Operating a commercial dog kennel in Massachusetts comes with specific legal responsibilities designed to protect both animals and the public. State law requires kennel owners to meet licensing standards, pass inspections, and follow strict record-keeping and safety rules. With the passage of Ollie’s Law, Massachusetts has placed even greater emphasis on accountability and animal welfare, making it essential for kennel operators to stay informed and compliant.
What Is the New Kennel Law in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts passed a key update called An Act to Increase Kennel Safety (commonly known as Ollie’s Law), signed by Governor Maura Healey on September 20, 2024. The law took effect on December 19, 2024, and brings greater oversight and clearer rules for kennels, including boarding, daycare, training, breeding, veterinary, personal/home‐use kennels, and shelters or rescues.
Some of the biggest changes include:
- All kennels must be licensed by the local clerk and pass inspection before approval or renewal.
- Every dog over six months must have an individual license and rabies certificate.
- Kennels must keep records, ensure dogs wear tags, and report any on-site injuries.
- Municipalities must send annual kennel reports to MDAR starting June 2025.
By June 2026, MDAR will issue new regulations on care standards, staffing, and facility requirements.
Do I Need A Dog Kennel License in Massachusetts?
Yes, in Massachusetts, you need a dog kennel license if you operate any type of kennel, whether commercial or private. State law (MGL Chapter 140, Section 137A) requires licensing for facilities that board, train, breed, or care for dogs not owned by the operator, and even home-based kennels with more than four dogs must be licensed. With the passage of Ollie’s Law in December 2024, the rules became stricter, requiring inspections before licenses are issued or renewed, mandatory injury reporting, and annual updates to the state from local authorities. In short, whether you’re running a commercial boarding business, a breeding kennel, or a nonprofit rescue, a license is legally required to operate in Massachusetts.
Do I Need An LLC For A Dog Kennel?
Forming an LLC for your dog kennel isn’t required by law, but it can be a smart decision for many business owners. An LLC (Limited Liability Company) helps protect your personal assets if your kennel faces lawsuits, debts, or claims related to animal care. It also gives your business more credibility and can make it easier to manage taxes. While you can operate a kennel as a sole proprietor, setting up an LLC offers stronger legal protection and peace of mind, especially in a business where safety, liability, and customer trust are so important.
How Many Dogs Can You Own in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts does not set one statewide limit on the number of dogs you can own; the rules depend on your city or town. For example, Wilmington allows up to four dogs per household, Swampscott limits residents to three licensed dogs unless a kennel license is obtained, and Rehoboth permits four dogs without a license but requires a personal kennel license for more. Under state law, owning more than four dogs that are at least three months old is considered a “personal kennel,” which triggers additional licensing requirements. Because these limits vary by municipality, it’s important to check your local bylaws to know exactly how many dogs you can legally keep.
How Much Is A Dog Kennel License In Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the price of a dog kennel license varies by municipality and typically depends on the number of dogs you keep and the type of kennel you operate. Most towns use a tiered system where the fee increases as the number of dogs rises, and all kennels must pass an inspection before a license is issued or renewed. In general, costs range from about $25 to over $200 per year, so it’s important to check with your local clerk or animal control office for the exact amount.
Examples from Different Towns
| Town / City | Number of Dogs / Tier | Kennel License Fee |
| Boxford | Kennel license (4 or more dogs, 3 months+) | $125 |
| Freetown | Small (5-10 dogs) Medium (11-24 dogs) Large (25+ dogs) | Small $60 Medium $110 Large $160 |
| Charlton | 5-10 dogs 11-25 dogs 26+ dogs | $75 $100 $200 |
| Shrewsbury | Less than 5 dogs 5-9 dogs 10+ dogs | $50 $100 $125 |
| Uxbridge | Up to 4 dogs 5-10 dogs More than 10 dogs | $25 $50 $100 |
| Oxford | 4 dogs ≤10 dogs >10 dogs | $30 $40 $50 |
Dog Kennel Regulations By Industry in Massachusetts
Dog kennel regulations in Massachusetts are not one-size-fits-all. The rules differ depending on how the kennel is used, whether for personal care, commercial services, breeding, or nonprofit work. Each category has its own requirements for licensing, inspections, and oversight, with recent updates putting more focus on safety and accountability. Understanding these distinctions is important for anyone looking to operate or expand a kennel in the state.
Dog Boarding Regulations in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, dog boarding facilities are regulated under state law, with stricter rules introduced through Ollie’s Law in December 2024. Any kennel that boards, houses, or provides daycare or training for dogs not owned by the facility must hold a valid kennel license, and inspections are required both before a license is issued and at each renewal.
Boarding kennels must keep accurate records, ensure all dogs have proper licenses and rabies tags, and report any injuries to animals or people that occur on the premises, with investigations handled by the local licensing authority. Licenses also specify details such as the kennel type, maximum number of dogs, and date of the last inspection.
Looking ahead, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is expected to issue additional regulations by 2026, covering care standards, staffing ratios, and housing requirements to further strengthen safety in boarding operations.
Dog Vet Regulations in Massachusetts
Veterinary kennels in Massachusetts that board dogs for reasons beyond medical treatment are required to follow the same licensing rules as other kennels, with additional oversight under state law. Any veterinary clinic or hospital offering boarding must obtain a kennel license, pass inspections before approval or renewal, and maintain accurate records of each dog in its care.
They are also responsible for ensuring all dogs have valid licenses and rabies tags and for adhering to the maximum capacity set during inspection. With the passage of Ollie’s Law in December 2024, these facilities now face stricter standards for safety, reporting, and record-keeping, making compliance especially important for veterinary practices that provide boarding services alongside medical care.
Dog Grooming Regulations in Massachusetts
Dog grooming in Massachusetts is not yet regulated by a statewide licensing system, but there are rules and proposals that affect the industry. Grooming salons connected to pet shops must comply with state inspection and licensing standards, which cover animal health, sanitation, and facility requirements. Local health boards may also set additional rules, such as requiring proof of rabies vaccination or separating grooming from boarding areas.
While professional licenses are not currently mandatory, proposed legislation (HB 310) would establish a registration system, safety standards, and oversight for groomers across the state. In the meantime, groomers are still expected to follow safe practices, maintain clean equipment, and provide proper care, as negligence can lead to liability under consumer protection and animal welfare laws.
Dog Shelter Regulations in Massachusetts
Dog shelters (often called rescues or shelters/rescues) in Massachusetts are subject to the same kennel licensing law that now covers commercial and private kennels under Ollie’s Law. Shelters/rescues must obtain a kennel license and are inspected by municipal authorities or animal control officers, with oversight from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). They must keep detailed records of each dog in their care, ensure dogs over six months old have valid rabies tags and license tags (when licensing under Chapter 140 requires them), and adhere to health, safety, and care standards.
Under the updated law, shelters must report certain injuries or incidents, and licensing authorities have the ability to issue, renew, suspend, or revoke shelter licenses when standards aren’t met. The new regulations put in place by Ollie’s Law (effective December 2024) are designed to bring uniform standards for shelter conditions, recordkeeping, and animal safety, with more detailed rules being finalized by MDAR by mid-2026.
Dog Trainer Regulations in Massachusetts
Dog trainers in Massachusetts are not required to hold a state license, but certain regulations may apply depending on how the business operates. Independent trainers who provide lessons or behavior sessions generally do not need formal licensing, but those running a facility that boards or trains dogs as part of their services must comply with kennel licensing rules under Chapter 140, Section 137A. Specialized training, such as guard dog training, is regulated under 330 CMR 20.00, which outlines standards for humane methods, trainer qualifications, and record-keeping.
While past efforts have been made to introduce statewide licensing for all trainers, no such law has been passed, leaving most regulation tied to kennel operations or specific industries.
Dog Breeder Regulations in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, dog breeders are legally classified under the broader kennel-licensing regime, meaning any breeder (other than “personal kennels”) who breeds dogs for sale or exchange must hold a kennel license issued by the municipal clerk.
Under Ollie’s Law (effective December 19, 2024), commercial breeder kennels are explicitly required to comply with all the kennel-license rules, including that individual dogs over six months have valid licenses and rabies tags, proper inspection and record-keeping, and that the license lists the maximum number of dogs allowed. All breeder kennels must pass a kennel inspection before their license is issued and again at renewal.
Municipalities must report their licensed kennels (including breeders) to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), which is also empowered to assist with enforcement. Failure to comply may lead to suspension or revocation of the licence.
K-9 Dog Facilities in Massachusetts
K-9 units in MA have specific policies around selection, training, care, and deployment. For example, correctional-facility K-9 units are governed by rules covering handler qualifications (such as minimum service or experience), basic training, certification, annual refresher training, and tracking of training records. They must have humane facilities (domicile kennels), maintain health standards including immunizations, and provide veterinarian care.
Reporting is required for injuries (both to people or other animals) and use-of-force incidents involving the K-9. Also, there are policies in place for emergency transport and treatment: police dogs injured in the line of duty can receive EMS response under certain conditions.
Dog Kennel Laws By City in Massachusetts
Different cities in Massachusetts often set their own rules for dog kennels, with variations in licensing thresholds, kennel fees, number of dogs allowed, setbacks from property lines, and inspection requirements. Because of these local differences, it’s a good idea to check your specific city or town bylaws to see exactly what applies in your area.
| Boston | Planning |
| Brockton | Planning & Economic Development |
| Brookline | Planning & Economic Development |
| Cambridge | Planning & Urban Design |
| Fall River | Planning |
| Framingham | Planning |
| Haverhill | Planning & Development |
| Lawrence | Planning |
| Lowell | Planning & Development |
| Lynn | Planning |
| Malden | Planning |
| New Bedford | Planning |
| Newton | Planning & Development |
| Plymouth | Planning & Development |
| Quincy | Planning & Community Development |
| Somerville | Planning |
| Springfield | Planning & Economic Development |
| Taunton | Planning & Conservation |
| Waltham | Planning |
| Worcester | Planning & Regulatory Services |
Dog Kennel Laws By County in Massachusetts
Different counties in Massachusetts generally follow the same state kennel laws, but local towns within each county often add their own requirements. These differences can include how many dogs trigger the need for a kennel license, the cost of licensing, inspection schedules, and even zoning restrictions on where kennels may be located. In some areas, counties oversee enforcement through town animal control officers, while in others, the town clerk’s office manages licensing directly. Because the rules can shift from one county or town to the next, it’s important to review your local county or municipal bylaws to understand the exact kennel regulations that apply in your area.
| Barnstable County | Plan Regulations |
| Berkshire County | Planning |
| Bristol County | County Website |
| Dukes County | County Website |
| Essex County | Planning |
| Franklin County | Planning |
| Hampden County | Planning |
| Hampshire County | Refer to your city above |
| Middlesex County | Refer to your city above |
| Nantucket County | Planning |
| Norfolk County | County Website |
| Plymouth County | County Website |
| Suffolk County | Planning |
| Worcester County | Planning |
Commercial Dog Kennels for Sale in Massachusetts
Staying compliant with Massachusetts kennel laws isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s also about building trust with your customers and creating a safe, professional environment for the dogs in your care. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, investing in a well-built commercial dog kennel can make all the difference. Explore our high-quality, customizable options and find a structure designed to meet both your operational needs and the state’s strict standards.
