Starting a commercial dog kennel business can be exciting but can grow a little daunting when faced with complex legal jargon and requirements. In this article, we’ll break down the requirements for operating various commercial dog kennel businesses, including breeding and boarding facilities, so you know your requirements to get started.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Do I Need A Dog Kennel License in New York?
Yes, you will likely need some sort of license or licenses to operate a dog kennel business in New York. The exact licensing requirements vary by city, town, and county within the state. For example, New York City requires a Small Animal Boarding Establishment Permit for any dog kennel facility that houses three or more dogs.
You can learn more about your area’s requirements below.
Do I Need An LLC For A Dog Kennel?
No, an LLC is not required to operate a commercial dog kennel in New York. However, it’s highly encouraged. An LLC offers protection of your assets from potential liabilities, like lawsuits. If you’re unsure which business model makes the most sense, consult a legal professional or business advisor to ensure you have the proper setup.
An LLC can be filed with the New York Department of State.
How Many Dogs Can You Own in New York?
There is no statewide limit on the number of dogs you can keep in New York. However, cities and towns within the state do enforce their own limitations. On average, most areas require a kennel permit if you keep more than 3 to 4 dogs per household. If you’re curious how many dogs you can keep in your area, check out what your county or city officials say below.
Do Dogs Need To Be Licensed In New York?
Yes, all dogs must be licensed in New York. The New York Department of Agriculture & Markets has more information about the requirements.
Dog Kennel Regulations By Industry in New York
Depending on the type of dog kennel business you plan to start, the requirements for operating it may vary. Let’s cover some of the leading commercial dog kennel industries to understand better what starting each business requires.
Dog Boarding Regulations in New York
Any business that keeps dogs overnight or provides daycare services for dogs is considered a dog boarding business and must meet specific requirements to operate legally.
Do you need a license to board dogs in New York State?
Yes, most areas in New York require a dog boarding license if you have 3 to 4 dogs in your care. You also likely need zoning approval and a building permit to construct and install a dog kennel on your property for your boarding services.
Additional requirements apply, but can vary depending on where you live. Generally, your business must undergo inspections and have records of each dog in their care available for inspection. To determine your area’s requirements, skip ahead to find your city, county, or town contact.
Dog Vet Regulations in New York
You are subject to strict requirements to operate a dog veterinary practice in New York. You must be appropriately licensed and certified to practice veterinary medicine. Additionally, you must follow record-keeping laws for all dogs in your care.
The New York State Board of Veterinary Medicine must license veterinarians in New York State. You must renew your license every three years and meet the board’s continuing education requirements to renew.
Contact the board to ensure compliance with all applicable laws when operating your practice.
Dog Grooming Regulations in New York
Operating a dog grooming kennel in New York requires very minimal requirements, making it a great business to start. Let’s look at some of the requirements in more detail below.
Do you need a license to groom dogs in NY?
Yes, most areas require a license to operate a dog grooming business. For example, New York City requires a Small Animal Grooming Establishment Permit.
What qualifications do I need to groom dogs?
You do not need licenses or certifications to groom a dog in New York State. However, many employers and clients prefer groomers with certifications that prove their knowledge and qualifications. Institutions like the New York Institute of Pet Grooming can provide you with these certifications to help enhance your credentials.
Can you run a dog grooming business out of your house?
This depends on the zoning of your property and the required licenses and permits. So long as your property is appropriately zoned for commercial purposes and you have obtained the necessary permits and licenses, you can operate a dog grooming business out of your house.
Below, you can learn more about the dog grooming requirements in your city, town, or county.
Dog Shelter Regulations in New York
In New York, dog shelters must be licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Markets. This license is annual, and the application for renewal must be submitted at least 30 days before the next license year. The license must be posted on the premises, and the pet dealer exemption number must be displayed publicly.
What is the Animal Shelter Standards Act in NY?
This act requires animal shelters to be appropriately licensed and establishes the following requirements for maintaining an animal shelter:
- Mandatory Inspections: Pre-license inspection, annual inspections, and potential unannounced inspections
- Staff and Volunteer Training: Must be trained within 60 days of hire and annually thereafter in humane handling, infectious diseases, cruelty recognition, sanitation, dog body language, and documentation
- Recordkeeping: Records must be kept, including intake identification checks, complete animal records, and bite history disclosure
- Facility Standards: Facilities must be durable and safely constructed, maintain proper temperatures, have non-porous, water-resistant interior surfaces, offer noise control, adequate lighting, and more
- Sanitation: Areas must be kept clean, including proper bedding, daily cleaning of soiled areas, outdoor feces removal, and so on
Additional requirements apply; certify compliance with the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Dog Trainer Regulations in New York
There aren’t many requirements you must meet to train a dog in New York.
Do you need a license to train dogs in NY?
No, you do not need a license currently to offer dog obedience training. However, some associations, like The Academy of Pet Careers, offer certifications to become a dog trainer in New York.
Dog Breeder Regulations in New York
Specific regulations must be followed to breed and sell dogs in New York. We’ll cover them below in more detail.
Do you need a license to breed dogs in NYS?
Yes, you need a license if you plan to sell or offer to sell nine or more dogs per year or engage in the public sale of 25 or more dogs born on your premises annually. The Department of Agriculture and Markets issues this pet dealer license.
Is it legal to sell puppies in NY?
There may be some confusion due to the Puppy Mill Pipeline Law, but selling puppies in New York is still legal. The law does not ban dog breeding; rather, it prohibits the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail pet stores. Its purpose is to protect animal welfare by discouraging large-scale commercial breeding operations that put profit ahead of the health and well-being of the animals.
K-9 Dog Facilities in New York
K-9 facilities in New York must follow standards similar to those of other commercial kennel operations in the state, including maintaining clean conditions, keeping proper records, and having the appropriate licenses. K-9s can not be trained or accepted from the public.
Dog Kennel Laws By County in New York
In many cases, city and town officials enforce dog kennel laws in New York, not county officials. However, you may have to refer to your county’s regulations if you reside in an unincorporated area. To ensure you are keeping the appropriate number of dogs, have the right permits, and right licenses to operate a dog kennel business, be sure to reach out to the county planning official below to determine what their requirements are.
Dog Kennel Laws By City in New York
In New York, commercial dog kennels are subject to local zoning, permitting, and licensing requirements. If you’re interested in opening a dog boarding, breeding, grooming, veterinary, or other dog kennel business in New York, you must check with your city or town’s planning or zoning official to determine their requirements.
The contacts listed below can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding commercial dog kennel laws in your area.
Find a New York Compliant Dog Kennel for Your Business
As this article has discussed, most commercial dog kennel facilities in New York must provide proper climate control, maintain strict cleanliness, offer shelter from the elements, and meet specific sizing standards set by local and state regulations.
At The Dog Kennel Collection, we offer custom-built commercial kennels with features designed to make compliance straightforward. Build a kennel with us that meets your area’s requirements, or contact our team to learn how we can help you start your commercial kennel business with confidence.
