Kennel and Boarding Licenses (7 § 3932)

  • Law: Any facility housing three or more privately owned companion animals for a fee must be licensed as a boarding kennel. (read full version)
  • Explanation: 

Title 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS

Part 9: ANIMAL WELFARE

Chapter 723: FACILITY LICENSES

§3932. Boarding Kennels

Maine law under §3932 sets forth regulations for the operation of boarding kennels in the state. These laws ensure that boarding facilities for pets maintain proper licensing, adhere to advertising and fee transparency requirements, and meet state animal welfare standards.

License Requirement for Boarding Kennels

Any person maintaining a boarding kennel, as defined by section 3907, must obtain a license from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. This license is required to legally operate the facility and indicates compliance with the state’s animal welfare rules. Licenses for boarding kennels expire annually on December 31st, or at a later date if specified under the Maine Administrative Procedure Act. By requiring annual renewal, the law ensures that boarding kennels consistently meet the latest standards and regulations.

License Fees

The fee for obtaining a boarding kennel license is $75. This fee must be paid each year upon renewal, ensuring that facilities contribute to the administration and oversight of animal welfare laws in Maine.

Advertising Requirements for Boarding Kennels

Boarding kennels are required to display their state-issued kennel license number prominently in any form of print advertising. This transparency allows potential customers to verify that the kennel is licensed and operating legally. In addition, the kennel’s license number must be provided to individuals boarding their animals at the facility. This further reinforces the kennel’s compliance with state regulations and helps protect consumers.

Notice of Fees and Services

Every boarding kennel must post a written notice on the premises detailing the fees for boarding and any additional services offered. This information must also be available upon request. The notice should clearly state the hours during which the kennel owner or a responsible individual is on the premises, ensuring that customers are aware of when staff are available to care for the animals. This rule promotes transparency in the services provided by the kennel and ensures customers can make informed decisions when boarding their pets.

Conditional Boarding Kennel License

For applicants seeking to open a boarding kennel that does not already hold a valid license, the department may issue a conditional boarding kennel license. This conditional license allows the kennel to operate temporarily while it undergoes inspection and works toward meeting the state’s licensing standards. The conditional license remains valid until the kennel successfully passes an inspection under section 3936 and meets all other licensing requirements. Once these conditions are met, the conditional license is converted to a standard license.

If the kennel fails to meet the minimum standards within six months of the initial inspection, the department may revoke or suspend the conditional license, pending an administrative hearing. This process ensures that new boarding kennels are given the opportunity to comply with regulations, but also provides a mechanism for enforcement if the facility cannot meet the necessary standards.

Section History

This section of Maine law was first introduced in 1987 and has been amended several times to update and improve the regulations surrounding boarding kennels. Amendments in 1993, 2003, 2007, 2009, and 2013 have refined the licensing process, added provisions for conditional licenses, and increased transparency requirements for fees and advertising. These changes reflect the state’s commitment to maintaining high standards for animal care in boarding facilities across Maine.

  • Penalties: Operating without a valid license can result in fines and forced closure.

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