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The former Municipal Kennels are now known as ‘3932-B Kennels’, with licenses issued through the Department’s Animal Welfare Program. Pre-licensing and annual inspections are still required, and the local Animal Control Officer must still perform them.
When an application for a 3932-B Kennel License is received:
- AWP will first verify that all documentation has been included and complete the background check required by the new legislation.
- Then, a Request for Inspection Form will be sent to the municipal clerk, and the ACO will be engaged to schedule and complete the inspection.
- Once completed, the ACO must provide the kennel owner with a copy of the completed Municipal Kennel Inspection Form and instruct them to submit it to AWP to complete their license application.
The Department’s Animal Health Program is currently in the Rulemaking process to update the Chapter 701 Rules that are relied upon for inspections. Because this process is lengthy and not expected to be completed until mid-December, inspections assigned before then should be completed using the current Chapter 701 Rules and the current inspection forms.
Animal Control Officers should review our relevant webinars, 2025 Municipal Kennel Law Changes and Inspection Guidance, and the 2023 Kennel Inspection Requirements and Responsibilities Webinar, to ensure they know inspection requirements.
As always, our District Humane Agents welcome ACOs to contact them for guidance anytime by calling 207-287-3846 and selecting 1. You may then choose either the first option to reach the Inspections Agent or choose by County to reach your county’s District Humane Agent.
Thank you,
Animal Welfare Program
animal.welfare@maine.gov
Maine Bureau of Agriculture, Food & Rural Resources
90 Blossom Lane · 28 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0028
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