Dog Daycare License Requirements in Michigan STATE
Michigan mandates that all commercial dog daycares and boarding facilities obtain an annual Commercial Kennel License from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to operate legally.
| License type | Commercial Kennel License |
|---|---|
| Issuing agency | Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Animal Industry Division |
| Agency URL | https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/animals/animal-shelters-and-commercial-dog-kennels |
| Agency phone | 517-284-5777 |
| Fee range | $40-$180 per year |
| Renewal cycle | Annual |
| Estimated timeline | 6-10 weeks, depending on the completeness of your application, MDARD's inspection schedule, and your ability to promptly address any compliance issues. |
Overview
If you're looking to open a dog daycare or boarding facility in Michigan, understanding the state's licensing requirements is your crucial first step. Michigan operates under a statewide licensing system for commercial kennels, primarily governed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) under the Dog Law of 1919 (MCL 287.270 et seq.). This means that whether you offer overnight boarding, daily care, or a combination, if you're operating commercially, you'll need a state-issued Commercial Kennel License.
Obtaining this license ensures your facility meets essential standards for animal health, safety, and welfare. The process begins not just with the state, but locally. Before applying to MDARD, you must verify and comply with all local zoning ordinances and secure any required business permits from your city or county. These local requirements can vary significantly, and ignoring them is a common pitfall that can delay your opening or even lead to legal issues. Once local approvals are in motion, you'll delve into state compliance.
Your next step is to familiarize yourself with the detailed requirements outlined in the Dog Law and MDARD's regulations. These cover everything from the structural integrity and sanitation of your facility to the amount of space allocated per animal, ventilation, and protocols for veterinary care. You'll then complete and submit the Commercial Kennel License Application to MDARD, along with an annual fee that varies based on your facility's maximum capacity for dogs and cats. After your application is received, an MDARD inspector will visit your facility to ensure it meets all mandated standards. This inspection is a critical phase where your compliance with housing, sanitation, animal care, and record-keeping standards will be thoroughly reviewed. Be prepared to address any deficiencies identified during this inspection promptly to secure your license.
Common mistakes operators make often revolve around underestimating the stringency of facility requirements, such as adequate isolation areas for new or sick animals, or failing to maintain meticulous records of each animal's stay, vaccinations, and owner information. These records are not just good practice; they are a legal requirement subject to inspection. While Michigan's law doesn't explicitly mandate specific insurance, securing comprehensive general liability and animal bailee insurance is highly advisable to protect your business against unforeseen circumstances. Budgeting 6-10 weeks for the entire process, from application submission to license in hand, is a reasonable estimate, though this timeline can be affected by how quickly you can address compliance issues and MDARD's inspection schedule.
Application steps
- Research and comply with local zoning ordinances and secure necessary local business permits for your facility's location.
- Review the Michigan Dog Law of 1919 (MCL 287.270 et seq.) and MDARD's regulations for commercial kennels to ensure your facility meets all state requirements.
- Complete and submit the Commercial Kennel License Application to MDARD, along with the applicable fee based on your anticipated dog/cat capacity.
- Prepare your facility for an inspection by an MDARD representative, who will verify compliance with housing, sanitation, record-keeping, and care standards.
- Address any deficiencies identified during the inspection to achieve full compliance.
- Receive your Commercial Kennel License upon successful completion of the inspection and approval by MDARD.
Common gotchas
- Failing to account for local zoning and business permit requirements, which can vary significantly by city or county and must be secured in addition to the state license.
- Underestimating the facility requirements for adequate space, ventilation, sanitation, and isolation areas as mandated by the Michigan Dog Law.
- Not maintaining accurate and complete records for each animal, including vaccination history, owner information, and dates of stay, which are subject to inspection.
Facility requirements
Facilities must provide sanitary conditions, adequate ventilation, protection from weather extremes, and sufficient space for animals to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Requirements include proper waste disposal, access to clean food and water, prompt veterinary care when needed, and a designated isolation area for sick or new animals to prevent disease spread.
Insurance requirements
While Michigan's state kennel law does not explicitly mandate specific types of insurance, it is highly recommended that operators secure comprehensive general liability insurance, property insurance, and animal bailee insurance to protect against unforeseen incidents, injuries, or loss involving animals in their care.
Related resources
Free Resource for Operators
Get our 25-item Dog Daycare Pre-Opening Checklist (free PDF) — covering business formation, zoning, state licensing, insurance, and facility readiness across the entire opening process.
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].