Commercial dog kennel laws in Louisiana are regulated through a combination of state oversight and local ordinances in parishes or cities. While the state sets general animal welfare standards and licensing requirements for breeders, local governments often control kennel permits, zoning, and operational rules. Because requirements can vary by location and type of operation, kennel owners must review both state regulations and local laws to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled both state regulations and local contacts, allowing you to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Do I Need A Dog Kennel License in Louisiana?
Yes, you need a dog kennel license in Louisiana, but the requirements depend on the number of dogs you keep and how you use them.
Under Louisiana law, local parishes or municipalities can issue kennel licenses in place of individual dog tags when a person owns five or more dogs, with the fee set by local ordinance. A kennel license usually covers all dogs on the property instead of separate licenses for each animal. Additionally, any individual or business that keeps five or more dogs and breeds and sells them retail, wholesale, or to the public is required to obtain a kennel license rather than pay individual dog licenses.
Do I Need An LLC For A Dog Kennel?
No, forming an LLC isn’t required to run a dog kennel. A kennel can operate under another business structure as long as it meets local licensing, permitting, and zoning requirements. That said, many owners opt for an LLC to help limit personal liability and create a more formal business setup.
How Many Dogs Can You Own in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, there’s no statewide cap on how many dogs you can own; ownership limits are set by local city or parish ordinances, not by state law. That means some municipalities may restrict the number of dogs per household, often around 3–6 dogs, while others have different rules or allow more with permits, so you’ll need to check with your local animal control or parish government for the exact limit where you live.
How Much Is A Dog Kennel License In Louisiana?
The cost varies by parish, since Louisiana does not have a single statewide fee for a dog kennel license. Generally, owners with five or more dogs who breed or sell them must obtain a kennel license instead of individual pet licenses, but the actual cost is set locally.
For example, Jefferson Parish charges around $20 to $25 for a pet license. Separate from local licensing, breeder registrations through the American Kennel Club (AKC) involve their own fees and requirements.
Dog Kennel Regulations By Industry in Louisiana
Louisiana dog kennel regulations are shaped by a combination of state law, local zoning rules, and, in some cases, federal oversight. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 3, Chapter 10, businesses that keep five or more dogs are generally required to be licensed and must meet standards for humane care, sanitation, and proper housing. Cities and parishes handle most permitting, inspections, and enforcement, including zoning approval and rules related to noise or odor, while larger breeding operations may also be subject to USDA requirements covering areas such as ventilation, temperature control, and feeding practices.
Dog Boarding Regulations in Louisiana
In Louisiana, dog boarding facilities are regulated through a blend of statewide animal protection laws and locally enforced parish or municipal rules. Boarding businesses are commonly required to secure a kennel or operational permit, particularly when caring for multiple dogs, and must meet local land-use, building, and public health requirements. While state statutes establish baseline standards for animal care, such as adequate shelter, nutrition, cleanliness, and ventilation, most day-to-day oversight, inspections, and operational expectations are set and enforced by local authorities, making it essential for operators to review the specific regulations in their area.
Dog Vet Regulations in Louisiana
Louisiana veterinary regulations are governed by the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act (LSA-R.S. 37:1511–1570) and enforced by the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine (LBVM). These rules require veterinarians to be properly licensed and outline standards for professional conduct, medical recordkeeping with client access, and euthanasia procedures that include isolation and observation requirements. State law also incorporates strong animal cruelty protections under Act 59, mandates rabies vaccinations for dogs entering the state, and includes provisions related to animal transport, dangerous dogs, and the reporting of suspected abuse.
Dog Grooming Regulations in Louisiana
Louisiana does not require a statewide professional license for individual dog groomers, but grooming businesses and groomer qualifications may be regulated by parish or municipal governments at the local level.
Dog Shelter Regulations in Louisiana
Louisiana dog shelter regulations emphasize humane treatment, requiring shelters to provide safe and structurally sound facilities with proper heating, ventilation, lighting, water, and electricity, along with designated areas for rabies quarantine when needed. State law sets broad standards for animal care and defines animal cruelty, dangerous dogs, abandonment, and neglect under statutes such as LSA-R.S. 3:2451–2778. However, many operational details, including minimum holding periods, licensing, stray intake procedures, and enforcement, are handled at the parish or city level, making local ordinances a key source of shelter requirements.
Dog Trainer Regulations in Louisiana
In Louisiana, the law does not mandate any particular license or credential to provide professional dog training services for basic pet obedience. Dog training is generally not regulated at the state or federal level, allowing people to operate as trainers without formal qualifications. That said, Louisiana does enforce certain regulations for those involved in training service animals, as well as for individuals who train dogs for hunting purposes or competitive field trials.
Dog Breeder Regulations in Louisiana
In Louisiana, dog breeders are generally required to obtain a breeder’s license through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, which involves meeting standards for animal care, housing, recordkeeping, and facility conditions and may include inspections. A kennel license may also be required when an individual keeps five or more dogs or sells dogs at the retail or wholesale level. Beyond state requirements, local parish and municipal governments can impose additional rules related to zoning, permits, and animal welfare, which are enforced by local animal control agencies.
Breeders who sell dogs to pet stores must comply with state laws requiring proper documentation of breeder information and license numbers, and failure to follow licensing or welfare regulations can result in fines or other penalties.
K-9 Dog Facilities in Louisiana
K-9 dog facilities in Louisiana are regulated through a combination of state animal welfare laws and local parish or municipal ordinances. While there are no standalone statutes that specifically govern police or working K-9 facilities, state law addresses general standards for humane care, housing, sanitation, and protection of working dogs, including enhanced penalties for harming law enforcement animals. Facilities that house multiple dogs may be required to obtain a kennel license, particularly if five or more dogs are kept at one location, and local governments set additional requirements related to licensing, zoning, inspections, and facility operations.
Municipal or parish K-9 units typically follow internal departmental policies for training, housing, and care, while private or commercial K-9 facilities must comply with applicable local ordinances as well as statewide animal cruelty and welfare statutes.
Dog Kennel Laws By City in Louisiana
Louisiana kennel regulations differ by city and often depend on factors like the number of dogs allowed, the size of the facility, and other local rules. For the most accurate and updated details, contact your city’s planning or zoning department using the chart below.
| Alexandria | Zoning |
| Baton Rouge | Planning |
| Bossier City | Planning & Zoning |
| Broussard | Planning & Zoning |
| Central | Planning & Zoning |
| Gretna | Planning & City Development |
| Hammond | Planning |
| Kenner | Planning |
| Lafayette | Planning |
| Lake Charles | Planning & Development |
| Monroe | Planning & Zoning |
| Natchitoches | Planning & Zoning |
| New Iberia | Planning & Zoning |
| New Orleans | City Planning |
| Opelousas | Planning & Zoning |
| Ruston | Planning & Zoning |
| Shreveport | Planning |
| Slidell | Planning |
| Sulphur | Land Use |
| Thibodaux | Planning & Zoning |
| Youngsville | Licensing & Permits |
| Zachary | Planning & Zoning |
Dog Kennel Laws By Parish in Louisiana
Dog kennel regulations can vary widely depending on your parish, so local requirements may differ from statewide standards. Review the table below to find the specific kennel rules, permits, and zoning requirements that apply in your area.
| Acadiana Parish | Planning |
| Allen Parish | Planning |
| Ascension Parish | Planning & Development |
| Assumption Parish | Permit Office |
| Avoyelles Parish | Parish Website |
| Beauregard Parish | Building Permits |
| Bienville Parish | Parish Website |
| Bossier Parish | Planning |
| Caddo Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Calcasieu Parish | Planning & Development |
| Caldwell Parish | Parish Website |
| Cameron Parish | Permitting |
| Catahoula Parish | Parish Website |
| Claiborne Parish | Permits & Forms |
| Concordia Parish | Parish Website |
| DeSoto Parish | Parish Website |
| East Baton Rouge Parish | Parish Website |
| East Carroll Parish | Parish Website |
| East Feliciana Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Evangeline Parish | Parish Website |
| Franklin Parish | Parish Website |
| Grant Parish | Planning |
| Iberia Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Iberville Parish | Planning |
| Jackson Parish | Parish Website |
| Jefferson Parish | Planning |
| Jefferson Davis Parish | Parish Website |
| Lafayette Parish | Planning |
| Lafourche Parish | Planning |
| LaSalle Parish | Parish Website |
| Lincoln Parish | Economic Development & Planning |
| Livingston Parish | Planning & Development |
| Madison Parish | Parish Website |
| Morehouse Parish | Parish Website |
| Natchitoches Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Orleans Parish | Parish Website |
| Ouachita Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Plaquemines Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Pointe Coupee Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Rapides Parish | Planning |
| Red River Parish | Parish Website |
| Richland Parish | Parish Website |
| Sabine Parish | Planning |
| St. Bernard Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| St. Charles Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| St. Helena Parish | Building |
| St. James Parish | Planning & Permitting |
| St. John the Baptist Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| St. Landry Parish | Permits |
| St. Martin Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| St. Mary Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| St. Tammany Parish | Planning & Development |
| Tangipahoa Parish | Planning |
| Tensas Parish | Parish Website |
| Terrebonne Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Union Parish | Parish Website |
| Vermillion Parish | Permits |
| Vernon Parish | Building Permits |
| Washington Parish | Planning |
| Webster Parish | Permits |
| West Baton Rouge Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| West Carroll Parish | Parish Website |
| West Feliciana Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Winn Parish | Parish Website |
Start Your Business with Our Commercial Dog Kennels
If you’re planning to build a new kennel or improve an existing facility, choosing professionally designed commercial dog kennels can play a key role in meeting local regulations while creating a safe, clean, and efficient environment. Our high-quality commercial kennels are built with durable, easy-to-sanitize materials and can be customized to fit your space, capacity needs, and operational goals. Our kennel designs also support proper ventilation and animal comfort, helping you maintain high welfare standards and streamline daily care. Investing in reliable commercial dog kennels not only enhances the appearance and functionality of your facility but also provides long-term value as your operation grows.
