A kennel is a facility that accepts impounded, stray, abandoned, or owner-surrendered cats and dogs. This includes humane societies, rescue organizations and impound facilities. Any person who operates a kennel where dogs or cats are kept, congregated or confined, must be licensed with the Board of Animal Health if the dogs or cats were obtained from municipalities, pounds, auctions, or by advertising for unwanted dogs or cats, or dogs or cats strayed, abandoned, or stolen.
This requirement does not apply to (1) a pound owned and operated by any political subdivision of the state, (2) a person’s home where dogs or cats are kept as pets, or (3) a veterinarian licensed to practice in the state of Minnesota who keeps, congregates, or confines dogs or cats in the normal pursuit of the practice of veterinary medicine.
Licensing requirements under this statute do not apply to training and boarding facilities, animal day care facilities, groomers, or your own personal pets. Please contact your city and county to ensure compliance with local ordinances.
Review:
Veterinary Protocol for Kennels
A kennel is a facility that accepts impounded, stray, abandoned, or owner-surrendered cats and dogs. This includes humane societies, rescue organizations and impound facilities. Any person who operates a kennel where dogs or cats are kept, congregated or confined, must be licensed with the Board of Animal Health if the dogs or cats were obtained from municipalities, pounds, auctions, or by advertising for unwanted dogs or cats, or dogs or cats strayed, abandoned, or stolen (Minn. Stat. § 347.34).
To obtain a kennel license, the owner must submit a license application to the Board of Animal Health along with a check for $15 to cover the annual license fee. The kennel must then be inspected by the Board of Animal Health to verify compliance with the requirements specified in Minn. Stat. § 347.31-.40 and Minn. Rules 1721.0520.
The Board does not license the following:
However, the preceding list may require licensing by local ordinances. Please check with township, city or county officials for any rules they may have regarding licensing in your location.
Annual