05/01/2025
All of this
If you are operating a dog care business out of your home, whether on your own, or under a web-based app such as Rover, not only do you need a kennel license (and usually a business permit), but you are also required to adhere to some of the same regulations as commercial dog care facilities.
In a conversation with one of our kennel owners, we learned that two of their clients cancelled their reservations this week, adamant that they had no interest in licensing their dogs ‘just so that they can board them’.
The kennel owner correctly advised the party that annual dog licensing has been a requirement under Massachusetts Law for decades. Producing copies of dog licenses to dog care providers, is just a new measure under Ollie’s Law.
One of the parties who cancelled their reservation, contacted the kennel owner a few days later, boasting that they found a Rover provider, who did not require the dog be licensed (nor did they even ask the client if the dog had a current rabies vaccine!)
Sadly, the client didn't ask the Rover provider if THEY had a kennel license to legally KEEP their dog!
Web-based dog care service providers, such as Rover, are NOT exempt from state and local laws. Rover advises their users of such.
🐕Dog licenses are required annually, under MA state law.
🐕Rabies vaccines are required for all cats and dogs, MA (over the age of six months), under MA state law.
🐕Kennel licenses are required in order to operate a dog care service out of one’s home, under MA state law.
🐕Business permits, licenses and zoning approval to run such pet services may vary in cities and towns, but some form of documented authorization of a home-based business, is usually required. It certainly is here in Dedham!
If you are using or operating a pet care service out of a home, whether with someone who is operating independently or operating under a web-based app such as Rover, please see to it that you/they are operating lawfully, both at the local and state levels.
There are penalties for unlawful operations.
And pet owners, if a pet service provider is not able to produce a kennel license, and/or does not require proof of a current dog license and/or a valid rabies vaccine, for your pet, then that provider is not operating their service lawfully.
If a cease and desist is to occur while your pet is being boarded, you may have to cut your vacation short, to return home to pick up your pet. Don't be in a hurry to board your pet without doing your homework.
All of these laws are in place to protect pets, pet owners – and lawful caretakers of pets. Massachusetts is a leader in animal protection legislation. And WE are equally vested in ensuring that same protection here in Dedham and Westwood.
We appreciate that our local dog daycare/boarding facilities report these things to us.
{Photo: A Dedham resident dog, proudly displaying its rabies and license tags}
