Legalities of Animals Services
Opening up a business that specializes in working with animals can be rewarding, but there are laws and regulations that must be followed. Depending on the type of business you are looking to start or work in you will need be licensed, certified and may need regular inspections of your company.
Doggie Daycare and Kennel Laws
Doggie daycares and boarding kennels require business permits and certain licenses are needed to work with animals. Most doggie daycares operate under the same statutes that boarding kennels operate under. Dog daycares and kennels must both have regular inspections by the health department to ensure that waste is disposed of properly and that animals are vaccinated.
Non-profit Animal Rescue Laws
Before starting an animal rescue shelter it is important to check county, state and city laws regarding animal housing and animal care. Also, working with an attorney to file for non-profit status will ensure that all tax laws are followed.
Animal Shelter Laws
Shelters exist to house-to-house stray, abandoned and abused animals. There are state and federal laws about how these shelters operate and who is allowed to run them. Most states require animals that are not wearing tags to be taken to the nearest shelter. Shelters attempt to contact the owner (if they are chipped or able to be located), and if the owner cannot be found animals are put up for adoption. If the shelter is low on space they may have to euthanize the animals that have been in the facility for a long period of time. Owners that are found may be fined or ticketed for not using leash or if other local laws were broken.
Service Animal Laws
The Americans With Disabilities Act is a law created to protect the rights of people with disabilities. A service animal, or an animal defined as a guide dog or working, must be allowed to enter wherever their disabled owner is allowed to go. Service animals assist people impaired hearing, visions problems, medical conditions and catastrophic injuries. They may help their owners cross streets, shop for groceries, alert them of an upcoming seizure or alert them to a visitor.