another.