Dog boarding license requirements in Indiana

What Indiana law says about licensing a boarding kennel or daycare, pets nobody picks up, and rabies. Checked November 2, 2026.

Kennel license

No state license

No state license. Check with your county or city.

Pets nobody picks up

Vets only

The law covers only veterinarians: 5 days after written notice by certified mail. A non-vet kennel is not covered, so ask an attorney before rehoming an unclaimed pet.

Rabies

Required

Dogs 3 months and older must be vaccinated.

The license answer was not verified by a targeted search, so confirm with the Indiana Board of Animal Health.

Sources: Ind. Code § 25-38.1-4-8 345 IAC 1-5-2

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.

Indiana and its neighbors

State Kennel license Pets nobody picks up Rabies
Indiana No state license Vets only Required
Illinois State license Covers kennels Required
Kentucky No state license Vets only Required
Michigan State license Vets only Required
Ohio No state license Unclear Local rules

The state is one of four permissions you need.

Zoning, your county or city, and the fire marshal come too. The Opening Kit walks you through all of them, with the questions to ask each office, then insurance, policies, prices and your first twenty clients.

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