Dog boarding license requirements in Missouri

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

Kennel license

State license

The Missouri Department of Agriculture licenses boarding kennels under the Animal Care Facilities Act. The first fee is $125, renewal adds 10 cents per animal per boarding day, and you need a vet care plan and an inspection before licensing.

Pets nobody picks up

Vets only

The law covers only veterinarians: 10 days after notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. A non-vet kennel is not covered, so ask an attorney before rehoming an unclaimed pet.

Rabies

Local rules

No statewide rule for resident dogs; it covers dogs entering or sold in the state.

Daycare is not named in the license, so confirm with the program at (573) 751-3076.

Sources: RSMo 273.327 Missouri ACFA Program RSMo 340.288 2 CSR 30-2

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.

Missouri and its neighbors

State Kennel license Pets nobody picks up Rabies
Missouri State license Vets only Local rules
Arkansas No state license Vets only Required
Illinois State license Covers kennels Required
Iowa State license Covers kennels Required
Kansas State license Vets only Local rules
Kentucky No state license Vets only Required
Nebraska State license No rule found Required
Oklahoma No state license Vets only Required
Tennessee No state license Vets only Required

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