What Michigan law says about licensing a boarding kennel or daycare, pets nobody picks up, and rabies. Checked November 2, 2026.
State license
State law provides a kennel license from your county treasurer: $10 for up to 10 dogs, $25 for more. A new kennel first needs a state inspection certificate, though some counties with their own animal control opt out.
Vets only
The law covers only veterinarians: two written notices 5 days apart, then 5 more days. A non-vet kennel is not covered, so ask an attorney before rehoming an unclaimed pet.
Required
Dogs 4 months and older must be vaccinated by a vet.
County fees may differ from the amounts in the statute, and how the state handles new-kennel inspections in practice was not verified.
Sources: MCL 287.270 MCL 333.18838 MCL 287.266
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.
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