Dog Daycare License Requirements in Utah STATE + LOCAL

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

In Utah, operating a dog daycare or boarding facility requires a state-level 'Animal Care Facility License' from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), in addition to any local business licenses or zoning permits.

Overview

Opening a dog daycare or boarding facility in Utah involves a two-tiered licensing approach: you'll need both a state-level license and local permits. This dual requirement is crucial for any entrepreneur to understand from the outset.

At the state level, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) oversees animal care facilities through its Animal Industry Program. You are required to obtain an 'Animal Care Facility License' under Utah Administrative Code R58-15. This rule sets comprehensive standards for the operation and physical structure of any commercial establishment housing animals, including dog daycares and boarding kennels. The purpose of this state license is to ensure the welfare, health, and safety of animals in commercial care across Utah.

Your first step should always be to consult with your local city or county planning and zoning department. They will inform you about any required local business licenses, conditional use permits, or specific zoning regulations that apply to operating an animal boarding or daycare business in your chosen location. Local requirements can vary widely, and obtaining these is often a prerequisite, or at least a concurrent step, to the state licensing process.

Once you've addressed local requirements, you'll need to focus on the UDAF state license. Begin by thoroughly reviewing Utah Administrative Code R58-15. This document details everything from minimum enclosure sizes, sanitation protocols, lighting, ventilation, and temperature control to record-keeping requirements for each animal. Your facility must be designed and operated to meet these standards.

Next, complete the UDAF Animal Care Facility License application form, which can be found on the UDAF Animal Care Program website. Submit this form along with the current annual fee (currently $100). After your application is processed, a UDAF representative will schedule a pre-licensing inspection of your facility. During this inspection, they will verify that your premises and operational procedures comply with all aspects of R58-15.

Common pitfalls for new operators often include underestimating the importance of local zoning and business licenses, which can delay or even halt your project. Many also struggle with meeting the precise facility requirements for space, materials, and specialized areas like isolation rooms for sick animals. It's vital to have these elements in place before your UDAF inspection. Additionally, proper record-keeping for each animal, including vaccination records and owner information, is a mandatory and frequently overlooked aspect of compliance. While not explicitly mandated by state licensing, securing comprehensive insurance, including General Liability and Animal Bailee coverage, is a critical business practice to protect your operation and the animals in your care. By meticulously following these steps and understanding both state and local expectations, you can navigate the licensing process successfully.

Application steps

1. Research and obtain all necessary local business licenses, permits, and zoning approvals from your city or county. This is a critical first step as local regulations can vary significantly.
2. Familiarize yourself with Utah Administrative Code R58-15, 'Animal Care Facilities Rules,' which outlines the detailed requirements for facility construction, sanitation, animal care standards, and record keeping.
3. Complete the Animal Care Facility License application form provided by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). Ensure all sections are filled out accurately.
4. Submit the completed application along with the required license fee (currently $100) to the UDAF Animal Industry Program.
5. Schedule and successfully pass a pre-licensing inspection by a UDAF Animal Care Program representative. The facility must meet all standards outlined in R58-15.
6. Upon successful inspection and review, UDAF will issue your Animal Care Facility License.

Common gotchas

• Overlooking local zoning and business license requirements, which must be secured before or in conjunction with the state application.
• Failing to meet specific facility design and maintenance standards (e.g., proper flooring, ventilation, sanitation, space per animal, isolation areas) prior to the UDAF inspection.
• Inadequate record-keeping. Utah law requires specific records for each animal, including vaccination history, owner information, and dates of stay.
• Not having a designated veterinarian for emergency care and health protocols, which is an implicit requirement for professional animal care facilities.

Facility requirements

Facilities must be constructed of materials that are easily cleaned and sanitized, with adequate lighting, ventilation, and temperature control. Each animal must have sufficient space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Separate isolation areas for sick or injured animals are mandatory, and outdoor enclosures must be appropriately secured. Detailed requirements cover sanitation, waste disposal, pest control, and food storage.

Insurance requirements

While Utah's state Animal Care Facilities Rules (R58-15) do not explicitly mandate specific insurance types for licensure, it is highly recommended and standard business practice to carry Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance and Animal Bailee coverage to protect against loss, injury, or death of animals in your care.

Related resources

• UDAF Animal Care Program (includes forms and rules)
• Utah Administrative Code R58-15: Animal Care Facilities Rules
• UDAF Animal Care Facility License Application Form

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].

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