Obtaining an animal boarding license is a necessary step in becoming recognized as a legitimate business entity. The State Department of Agriculture is the licensing agency that determines if a facility complies with the state's safety standards and its benchmarks for the humane treatment of domestic animals.
Instructions
1. Contact the State Department of Agriculture for an application for a license as an animal boarding facility. Fill out the application completely to avoid unnecessary delay in the processing time.
2. Obtain a sales tax ID number from the state prior to submission to get an animal boarding license. Sales tax identification numbers are required for businesses that sell any items such as pet care supplies.
3. Include the appropriate fee with the application to get an animal boarding license. The fees vary from state to state, and they are generally non-refundable. Some state's fees are based on the capacity for boarding.
4. Expect to a thorough inspection by a State Department of Agriculture representative before you can receive your license. Inspectors will evaluate the premises for sanitation, heating and cooling, enclosure requirements, ventilation and lighting. Minimum standards must be met for the physical facilities before a license is granted.
5. Prepare to show proof of adequate record-keeping methods. Boarding and financial records must meet state requirements.
6. Get ready for your commercial animal boarding facilities to be inspected on a regular basis according to the state's requirements. The most common time frame is annually and semiannually. The same requirements apply as for the initial license.
7. Check with the local city and county offices for licensing requirements. Depending on the zoning regulations, you may require additional licensing or permits to operate an animal boarding business.
8. Provide a business plan that shows how you plan to provide care for animals around the clock. Include the names of veterinarians you have on call in case of an emergency.
Tags: animal boarding, boarding license, Department Agriculture, State Department, State Department Agriculture