What Minnesota 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 township, city or county; the state Board of Animal Health says it does not license boarding or daycare.
Covers kennels
If the pet was left under a written agreement, send notice by certified mail, return receipt requested; if it isn't claimed and paid for within 10 days, you become the owner. You must post a warning about this law or put it in writing to the owner.
Local rules
No statewide rule for resident dogs; it covers imported dogs, and many cities require it.
The rabies answer is a none-found finding, not an agency statement.
Sources: Minn. Stat. 346.37 Board of Animal Health kennel license Minn. R. 1721.0500 Minn. Stat. 346.52
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | No state license | Covers kennels | Local rules |
| Iowa | State license | Covers kennels | Required |
| North Dakota | No state license | Unclear | Local rules |
| South Dakota | No state license | Vets only | Local rules |
| Wisconsin | No state license | No rule found | Required |
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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