Licensing is required for running a dog daycare operation in Maine.
In Maine, it is the Animal Welfare Program, which is housed in the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, that administers the licensing program for dog day care. Any facility keeping five or more dogs must obtain a boarding kennel license. An application is filed with the department and either approved or denied based on the information provided. Dog daycare owners pay an annual fee for the license as well as an application fee.
The Application
The boarding kennel application is not specific to dogs, so applicants must indicate the types of animals that will be boarded and whether there will be day care, overnight boarding or both offered. The state is also interested in the facility itself and the application asks for a description of the materials used for cages and other indoor locations where animals will be kept. Outdoor accommodations for dogs must also be described, and this would include things such as houses and runs for the dogs, and methods used to restrain dogs outside. It is expected that an exercise program will be provided and that program must be described in detail. The state also requires information on plans for quarantining dogs, should that become necessary.
Although not explicitly required for licensing, the specific vaccinations required for dogs who will stay at the facility must be stated, as well as the facility's policy on flea and tick treatment. The department also wants to know how the facility will be cleaned and disinfected, and a list of products must be provided. The license could be denied if the procedures are not considered adequate.
The License
A fee is charged for both the application and the license. The license fee is a single amount and the application fee is per owner. A boarding kennel license is issued for one year and owners must reapply each year. If an application is not filed with the state by December 31 each year, a late fee will be assessed. The department performs a criminal background check on all applicants and anyone convicted of a serious criminal offense, including cruelty to animals, in the past ten years, will not be issued a license.
Inspection
Licensed facilities are inspected by the state on an annual basis by an animal control officer. These officers are also entitled to inspect the facility more often, with no advance notice given to the owner. If there are any signs of health or sanitation violations, the kennel can be shut down. If there are health violations in evidence, the state has the option of bringing in a veterinarian to inspect the facility and to look for signs of infectious or contagious disease. If there are signs of disease, the veterinarian has the authority to quarantine the facility for as long as necessary to resolve the issues. Failure to address any issues uncovered during an inspection will result in loss of the license.
Maine Department of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Resources
Animal Welfare Program
28 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
207-287-3846
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