What Pennsylvania law says about licensing a boarding kennel or daycare, pets nobody picks up, and rabies. Checked November 2, 2026.
State license
The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement licenses boarding kennels each year: $125 for 1–10 dogs, $200 for 11–25, $325 for 26 or more. A state dog warden must inspect before approval, then at least twice a year.
Covers kennels
A licensed boarding kennel may turn a pet over to a humane society or pound if it's unclaimed more than 10 days after notice by personal service or registered mail, return receipt requested. Keep the receipt for 12 days.
Required
Dogs must be vaccinated within 4 weeks of turning 12 weeks old.
The law doesn't say whether a daycare-only business needs this license, so confirm with the Bureau at 717-787-3062.
Sources: PA Dog Law (3 P.S. § 459-101 et seq.) PA Dept. of Agriculture: Dog Laws 3 P.S. § 455.8
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | State license | Covers kennels | Required |
| Delaware | No state license | No rule found | Required |
| Maryland | No state license | Covers kennels | Required |
| New Jersey | State license | Covers kennels | Required |
| New York | No state license | Covers kennels | Required |
| Ohio | No state license | Unclear | Local rules |
| West Virginia | State license | Vets only | Required |
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