What New Hampshire 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 or city; the state pet vendor license covers selling animals, not boarding.
Covers kennels
If the owner doesn't pick up or pay for 7 days, send notice by certified mail; if the pet isn't reclaimed or paid for within 7 days of mailing, it becomes yours. You must tell owners about this law when you take the pet.
Required
Dogs must be vaccinated within 30 days of turning 3 months old.
Some websites say boarding kennels need a state license; the statute doesn't, but confirm with animallicensing@agr.nh.gov.
Sources: RSA 437:19 RSA 437:3 RSA 436:100
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | No state license | Covers kennels | Required |
| Maine | State license | Covers kennels | Required |
| Massachusetts | State license | Vets only | Required |
| Vermont | No state license | Covers kennels | 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.
$99
Eleven chapters, plus three free months of Goodstay from the day you open
Opening in New Hampshire? See the kit