Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
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.
Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
This area contains information for press and media agencies. Press Releases, Pics, Podcasts & Videos
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.
Information about how MDARD's Agriculture Development Division can help you grow your business in Michigan.
Michigan's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was created to help protect our environment and wildlife. Michigan is partnering with the federal government to implement conservation practices of great significance to the state, and valuable to the nation, in matters of soil erosion, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.
The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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.
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.
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
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
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 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 and other rules.
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)
There are additional laws and regulations that apply to anyone who sells animals, as related to the species below:
Turtles and Other Aquatic Animals
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.
State requirements for the sale of small turtles.
Federal law that covers to whom turtles may be sold, state law covers specifics about the sale.
Turtle Sale Requirements Handout
By law, this sheet must be distributed whenever turtle eggs or live turtles smaller than four inches in shell length are sold in Michigan.
Pet Turtles: A Source of Germs
This website explains the potential germs associated with owning a pet turtle.
Ferrets
State law that legalizes and controls the sale and breeding of ferrets.
Ferret Health Advisory Sheet
By law, must accompany every ferret sold or transferred in the State of Michigan.
Chicks, rabbits, ducklings and other fowl or game
State law prohibiting the sale of dyed chicks, rabbits, ducklings, etc.
Large Carnivores
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.
Proper Disposal of Animal Carcasses Brochure
Summarizes state requirements for disposal of dead animals.
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.