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Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements in Michigan

License Required Last updated: December 1, 2025
Michigan requires a county kennel license for 5+ dogs over four months old. MDARD oversees commercial licensing for large-scale operations with 10+ breeding females under the Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel Act (2016). Annual unannounced inspections for commercial kennels.

On This Page

  1. License Types & Requirements
  2. Federal USDA Requirements
  3. Inspections
  4. Penalties for Non-Compliance
  5. Recordkeeping Requirements
  6. Buyer Protections
  7. Resources & Links
  8. Frequently Asked Questions

License Types & Requirements in Michigan

County Kennel License

Issuing Authority
County Animal Control/Treasurer
Threshold
5+ dogs over 4 months
Fee
$10–$50 (varies)
Renewal
Annual (by June 1)

Required for 5+ dogs. Apply through county treasurer or animal control.

Commercial Kennel License

Issuing Authority
MDARD
Threshold
10+ breeding females selling puppies
Fee
$500 initial / $250 renewal
Renewal
Annual

Standards for housing, sanitation, vet care, socialization, recordkeeping. Annual unannounced inspections.

Local Requirements: Many cities/townships have pet limit ordinances and kennel zoning requirements.

Federal USDA Licensing in Michigan

Federal USDA requirements also apply for qualifying breeders.

The USDA license is separate from and in addition to any state or county license. For complete details, visit our USDA Licensing Guide.

Inspections

Frequency: Annual (commercial); as-needed (county)

MDARD conducts annual unannounced inspections of large-scale kennels. County animal control inspects smaller kennels upon application or complaint.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Large-scale without license: misdemeanor, up to $5,000 and/or 90 days jail.
  • County license failure: local fines, potential animal seizure.
  • Repeated violations: license revocation and future ban.
Important: In addition to state penalties, breeders who meet the USDA threshold may face separate federal fines of up to $10,000 per violation per day.

Recordkeeping Requirements

  • All dogs: breed, sex, age, acquisition date.
  • Vet care and vaccination records.
  • Sales records: buyer name, address, date.
  • Health certificates provided to buyers.

Buyer Protections in Michigan

Michigan Puppy Lemon Law

Buyers from licensed dealers/breeders get health guarantee. Congenital/hereditary condition within first year: replacement, refund, or vet reimbursement up to purchase price.

For more information, visit our Puppy Buyer's Guide.

Resources & Official Links

Governing Authority

Michigan MDARD

Relevant Laws

Michigan Dog Law of 1919 (MCL 287.261 et seq.) Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel Act (MCL 287.331 et seq.)

Useful Tools

MDARD Licensed Kennel Search MI County Treasurer Offices USDA APHIS

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Breeding in Michigan

How many dogs without a license in Michigan?
Up to 4 over four months old.
Kennel license cost?
County: $10–$50. State commercial: $500 initial, $250 renewal.
Puppy lemon law?
Yes. 1-year coverage for congenital/hereditary conditions.
Report unlicensed breeder?
County animal control or MDARD Animal Industry Division.

Neighboring States

Breeding or selling dogs across state lines? Check requirements in neighboring states.

Indiana → Ohio → Wisconsin →
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