State Licensed

Requirements vary by state and province. Here's what we track across our key markets:

Colorado (PACFA): The Pet Animal Care Facilities Act requires all commercial boarding facilities to be licensed through the Department of Agriculture. Pre-license inspections are required before operating, and routine inspections are unannounced. Facilities must have a working relationship with a licensed veterinarian. Standards cover housing, sanitation, ventilation, medical care, and record-keeping.

Texas: Pet boarding facilities must register with the state under the Dog and Cat Breeder Act if they also breed. Local jurisdictions (cities and counties) handle boarding-specific permits and inspections.

Georgia: Kennel licenses are issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Pre-licensing inspections are required, and unannounced inspections may occur at any time. Documentation requirements include animal owner information, dates, veterinary records, and emergency contacts.

Tennessee: Pet boarding facilities must be licensed under the Tennessee Commercial Breeder Act if they also breed. Boarding-only facilities are regulated at the county level.

Arizona: Regulation is primarily at the county and city level. Maricopa County requires kennel permits for commercial boarding operations.

Florida: The Florida Department of Agriculture regulates pet dealers, but boarding facilities are primarily regulated by local jurisdictions.

North Carolina: New facilities must pass a pre-licensing inspection by the Animal Welfare Section. Standards cover enclosure specifications, heating/cooling, ventilation, and drainage. Daycare facilities must have at least one staff member present in common areas at all times when five or more dogs are present.

California: SB 945 (effective 2017) applies to any facility boarding four or more animals for compensation. Requirements include structurally sound enclosures, cleanable surfaces, proper lighting, designated isolation areas for sick pets, and daily sanitation. Enforcement is local.

Ontario, Canada: Pet care facilities must comply with the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act) and local municipal bylaws for kennel operations.

A current license displayed prominently on-site. Many states require this. If you don't see one posted, ask to see it.

Willingness to discuss inspection history openly. A facility comfortable with its track record won't be defensive about past inspections. Look for ones that proactively share results or point you to public records.

Fire safety and emergency preparedness. Look for visible fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and ask about their evacuation plan. IBPSA and NFPA 150 both provide guidance on fire safety in pet care facilities — ask whether they follow these standards.

Red flags to watch for: refusal to provide a license number, inability to name the licensing agency, no visible license posted, no working veterinarian relationship, no written contract or intake form, refusal to allow a facility tour, and no documented emergency protocol. A contract that disclaims all liability for any injury regardless of cause is also concerning — in some states this conflicts with statutory consumer protections.

Are you currently licensed by the state, and what is your license number? Ask which specific agency issued the license. A legitimate facility should be able to name the agency and provide a license number without hesitation.

When was your last state inspection, and were any violations cited? In some states (like Pennsylvania), inspection records are publicly searchable online. Ask how any past violations were resolved.

Which veterinarian does your facility work with for emergencies? Several states require a documented relationship with a licensed veterinarian. Even where not required, a facility without a vet relationship is a concern.

What is your protocol if my dog becomes ill or injured while boarded? In Virginia, the law explicitly requires facilities to provide emergency veterinary care and holds them financially responsible if injury results from failure to provide required care.

What vaccines do you require, and how do you verify them? States with strong regulations require facilities to verify vaccination status before admission. Ask specifically about rabies, Bordetella, and canine influenza requirements.