What Iowa law says about licensing a boarding kennel or daycare, pets nobody picks up, and rabies. Checked November 2, 2026.
State license
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship licenses boarding and commercial kennels, and dog daycares run under those licenses. The fee is $175 a year, and the department may inspect during business hours.
Covers kennels
If a pet left under a written agreement isn't picked up by the agreed date, send notice by certified mail within 7 days; the owner then has 14 days after mailing to reclaim it. You must post a warning about this law or print it on the receipt.
Required
Dogs 6 months and older must be vaccinated.
State law exempts dogs kept in kennels and not allowed to run at large from the rabies rule.
Sources: Iowa Code § 162.2B Iowa Admin. Code r. 21-67.8 Iowa Code § 162.19 Iowa Code § 351.33
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | State license | Covers kennels | Required |
| Illinois | State license | Covers kennels | Required |
| Minnesota | No state license | Covers kennels | Local rules |
| Missouri | State license | Vets only | Local rules |
| Nebraska | State license | No rule found | Required |
| South Dakota | No state license | Vets only | Local rules |
| Wisconsin | No state license | No rule found | Required |
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