California's pet boarding facility law, in plain English

Owners rarely read the statute. This page summarizes it so you know what a boarding facility in California is expected to have.

• Law in effect sinceJanuary 1, 2017
• Applies to facilities boarding4 or more pets for pay
• Sections122380 to 122388
• First penalty, up to$250

Since Jan 1, 2017 (SB 945, Stats. 2016 ch. 364) California sets minimum standards for any pet boarding facility boarding 4+ pets for pay: structurally sound, pest-free, cleanable surfaces; isolation area for sick pets; food stored away from enclosures; enclosures that let a pet turn around, stand, sit and lie down comfortably, with heating/cooling/shade as needed; cats' permanent enclosures need an elevated platform; temporary enclosures (crates) max 4 hours by day / 12 at night; one pet per enclosure unless the owner consents; each pet observed at least once every 24 hours; potable water at all times; daily enrichment; written care, disease-control, emergency and disaster/evacuation policies; owner notified immediately if a pet is sick or injured; a fire alarm connected to a central station OR a fire sprinkler system; written notice to owners of drop-off/pick-up times, staffed hours, enclosure square footage, observation practices and daily activity schedule. Enforced by animal control/humane officers; cities and counties may add stricter rules.

What the law requires

A facility must be structurally sound, pest-free and have surfaces that can be cleaned, with an isolation area for sick pets and food stored away from enclosures. Enclosures must let a pet turn around, stand, sit and lie down comfortably, with heating, cooling and shade as needed. Cat enclosures need an elevated platform, crates are limited in time, and each pet must be seen at least once every 24 hours with water always available. Owners are told right away if a pet is sick or injured.

The notices and fire safety

Facilities must give owners written notice of drop-off and pick-up times, staffed hours, enclosure sizes, observation practices and the daily activity schedule, and keep written care, disease-control, emergency and evacuation policies. A fire alarm connected to a central station or a fire sprinkler system is required. The kennel's second building has fire sprinklers and the sizes of its runs are published on the kennel size page.

Enforcement and local rules

Animal control and humane officers enforce the law. A notice to correct comes first; infractions are up to $250 the first time and up to $1,000 for later violations. Cities and counties may add stricter rules. This page is a summary and not legal advice, so read the statute for the exact wording.

Method and vintage

The summary was prepared from the statute text, retrieved October 19, 2026, using the copy kept by the Animal Legal and Historical Center at Michigan State University, with the official code on the legislature's site. Happy Paws Kennels is fully licensed as a business and commercial kennel by Solano County.