Dog boarding license requirements in Tennessee

What Tennessee 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

Vets only

The law covers only veterinarians: 10 days after a demand for payment in person or by registered or certified mail. A non-vet kennel is not covered, so ask an attorney before rehoming an unclaimed pet.

Rabies

Required

Dogs 6 months and older must be vaccinated.

Text was read on FindLaw because the official code couldn't be read.

Sources: Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-134 Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-8-103

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.

Tennessee and its neighbors

State Kennel license Pets nobody picks up Rabies
Tennessee No state license Vets only Required
Alabama No state license Vets only Required
Arkansas No state license Vets only Required
Georgia State license Covers kennels Required
Kentucky No state license Vets only Required
Mississippi No state license Vets only Required
Missouri State license Vets only Local rules
North Carolina State license Vets only Required
Virginia No state license Covers kennels Required

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