What Maryland law says about licensing a boarding kennel or daycare, pets nobody picks up, and rabies. Checked November 2, 2026.
No state license
No state license. Check with your county; some counties license boarding kennels. If you don't have staff on site 24 hours a day, state law requires you to tell owners in writing.
Covers kennels
Notify the owner in person or by registered or certified mail once the pet is ready to go home. If it isn't claimed within 10 days, you may sell it at public sale, give it to an animal welfare agency, or place it with a responsible person.
Required
Dogs 4 months and older must be vaccinated.
Sources: Md. Code, Com. Law § 16-701 Md. Code, Com. Law § 11-905 Md. Code, Local Gov't § 13-108 Md. Code, Health-Gen. § 18-318
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | No state license | Covers kennels | Required |
| Delaware | No state license | No rule found | Required |
| District of Columbia | State license | No rule found | Required |
| Pennsylvania | State license | Covers kennels | Required |
| Virginia | No state license | Covers kennels | Required |
| West Virginia | State license | Vets only | Required |
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