Dog Daycare License Requirements in Delaware STATE

Updated 2026-05-11 · Verify with linked agency before action

In Delaware, all commercial dog daycare and boarding facilities are required to obtain an annual state-level Commercial Kennel License from the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) under the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Overview

Opening a dog daycare or boarding facility in Delaware requires navigating state-level regulations, as the state mandates a specific license for commercial kennels. This means you will deal directly with the Delaware Department of Agriculture's Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) for your licensing needs, rather than local city or county agencies for the primary license. Understanding these state requirements is crucial for a smooth launch.

The OAW issues a 'Commercial Kennel License' which is required for any business that boards, breeds, buys, sells, lets for hire, trains, or grooms dogs or cats for profit. This clearly includes both dog daycare and overnight boarding operations. There are two classes of licenses: Class A for facilities with more than 10 adult dogs, and Class B for facilities with 10 or fewer adult dogs. The annual fee varies based on this classification.

Your first step should be to thoroughly review the 'Regulations for Animal Shelters and Commercial Kennels' published by the OAW, as well as relevant sections of the Delaware Code Title 3, Chapter 80. These documents outline all the requirements your facility must meet, from physical standards to operational protocols. Once you understand these, you can complete the Commercial Kennel License Application, available directly from the OAW.

After submitting your application and the appropriate annual fee, an OAW Animal Welfare Officer will conduct a pre-licensing inspection of your facility. This inspection is critical; the officer will verify that your premises comply with all state standards, including adequate space per dog, proper ventilation, temperature control, sanitation procedures, feeding and watering protocols, and appropriate record-keeping. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to meet these requirements. For instance, you’ll need a system for maintaining detailed records for each animal, including vaccination status, health assessments, and daily activity logs.

One common pitfall for new operators is underestimating the stringency of the facility requirements and record-keeping. Ensure your facility's design and operational plan align perfectly with OAW regulations before you apply. Another frequent mistake is not accurately classifying your kennel (Class A vs. Class B) based on your maximum adult dog capacity, which impacts your fee and some operational considerations. While Delaware law doesn't explicitly mandate commercial general liability or animal bailee insurance for licensing, securing comprehensive coverage is a non-negotiable best practice to protect your business from unforeseen incidents and liabilities. Budget an estimated 4-8 weeks for the entire licensing process, assuming your facility is ready for inspection and all documentation is complete.

By carefully following the OAW's guidelines and preparing diligently, you can successfully obtain your Commercial Kennel License and operate your dog daycare or boarding business legally in Delaware.

Application steps

1. Understand and comply with Delaware's 'Regulations for Animal Shelters and Commercial Kennels' and relevant sections of the Delaware Code Title 3, Chapter 80.
2. Complete the Commercial Kennel License Application provided by the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW).
3. Submit the completed application form along with the appropriate annual licensing fee (Class A for more than 10 adult dogs, Class B for 10 or fewer adult dogs).
4. Schedule and pass a pre-licensing inspection by an OAW Animal Welfare Officer to ensure your facility meets all state standards for housing, sanitation, animal care, and record-keeping.
5. Obtain your Commercial Kennel License upon successful completion of the application, fee payment, and inspection.

Common gotchas

• Operators often underestimate the detailed record-keeping requirements for each animal, including vaccination records, health assessments, and daily care logs, which are strictly enforced.
• Ensuring compliance with specific space requirements, environmental controls (temperature, ventilation), and sanitation protocols can be more stringent than anticipated, requiring facility modifications.
• The distinction between Class A and Class B licenses (based on the number of adult dogs) is important for fee calculation and compliance, so accurately counting animals is crucial.

Facility requirements

Facilities must meet detailed standards for housing, including adequate space, ventilation, lighting, and temperature control. Sanitation protocols are critical, requiring regular cleaning and disinfection of all enclosures and common areas. There must be provisions for appropriate exercise, veterinary care, isolation areas for sick animals, and secure enclosures.

Insurance requirements

While specific commercial liability or animal bailee insurance is not explicitly mandated by Delaware state law for kennel licensing, it is highly recommended and standard industry practice to protect your business from potential liabilities related to animal care, property damage, and unforeseen incidents.

Related resources

• Delaware Department of Agriculture - Office of Animal Welfare
• Delaware Dog Control, Licensing, and Enforcement Regulations (Delaware Administrative Code Title 3, 2000, 2001)
• Delaware Code Title 3, Chapter 80 - Dog Control and Licensing

Educational use only. Information was researched as of 2026-05-11 and reflects publicly available regulations. Pet care licensing changes frequently and varies by city and county. Always verify current requirements with the listed agency before applying or signing a lease. PetEditorial is not responsible for losses from reliance on this content. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].

← Back to all 50 states