Michigan Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

In Michigan, anyone who keeps three or more dogs for training, breeding, boarding, or sale must obtain a kennel license from their local county treasurer. This requirement is separate from the individual dog licenses that all Michigan dog owners must obtain for dogs over four months of age. If a breeder maintains more than 15 intact female dogs that have had litters (whelped), they must register with MDARD as a Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel. The threshold for LDBK registration is specifically focused on intact females that have bred, not just any intact females. Small hobby breeders who maintain fewer than three dogs, or those with fewer than 15 breeding females, are not required to register with MDARD but still must obtain individual dog licenses and comply with local kennel licensing requirements if they have three or more dogs.

For a kennel license, breeders should contact their local county treasurer's office to submit an application. Each county handles kennel licensing independently, and requirements may vary slightly by jurisdiction. Dog owners must provide proof of current rabies vaccination for each dog, typically a certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian. For Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel registration with MDARD, breeders must contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development directly. The MDARD website at michigan.gov/mdard provides information about large-scale breeding kennel requirements, though specific application procedures should be confirmed directly with the agency. Applicants for LDBK registration should expect an initial inspection before registration is granted and periodic inspections thereafter to ensure compliance with state animal welfare standards.

Kennel license fees are set by individual counties and typically range from $10 to $25 annually, though exact amounts vary by jurisdiction. Individual dog licenses, which are required in addition to kennel licenses, cost $16 for spayed or neutered dogs and dogs under one year of age, and $46 for unaltered dogs over one year of age in many counties such as Kalamazoo County. For Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel registration with MDARD, the annual registration fee is $500. These fees are separate from individual dog licensing fees and local kennel license fees, meaning large-scale breeders may need to pay multiple types of fees depending on their location and operation size.

Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennels registered with MDARD are subject to inspections before initial registration is granted and periodic inspections thereafter to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards. County-level kennel licenses may also require inspections depending on local ordinances, and some jurisdictions conduct inspections before issuing a kennel license. The specific inspection criteria and frequency for LDBK facilities are established by MDARD and focus on housing conditions, animal care standards, and record-keeping compliance. Facilities that fail inspections may be required to make corrections before registration is approved or renewed. Animal control officers at the county level also have authority to inspect kennels and investigate complaints about animal welfare or licensing violations.

Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennels registered with MDARD must maintain detailed records of their breeding operations, including information about breeding females, litters, sales, and veterinary care. While specific record-keeping requirements for LDBK facilities should be confirmed with MDARD, breeders should generally maintain records of each dog's identification, breeding dates, health records including vaccinations, and disposition of puppies (sold, transferred, or retained). County kennel license holders must maintain current rabies vaccination records for all dogs, as proof of vaccination is required for both individual dog licenses and kennel licenses. Records should be kept accessible for inspection by MDARD officials or county animal control officers, and breeders should retain records for several years to demonstrate ongoing compliance with licensing requirements.

Operating a kennel with three or more dogs without a proper kennel license, or operating a large-scale breeding facility with 15 or more intact breeding females without MDARD registration, can result in enforcement action by local animal control or state authorities. Under Michigan's Dog Law of 1919, violations related to dog licensing and kennel operation can result in civil penalties and potential criminal misdemeanor charges. Facilities found operating without proper registration may be ordered to cease operations until licensing requirements are met. Repeated violations or severe animal welfare violations can result in more serious consequences including seizure of animals, higher fines, and potential criminal prosecution. Individual dogs kept without proper licenses may also be subject to late fees, which are imposed if owners do not obtain licenses by the last day of the month in which the dog's current rabies vaccination expires, as specified in MCL 287.266(3)(f).