MDA receives upwards of several hundred questions a week via our online web address. We've chosen to highlight some of those and their answers here on our website. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send them to us at mda-info@michigan.gov. This week's question on the licensing of dog kennels is asked several times a year.

17. I would like to start breeding dogs to sell, and I understand I could get a kennel license instead of individual dog licenses.  In order to get a kennel license, though, it's my understanding that I must submit a certificate of inspection signed by the State Commissioner of Agriculture or his representative.  I am not sure what MDA program this request would fall in line with, if it would be under Animal Shelters, or Pet Shops or some other category.  Please let me know what I need to do to proceed. 
    

1. Kennel licensing is regulated locally.  The MDA has authorized local animal control officers, chief of police, or the sheriff's department to act in the MDA director's name in conducting inspections and signing off on the inspection certificates.  We therefore advise you to contact your local animal control to arrange for one of the animal control officers to come out and conduct an inspection of your facility to determine if it meets the requirements of a kennel.
   
   Below you will find links to the law and regulation regarding kennels.
   • Michigan Regulation No. 129: Dog Kennels
   • Michigan Dog Law of 1919: Act 339 of 1919