What Georgia law says about licensing a boarding kennel or daycare, pets nobody picks up, and rabies. Checked November 2, 2026.
State license
The Georgia Department of Agriculture licenses boarding kennels each year. Fees run $100 to $400 by capacity, and inspectors may visit unannounced at any time.
Covers kennels
Send a written demand for charges in person or by registered or certified mail or overnight delivery, return receipt requested. If the bill isn't paid or the pet isn't picked up within 10 days, it is abandoned; you may sell it, give it away, or turn it over to a shelter, and must tell the owner the same day.
Required
State law tells county health boards to require rabies shots for dogs.
Statute text was read on FindLaw (current as of 2024-03-28), so confirm it against 2025 and 2026 changes.
Sources: O.C.G.A. § 4-11-3 Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 40-13-13-.02 O.C.G.A. § 44-14-491 O.C.G.A. § 31-19-5
Facts, not legal advice. Laws change, and your county or city may have its own kennel permit: call them before you rely on any of this.
| State | Kennel license | Pets nobody picks up | Rabies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | State license | Covers kennels | Required |
| Alabama | No state license | Vets only | Required |
| Florida | No state license | Covers kennels | Required |
| North Carolina | State license | Vets only | Required |
| South Carolina | No state license | Covers kennels | Required |
| Tennessee | No state license | Vets only | Required |
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