Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
Find a schedule of MDARD's public meetings online, or locate regularly published reports below.
Official press releases, articles, media contact information, email subscription options, social media accounts: everything you need to stay informed, all in one spot.
The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends and determines policy on food, agricultural, and rural development issues. MDARD oversees several additional boards and commissions.
Want to know how to contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development? On this page you will find phone numbers, email addresses, snail mail addresses, and online contact forms for everything we do here at MDARD. We even have a complaint form for those of you with complaints.
Live, work and play in Michigan's robust and diverse food and agriculture industry.
Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
Animal ID and movement requirements in the State of Michigan
Animal health resources for veterinary professionals.
Diseases affecting, or potentially affecting, animals in Michigan
Information on how to acquire a feed license to manufacture or distribute commercial feed in Michigan.
Rules governing the disposal of Bodies of Dead Animals (BODA).
Materials developed to provide information on how an individual may become a qualified Animal Control Officer.
Find funding for your organization.
Information about how MDARD's Agriculture Development Division can help you grow your business in Michigan.
Regenerative agricultural practices improve soil health and water quality
MDARD works with local providers of natural resource management services that help citizens implement conservation on their land and protect the environment for a cleaner, healthier, and economically stronger Michigan.
Farmland Preservation
Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
MAEAP helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. We are here to help and recognize farmers who reduce erosion and runoff from private land into public waters.
The food industry is responsible for producing safe food. Government sets standards, conducts inspections, and monitors food. Consumers also play a huge role in keeping their food safe and wholesome. Learn more.
Find a licensed firm in Michigan, from pesticide businesses to retail establishments, and more.
For the registration of horses, breeders and owners so as to render them eligible for racing and breeder/owner awards.
Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.
Retail Motor Fuel Outlet licensing information, applications and forms.
Information on Weights & Measures service person and agency registration, as well as weights and measures advisories.
For help with the sale, use, and disposal of pesticides, including labels and integrated pest management.
The plant health program protects agricultural and environmental resources through the early detection and management of invasive species and the inspection of plants and plant products for pests and diseases, while facilitating international and domestic commerce.
Each new, existing, and proposed commercial pesticide or fertilizer bulk storage facility is required to register annually with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Fertilizer License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements
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The MDARD Animal Industry Division investigates reportable diseases and the importation of animals to a pet shop, but is not currently licensing pet shops. To report a reportable disease at a pet shop or a case of improper importation, please call MDARD at 1-800-292-3939. If you have concerns related to the general care of animals at a pet shop it is advised to contact the local law enforcement in the area where the pet shop is located.
For pet shops who import animals from out-of-state, importation requirements for specific animals can be found on MDARD's animal movement pages.
Michigan pet shops selling mammals that are not livestock or rodents are required to comply with Public Act 287.
NEW: Public Act 287 was recently updated and changes were made to the importation and sale requirements for dogs and cats going to pet shops. Additionally the pet health certificate, which is required to be given to a customer by a Michigan pet shop when a dog, cat or ferret is purchased has been updated.
The certificate is required to be issued by a licensed veterinarian and is valid for 30 days from the date the animal was examined. More information can be found in the Pet Health Certificate Instructions.
Pet Health Certificate (revised 2019)
Pet Shops, Dog Pounds and Animal Shelters: Public Act 287 of 1969, as amended:
The primary law pertaining to pet shops.
Public Act 287 of 1969 and Regulation 151.
There are additional laws and regulations that apply to anyone who sells animals, as related to the species below:
NEW: As of March 21, 2019, State law requires a registration from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to sell or offer for sale aquatic plants and animals, including crayfish, fish, snails and mussels, turtles, and amphibians. For more information: MDNR Registration to sell aquatic organisms.
Turtle Health Advisory Sheet: Michigan law requires a copy of the advisory sheet be provided whenever viable turtle eggs or a turtle with a shell length less than 4 inches in length is legally sold or distributed.
State requirements for the sale of small turtles: An act to regulate the sale of turtles in this state
Pet Turtles: A Source of Germs: This website explains the potential germs associated with owning a pet turtle.
Ferret Health Advisory Sheet: Michigan law requires a copy of the advisory sheet be provided whenever a ferret is sold or transferred.
State law that legalizes and controls the sale and breeding of ferrets: An act to regulate the possession of ferrets
State law prohibiting the sale of dyed chicks, rabbits, ducklings, etc: An act prohibiting the sale or offer for sale of dyed or artificially colored baby chicks,
rabbits, ducklings, or other fowl or game
Law regulating the ownership, possession and care of certain large carnivores.
Law regulating the ownership, possession, and care of certain wolf-dog crosses.
Rabies and Animal (Mammal) Bite Protocol Sheet: Breaks down the proper procedures for potential and positive rabies situations.
NASPHV Rabies Compendium: Requirements for rabies control from the National Association of Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV).
Chlamydiosis (psittacosis) in Pet Birds Handout: Explains chlamydiosis, a respiratory disease of birds that also can affect people.
Chlamydiosis (psittacosis) information from NASPHV: Information on preventing and controlling psittacosis.
Salmonella in Reptiles Fact Sheet: Explains salmonella and how it effects reptiles and humans.
Pet shops, like all animal owners and caretakers, are also required to provide adequate care. Adequate care includes providing an animal with adequate food, water, sanitation, housing, exercise and veterinary care to keep the animal in a good state of health. For more information, see the Michigan Penal Code.