Dog boarding license requirements in North Dakota

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

Kennel license

No state license

No state license. Check with your county or city.

Pets nobody picks up

Unclear

State criminal law treats failing to pick up a pet within 48 hours after a boarding contract ends as abandonment, but it gives you no right to rehome. The 10-day notice rule covers only vets, so ask an attorney.

Rabies

Local rules

No statewide rule; local agencies may require it, and imported dogs need a certificate.

Sources: N.D.C.C. ch. 36-21.2 N.D.C.C. § 43-29-16.1 N.D.C.C. ch. 23-36

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.

North Dakota and its neighbors

State Kennel license Pets nobody picks up Rabies
North Dakota No state license Unclear Local rules
Minnesota No state license Covers kennels Local rules
Montana No state license No rule found Not required statewide
South Dakota No state license Vets only Local rules

The state is one of four permissions you need.

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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