Commercial dog kennel laws in Montana are set primarily at the local level, rather than through a single, uniform statewide system. While state statutes establish broad animal welfare and cruelty standards, cities and counties are largely responsible for defining when a kennel license is required, how many dogs trigger regulation, and what operational standards must be met. As a result, requirements for permits, zoning approval, facility conditions, inspections, and animal care can vary significantly depending on where a kennel operates. Understanding how local ordinances interact with state law, and, in some cases, federal USDA regulations, is an essential first step for anyone planning to open or operate a commercial dog kennel in Montana.
Do I Need A Dog Kennel License in Montana?
Yes, in Montana, you will often need a dog kennel license if you keep more than two or three dogs for commercial purposes, such as breeding, boarding, or training or, in some cases, even for personal ownership, depending on your city or county. Local ordinances set these limits, and exceeding them typically triggers a permit requirement. These permits are usually issued by local animal control or city and county governments and often involve application fees, inspections, zoning approval, and compliance with health, safety, and animal care standards.
Do I Need An LLC For A Dog Kennel?
No, you don’t need an LLC to operate a dog kennel. Most kennels can legally run as sole proprietorships as long as they have the required local licenses and permits. That said, forming an LLC can offer liability protection and added credibility for commercial operations.
How Many Dogs Can You Own in Montana?
Montana does not have a statewide law that limits how many dogs a person may own, as those rules are set by individual cities and counties. Many local governments allow only a small number of dogs, often 2, without special approval, and owning more usually requires a multiple-animal or kennel permit that may involve inspections and compliance with animal control standards. Because these limits and permit requirements differ widely across the state, it’s important to check the regulations enforced by your specific city or county.
How Much Is A Dog Kennel License In Montana?
There isn’t a set statewide fee for a dog kennel license in Montana, because kennel licensing requirements and costs are determined by individual cities and counties rather than state law.
- In Laurel, MT, a kennel license is required when you have three or more dogs, and the fee is $50 per year.
- In Cut Bank, kennel licensing requirements are set by local ordinance, and commercial kennel operations are typically subject to an annual license fee of around $100.
Dog Kennel Regulations By Industry in Montana
Dog kennel regulations in Montana vary based on the type of operation and the community in which it is located. Rather than having a single statewide set of kennel rules, Montana relies on a combination of local city and county ordinances, broader state animal welfare laws, and, in some cases, federal oversight. Boarding kennels, breeders, trainers, and hobby or residential operations may each be regulated differently depending on the number of dogs involved and whether the activity is commercial.
Dog Boarding Regulations in Montana
Dog boarding regulations in Montana are governed by a combination of state law and local city or county ordinances, meaning requirements can vary depending on where a facility operates. In general, commercial boarding kennels must obtain a kennel license, comply with local zoning and permitting rules, and meet standards for facility cleanliness, space, waste disposal, and animal health.
Many jurisdictions require regular inspections, proof of current vaccinations for all dogs, and adherence to specific operational rules such as staffing ratios or first-aid training. While state law provides certain protections for licensed boarding facilities, such as limiting nuisance barking complaints, each kennel must still comply with local health, safety, building, and animal control requirements. Therefore, it is essential to review the rules set by the appropriate municipal agencies before opening or operating a dog boarding business in Montana.
Dog Vet Regulations in Montana
Dog veterinarians in Montana must be licensed by the state and meet education, exam, and continuing education requirements. Regulations also cover professional conduct, recordkeeping, sanitation, and the use of veterinary technicians. These rules are enforced to protect animal welfare and public health.
Dog Grooming Regulations in Montana
Montana does not require a statewide license or certification specifically for dog groomers, but anyone operating a grooming business must comply with local regulations. Grooming businesses, whether salon-based, mobile, or home-based, typically need a city or county business license and may be subject to zoning rules, health standards, and inspections. While formal grooming training or certification is not legally required, it is often encouraged to improve professional skills and credibility.
Dog Shelter Regulations in Montana
Montana dog shelter regulations emphasize humane treatment and the prevention of cruelty, requiring animals to have proper food, water, and shelter from the elements. While state law sets baseline standards against neglect and mistreatment, many operational rules, such as animal limits or shelter practices, are established at the local level. In some cases, federal Animal Welfare Act requirements may apply to commercial breeders or shelters, while general shelter operations often rely on adoption, fostering, and transfers to responsibly manage animal populations and place dogs in permanent homes.
Dog Trainer Regulations in Montana
Dog training in Montana is generally unregulated at the state level, with no required license or certification for most trainers. However, certain specialized activities are regulated, such as bird dog training, which may require a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks license and is subject to seasonal and land-use restrictions, and service animal training, which typically requires visible identification. While professional certification is optional, trainers should still comply with local business licensing rules, carry appropriate insurance, and follow applicable city or county ordinances.
Dog Breeder Regulations in Montana
Montana does not currently require a statewide license for small-scale dog breeders, but larger commercial breeding operations may be subject to additional oversight. Proposed regulations have targeted breeders with eight or more intact females or those selling more than 31 dogs per year, while local governments may still require kennel licenses once a breeder exceeds a certain number of dogs, such as three or more in places like Cut Bank. In addition, federal USDA regulations can apply to breeders who sell dogs wholesale or online, meaning all breeders must comply with applicable animal welfare standards, zoning rules, and local ordinances where they operate.
K-9 Dog Facilities in Montana
Montana is home to a wide range of K-9 facilities that serve different needs, from specialized assistance dogs to boarding and training services. Organizations like K9 Care Montana and the Big Sky Chapter of Canine Companions focus on service and assistance dogs for veterans, first responders, children, and individuals with disabilities, while facilities such as Glacier K9, Three Dog Ranch, and Montana Training & Kennels (MTK) provide boarding, daycare, and professional training. Together, these facilities support everything from everyday pet care to highly specialized working and assistance dog programs across the state.
Dog Kennel Laws By City in Montana
Kennel regulations in Montana vary from one city to another and are often based on factors such as how many dogs are kept, the scale of the operation, and specific local requirements. To get the most current and accurate information, it’s best to reach out directly to your city’s planning or zoning department using the chart below.
| Belgrade | Planning & Zoning |
| Billings | Planning |
| Bozeman | Planning |
| Butte-Silver Bow | Planning & Zoning |
| Great Falls | Planning & Community Development |
| Helena | Planning |
| Kalispell | Planning |
| Laurel | Planning |
| Lewistown | Planning |
| Livingston | Planning |
| Miles City | Planning |
| Missoula | Land Use & Planning |
| Whitefish | Planning & Building |
Dog Kennel Laws By County in Montana
Kennel rules in Montana are set at the local level and can differ widely depending on the municipality, with requirements influenced by dog capacity, facility size, and other community standards. Contact your local city planning or zoning office using the chart provided below for the most reliable and up-to-date information.
| Beaverhead County | Land Services |
| Big Horn County | Planning & Zoning |
| Blaine County | County Website |
| Broadwater County | Community Development & Planning |
| Carbon County | Planning |
| Carter County | County Website |
| Cascade County | Planning |
| Chouteau County | Planning & Development |
| Custer County | County Website |
| Daniels County | Planning |
| Dawson County | Planning |
| Deer Lodge County | Planning |
| Fallon County | Planning |
| Fergus County | Planning Office |
| Flathead County | Planning & Zoning |
| Gallatin County | Planning & Community Development |
| Garfield County | County Website |
| Glacier County | County Website |
| Golden Valley County | County Website |
| Granite County | Planning |
| Hill County | Planning |
| Jefferson County | Planning |
| Judith Basin County | Planning |
| Lake County | Planning |
| Lewis and Clark County | Community Development & Planning |
| Liberty County | County Website |
| Lincoln County | Planning |
| Madison County | Planning |
| McCone County | Land Planning |
| Meagher County | Planning |
| Mineral County | County Website |
| Missoula County | Planning |
| Musselshell County | Planning & Growth |
| Park County | Planning |
| Petroleum County | County Website |
| Phillips County | No Website |
| Pondera County | Planning |
| Powder River County | Planning |
| Powell County | Planning |
| Prairie County | Land Planning |
| Ravalli County | Planning |
| Richland County | Planning |
| Roosevelt County | Land Planning |
| Rosebud County | Growth & Land Use |
| Sanders County | Land Services |
| Sheridan County | Planning |
| Silver Bow County | Planning & Zoning |
| Stillwater County | Planning |
| Sweet Grass County | Planning |
| Teton County | Planning |
| Toole County | County Website |
| Treasure County | Planning |
| Valley County | Planning |
| Wheatland County | Planning |
| Wibaux County | Land Use & Planning |
| Yellowstone County | Planning |
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