Running a commercial dog kennel in North Dakota involves navigating a mix of federal and local rules, largely because the state does not have its own specific laws governing commercial kennels or breeding operations. Instead, oversight often comes from federal requirements, such as USDA licensing for certain larger breeders, and from local ordinances, which can vary from one community to another. Although there have been past efforts to create statewide standards, none have passed, leaving kennel operators to work within this combination of federal guidelines and local regulations.
Do I Need A Dog Kennel License in North Dakota?
In some places, yes. Whether you need a dog kennel license in North Dakota depends largely on your location and the type of operation you run. The state does not have its own kennel-licensing law, so requirements come from federal regulations for larger commercial breeders and local ordinances that vary by city or county. Some communities, like Bismarck or Wahpeton, require special permits or licenses if you keep more than a certain number of dogs or operate a kennel. Because these rules differ across the state, anyone running a breeding, boarding, or multi-dog kennel should check their local regulations and determine whether a USDA license applies.
Do I Need An LLC For A Dog Kennel?
No, an LLC isn’t legally required for a dog kennel, but it’s often a smart idea. An LLC helps separate your personal assets from your business, which is especially useful in a kennel setting where risks include dog bites, injuries, property damage, or contract disputes. Many kennel owners also like that an LLC can make their business look more professional, simplify taxes, and allow them to open a business bank account.
How Many Dogs Can You Own in North Dakota?
How many dogs you can legally keep in North Dakota varies by city, since the state does not set a universal limit. Most communities create their own rules, many of which cap households at around three dogs. Cities like Bismarck and Mandan generally allow only three dogs per residence, though Bismarck offers a special pet license for those who want to own more. Williston follows a similar three-dog rule but makes exceptions for service animals and approved foster caregivers.
Examples of Local Rules:
- Bismarck: You can have up to three dogs or cats (six months or older). You can apply for a special license if you want more.
- Mandan: You can keep no more than three dogs and three cats over six months old.
- Williston: You’re limited to three dogs and cats over one year old. Foster homes and service animals are exempt.
- Grand Forks: You can have up to six pets total, but only three can be dogs.
How Much Is A Dog Kennel License In North Dakota?
In North Dakota, the price of a dog kennel license typically starts around $30 per year, such as in Fargo, where commercial kennels with five or more animals pay this annual fee. But the actual cost isn’t the same everywhere; each city sets its own rules and pricing, so fees and requirements can vary depending on where you live.
Kennel License Costs
- Fargo: Charges $30 annually for commercial kennels that house five or more animals.
- Other Cities: Fees and regulations may differ, so it’s important to contact your local city or county office to find out the specific costs and rules for your area.
Dog Kennel Regulations By Industry in North Dakota
Understanding dog kennel regulations in North Dakota can be challenging because the rules vary widely depending on the type of business you run and where it’s located. While the state does not set broad, statewide standards for kennels, different industries, such as boarding facilities, breeders, groomers, and rescue organizations, may fall under a mix of federal requirements, local ordinances, and business-specific rules. This creates a patchwork of regulations that kennel operators must navigate to stay compliant.
Dog Boarding Regulations in North Dakota
Dog boarding regulations in North Dakota are set mostly at the local level, since the state does not have a single law that governs all boarding facilities. Cities such as Fargo require boarding kennels to obtain an annual license, undergo inspections, and meet standards for cleanliness, safety, and proper animal care. These rules are typically enforced by local health departments or animal control offices, and they ensure that facilities maintain sanitary conditions and provide adequate housing for dogs. Because each city or county can create its own requirements, anyone planning to operate or use a boarding kennel in North Dakota should check with their local government to understand the specific licensing, inspection, and operational rules that apply in their area.
Dog Vet Regulations in North Dakota
In North Dakota, veterinary care for dogs is regulated at the state level by the North Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, which oversees the licensing and practice standards for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Anyone providing veterinary services such as diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medication, performing surgery, or offering other medical treatments must hold a valid state license, which requires graduating from an accredited program, passing required exams, and completing annual renewal and continuing education. The state’s veterinary laws outline professional expectations, define what constitutes veterinary medicine, and give the Board authority to address issues such as malpractice, unethical behavior, or unsanitary practices. Together, these regulations ensure that dogs and other animals in North Dakota receive professional, safe, and properly supervised medical care.
Dog Grooming Regulations in North Dakota
Dog grooming in North Dakota is not regulated at the state level, meaning groomers do not need a special license or certification to operate. However, they must still follow the state’s general animal-welfare laws, which require proper care, cleanliness, and humane treatment. While training or certification isn’t required, many groomers choose to get certified to improve their skills and professionalism.
Key points:
- No statewide license or certification required for dog groomers.
- Training and certification are optional but commonly pursued.
- Groomers must follow North Dakota’s animal-welfare laws for proper care and sanitation.
- Local cities may have their own additional rules, so checking local ordinances is recommended.
Dog Shelter Regulations in North Dakota
Dog shelters in North Dakota are regulated primarily through the state’s animal-welfare laws, which require shelters and rescue organizations to provide adequate food, water, shelter, medical care, and clean, safe living conditions for the animals in their care. These standards, outlined in North Dakota Century Code § 36-21.2, apply to all individuals and organizations responsible for housed animals, and violations can lead to criminal penalties, fines, or the seizure of animals by law enforcement. While there is no statewide licensing system specifically for shelters, they must still follow general welfare requirements, and many local governments may have additional rules regarding record-keeping, sanitation, and adoption procedures. Overall, shelter operators in North Dakota are responsible for ensuring humane treatment and proper care, with oversight handled by local authorities and the state’s Animal Health Division when welfare concerns arise.
Dog Trainer Regulations in North Dakota
Dog trainers in North Dakota are not required to hold a state license or formal certification, meaning anyone can offer training services as long as they follow general animal-welfare and dog-control laws. While certification isn’t mandated, many trainers choose to pursue professional training programs to improve their skills and credibility. Trainers must still comply with state rules regarding humane treatment, public safety, and responsibilities when handling dogs in public spaces.
Dog Breeder Regulations in North Dakota
Dog breeder regulations in North Dakota are fairly limited at the state level because the state does not currently have a statewide breeder-licensing law. Instead, most rules come from federal regulations. Breeders who have more than four breeding females and sell puppies without meeting buyers in person must be licensed by the USDA, which requires standards for housing, sanitation, veterinary care, and regular inspections. Smaller hobby breeders who sell face-to-face typically do not need a federal license, and North Dakota does not require a state license. While the state previously considered breeder-specific laws, none have passed, so breeders mainly follow federal requirements and any applicable local city or county rules.
Important points:
- No statewide breeder license in North Dakota.
- USDA license required if you have 4+ breeding females and sell dogs without in-person buyer contact.
- USDA rules cover care, housing, cleanliness, and inspections.
- Hobby breeders who sell face-to-face usually don’t need a license.
- Local ordinances may add additional rules depending on the city or county.
K-9 Dog Facilities in North Dakota
K-9 dog facilities in North Dakota, including boarding kennels, training centers, shelters, and working-dog programs, are mainly regulated through the state’s general animal-welfare laws rather than any special statewide licensing system. These laws require all facilities housing dogs to provide adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and clean, safe living conditions. Local cities and counties may also add their own rules, such as kennel licenses, limits on the number of dogs, or additional inspection requirements. Even specialized operations like police K-9 units must follow the same basic care standards. Enforcement is handled by local law enforcement and the state’s Animal Health Division, which can investigate complaints, seize animals in cases of neglect or cruelty, and take action against facilities that fail to meet humane-care requirements.
Dog Kennel Laws By City in North Dakota
Kennel rules in North Dakota vary from one city to another and can be influenced by things like how many dogs you keep, the type of facility you operate, and specific local ordinances. For the most current and accurate information, reach out to your local planning or zoning office using the chart below.
| Beulah | Planning & Zoning |
| Bismarck | Planning |
| Casselton | Building |
| Devils Lake | Planning |
| Dickinson | Planning & Zoning |
| Fargo | Planning & Development |
| Grand Forks | Planning & Zoning |
| Horace | Planning |
| Jamestown | Planning & Zoning |
| Lincoln | Planning & Zoning |
| Mandan | Planning |
| Minot | Planning |
| New Town | Planning & Zoning |
| Valley City | Planning & Zoning |
| Wahpeton | Planning |
| Watford City | Planning & Zoning |
| West Fargo | Planning & Zoning |
| Williston | Planning & Zoning |
Dog Kennel Laws By County in North Dakota
Kennel regulations in North Dakota differ from one county to another, and may depend on factors such as the number of dogs, the type of operation you run, and local zoning rules. For the most up-to-date information, please contact your county planning or zoning office.
| Adams County | Tax Equalization & Zoning |
| Barnes County | Planning & Zoning |
| Benson County | Zoning Board |
| Billings County | Planning & Zoning |
| Bottineau County | County Website |
| Bowman County | Planning & Zoning |
| Burke County | Planning & Zoning |
| Burleigh County | Building, Planning, & Zoning |
| Cass County | Planning Office |
| Cavalier County | Zoning |
| Dickey County | County Website |
| Divide County | Divide County Home PageDivide County Planning & Zoning DepartmentDivide County Zoning Ordinance |
| Dunn County | Planning & Zoning |
| Eddy County | Zoning |
| Emmons County | County Website |
| Foster County | Planning & Zoning |
| Golden Valley County | Planning & Zoning |
| Grand Forks County | Planning & Zoning |
| Grant County | Planning & Zoning |
| Griggs County | County Website |
| Hettinger County | County Website |
| Kidder County | Kidder County does not have a government website. |
| LaMoure County | County Website |
| Logan County | County Website |
| McHenry County | Planning |
| McIntosh County | County Website |
| McKenzie County | Planning & Zoning |
| McLean County | Planning & Zoning |
| Mercer County | County Website |
| Morton County | Planning & Zoning |
| Mountrail County | Planning & Zoning |
| Nelson County | Planning |
| Oliver County | Planning & Zoning |
| Pembina County | Planning & Zoning |
| Pierce County | Planning & Zoning |
| Ramsey County | Planning & Zoning |
| Ransom County | County Website |
| Renville County | Planning & Zoning |
| Richland County | County Website |
| Rolette County | County Website |
| Sargent County | County Website |
| Sheridan County | Planning & Zoning |
| Sioux County | Sioux County does not have a government website. |
| Slope County | County Website |
| Stark County | Planning & Zoning |
| Steele County | County Website |
| Stutsman County | Zoning |
| Towner County | Planning & Zoning |
| Traill County | Permits & Planning |
| Walsh County | Planning & Zoning |
| Ward County | Planning & Zoning |
| Wells County | Planning & Zoning |
| Williams County | Planning & Zoning |
Commercial Dog Kennels Designed for Professional Use
Our commercial dog kennels are built for businesses that need durable, professional, and easy-to-maintain housing for dogs, including breeders, groomers, boarding facilities, veterinarians, and rescues. Each kennel is designed with comfort and safety in mind, offering features like climate-controlled interiors, spacious indoor and outdoor runs, secure doors, and easy-clean materials that hold up to daily use. With customization options available, you can create a setup that’s efficient for staff and comfortable for the animals in your care. If you’re looking for a reliable, long-lasting kennel solution that gives your business a clean, professional look and inspires client confidence, our commercial dog kennels deliver unmatched value and performance.
