Dog boarding license requirements in Utah

What Utah 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: 7 days after notice by certified mail. A non-vet kennel is not covered, so ask an attorney before rehoming an unclaimed pet.

Rabies

Local rules

State rules say dogs should be vaccinated; cities and counties that license dogs require it.

Sources: Utah Code § 58-28-601 Utah Admin. Code R386-702-12

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.

Utah and its neighbors

State Kennel license Pets nobody picks up Rabies
Utah No state license Vets only Local rules
Arizona State license Covers kennels Required
Colorado State license Vets only Local rules
Idaho No state license Vets only Local rules
Nevada No state license Vets only Required
New Mexico No state license Covers kennels Required
Wyoming 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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