Pet Shop License Details & FAQ
Notice:
Since 1969 the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) has licensed and regulated pet shops offering mammals other than livestock or rodents for sale. Due to state financial constraints, MDARD can no longer operate the pet shop program.
Therefore, effective August 1, 2009, the department is suspending the pet shop program.
In addition, MDARD will no longer accept new applications for a pet shop license. Although MDARD will no longer be regulating pet shops, all pet shop operators are advised to use the laws and regulations concerning pet shops as guidelines for animal care in their facilities.
As the department is suspending the program, MDARD will also no longer be supplying pet shop health certificates effective August 1, 2009. Complainants wishing to file complaints against pet shops will be directed to local law enforcement agencies.
Laws and Regulations
The laws relative to Pet Shops are (follow the links):
- Pet Shops, Dog Pounds and Animal Shelters: Public Act 287 of 1969, as amended:
The primary law pertaining to pet shops. This law specifies who does and does not need a pet shop license and it includes requirements for importing and selling puppies and kittens.
- Regulation 151 (Pet Shops, Dog Pounds and Animal Shelters):
Regulations and requirements for operating a licensed pet shop. This is a very important regulation to read and understand, as it covers areas that MDA Inspectors review when visiting pet stores.
- The Animal Industry Act: Public Act 466 of 1988, as amended:
Requirements for importing wild and exotic animals such as birds and reptiles.
- Bodies of Dead Animals: Public Act 239 of 1982:Establishes the requirements for the disposal of dead animals.
- Regulations for Public Act 239 of 1982
Bodies of Dead Animals
- Liability of Owner for Dog Bite: Public Act 73 of 1939
An Act providing for the recovery of damages by persons bitten by dogs; and creating a liability of the owners of such dogs.
- The Turtle Act: Public Act 424 of 1988
State requirements for the sale of small turtles. (Federal law covers to whom turtles may be sold, state law covers specifics about the sale.)
- The Ferret Act: Public Act 358 of 1994
Legalized and controls the sale and breeding of ferrets.
- Sale of Baby Chicks, Rabbits, Ducklings, or Other Fowl or Game: Public Act 163 of 1945:
Prohibits the sale of dyed chicks, rabbits, ducklings, etc.
- Pseudorabies and Swine Brucellosis Control and Eradication Act: Public Act 239 of 1992:
Swine laws, pertinent for stores selling pot-bellied or other pet pigs.
- Large Carnivore Act: Public Act 274 of 2000
An Act to regulate the ownership, possession, and care of certain large carnivores.
- Wolf-Dog Cross Act: Public Act 246 of 2000
An Act to regulate the ownership, possession, and care of certain wolf-dog crosses.
- Michigan Penal Code (Chapter IX animals): Public Act 328 of 1931 (as amended)
Additional Materials
- Turtle Health Advisory Sheet
This sheet must be distributed whenever turtle eggs or live turtles smaller than 4 inches in shell length are sold in Michigan.
- Salmonella in Reptiles
This fact sheet explains the disease salmonella and how it effects reptiles and humans.
