SERVICE
Get a permit to run a dog kennel, or animal boarding facility
Get a permit to run a dog kennel or animal boarding facility.
What to know
Cost
$95Required for a hearing regarding potential permit protests.
You need a health permit:
- To open or operate a animal boarding facility or kennel
*Pet Hospitals
Effective September 1 ,2025, Veterinary Hospitals and Laundromat Facilities are exempt from obtaining a San Francisco Public Health (DPH) - Consumer Protection Health Permit. However, overnight kennels and overnight pet shops are still required to apply for a health permit.
What to know
Cost
$95Required for a hearing regarding potential permit protests.
You need a health permit:
- To open or operate a animal boarding facility or kennel
*Pet Hospitals
Effective September 1 ,2025, Veterinary Hospitals and Laundromat Facilities are exempt from obtaining a San Francisco Public Health (DPH) - Consumer Protection Health Permit. However, overnight kennels and overnight pet shops are still required to apply for a health permit.
What to do
1. Apply for a health permit
Start your application for a health permit
Required:
- If you are opening a new pet hotel, boarding facility or kennel
- If you are taking ownership of a pet hotel, boarding facility or kennel
2. Complete zoning referral form
Required:
- If you are operating a newly constructed pet hotel, boarding facility or kennel
3. Complete Fire Marshal form
Required:
- If you are operating a newly constructed a new pet hotel, boarding facility or kennel
Special cases
Legal Requirement
See Legal Requirement.
Partner agencies
Contact us
Address
San Francisco, CA 94103