Michigan Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Last updated: 2026-02-21

Report an Error

Quick Summary

Michigan requires a kennel license for anyone keeping three or more dogs for breeding, boarding, sale, or training. Breeders who house more than 15 intact female dogs that have had litters must also register as a Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), paying a $500 annual fee.

License Required Yes
Annual Fee $10-$25 (kennel); $500 (LDBK)
Threshold 3+ dogs (kennel); 15+ intact females (LDBK)
Inspections Before registration and periodic (LDBK)
Governing Body County treasurers; MDARD (large-scale)

Regulatory Agency: County treasurers (kennel license); Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) for large-scale breeders

Who Needs a License in Michigan?

In Michigan, you need a kennel license if you keep three or more dogs for breeding, boarding, sale, or training. Kennel licenses are issued by your county treasurer. If you house more than 15 intact female dogs that have had at least one litter, you must also register as a Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel (LDBK) with MDARD. MDARD only oversees large-scale operations; smaller breeders are regulated at the county level.

How to Apply

For a kennel license, contact your county treasurer's office. For Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel registration, you must apply directly to MDARD. The LDBK application requires information about your facility, the number of dogs, and your veterinary care plan. After MDARD receives your complete application, they will contact you to schedule an inspection before registration is granted.

Fees and Costs

County kennel license fees are $10 for 10 or fewer dogs and $25 for more than 10 dogs. The Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel registration fee is $500 per year. All dogs in Michigan must also be individually licensed, with fees varying by county.

Inspections and Compliance

Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennels are inspected by MDARD before registration and periodically after that. During an inspection, each requirement is scored as Satisfactory, Not Satisfactory, Mitigated Satisfactory, or Not Inspected. Inspectors check housing, sanitation, animal care, and record-keeping. County animal control may also inspect smaller kennels depending on local rules.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennels must keep detailed records of where each dog came from, descriptions of each dog and puppy, breeding histories, and daily inventories of dogs on site. A valid pet health certificate must be provided with any dog that is sold, exchanged, or transferred. All breeding kennels should maintain vaccination records and transaction documentation.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violating MDARD's large-scale breeding kennel regulations can result in suspension or revocation of your registration and fines of up to $1,000 per violation. You cannot sell, exchange, or transfer a dog that is less than eight weeks old. Operating a kennel without a license can lead to county-level fines and enforcement action. All breeding kennels must also comply with local animal ordinances and zoning laws.

Sources and References

Related Resources