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Licensing
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Within the state of Ohio, dog boarding kennels must operate with a kennel license. Boarding kennels seeking to open a new business must hold a kennel license for three months prior to opening. Licensing fees range from $150 to $750, depending on the number of puppies and dogs housed within each kennel. When applying for a boarding kennel license, owners must provide background information, photographs of where the animals will reside, as well as the total amount of animals to be housed within the kennel.
Insurance
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Ohio House Bill 124 requires that owners of dog boarding kennels obtain insurance for the number of dogs housed within the kennel. For kennels that own or house 25 dogs or less, the owner is required to obtain a $5,000 insurance premium. For kennels with 26-50 adult dogs, the owner must have $10,000 worth of insurance coverage. And for kennels that house more than 50 dogs, owners must show insurance documentation for coverage of $50,000.
Inspections
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To combat overcrowding and potential animal abuse in Ohio's boarding kennels, regulations have been passed to ensure that they are owned and operated ethically. Twice a year, boarding kennels are subject to on-site inspections. The inspections are designed to verify the level of animal care and to check veterinary care of the animals. Should an owner of a boarding kennel fail inspection, they have an allotted amount of time to amend the situation. If the owner is not able to adhere to the inspection's rules, a fine may be issued and their license may be revoked.
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Ohio Regulations on Boarding Kennels
With puppy mills and issues of animal cruelty escalating throughout the United States, many states have passed legislation to protect the animals found in boarding kennels. In 2009, the state of Ohio passed legislation for insurance and licensing of boarding kennels and pet stores. The bill is known as Ohio House Bill 124 within the House of Representatives and prohibits unethical treatment of dogs and other animals.