California kennel laws are found in both state and municipal law.
If you want to maintain a kennel in California, be sure to familiarize yourself with both California state and local laws regarding kennel operations. Local laws are the primary source of kennel law in California. These laws regulate multiple factors in the operation of both commercial and personal kennels, including obtaining a kennel license. Many search tools exist to help you find the kennel law for your municipality or county.
What is a Kennel?
In general, a kennel is a structure where animals are stored for pleasure or for commercial profit. Kennels operated for commercial profit usually seek to breed, buy, sell, groom, board, train or exhibit animals. Both personal and commercial kennels are subject to appropriate zoning licenses and approvals as well as business licenses, where applicable. Kennels can include any type of animal permitted by law, but popularly include either dogs or cats.
California State Kennel Law
California state law on kennels is sparse. State law does require that all kennels treat animals kindly and ensure that they receive proper nutrition, shelter and medical care. State law also prohibits the euthanization of adoptable animals in kennels. Kennel owners cannot euthanize abandoned animals without giving the animal owner the time allotted by law to retrieve the animal. State law also requires kennel owners to attempt to locate a suitable owner for abandoned animals.
Municipal Kennel Law
Kennel operation is primarily governed by municipal or county law. California has approximately 175 different sets of local laws online governing its hundreds of cities and counties. To find your local kennel law, you will need to locate the municipal or county code for your community. The structure and placement of commercial and private kennels is typically governed by local zoning laws. Local animal control laws or business licensing laws usually govern kennel permits, fees and inspections.
Finding Your Kennel Law
To know the kennel laws that apply to your kennel, you must read the kennel law for the community where your kennel is located. The best way to do this is to first go to the list of California municipal and county codes on the Findlaw California website. Next, click the municipality or county where your kennel is located. Then, navigate to the search page for that municipality or county and run a search on the word "kennel."
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