12/20/2024
Super Exciting! We are proud to be compliant with Ollieโs Law!
***Customers please note that if you are using our services you will now be required to have your rabies tag as well as your town license tag on your dog at all times.***
Please plan for this to be in effect immediately and bring a copy of your town issued dog license at your next visit for our records. Thank you
Ollieโs Law, which was signed by Governor Healey, less than two months ago, is officially now in effect!
And while several aspects of these [dog daycare, boarding and training] regulations are set to be written in the upcoming year, several portions of this law are already in place (as of 12/19/24) and will be enforced by the municipalities.
These in-effect items include:
๐พThe setting of maximum numbers of dogs permitted on site/under a kennel license.
๐พMandated reporting of all dog injuries - and human.
๐พMore thorough recordkeeping.
๐พOn site maintenance of verification of valid dog licenses for all dogs kept on site.
(This also means that dog owners โ you are no longer able to utilize such dog care services absent a dog license from the city/town where your dog resides).
๐พRequirement that dogs on site wear a valid rabies tag at all times.
๐พMunicipality process for both issuing kennel licenses-and revoking them, for any non-compliance.
*Licensing, rabies tags and maximum number of dogs, are equally required for all commercial dog play groups, and those operating home or off-site playgroups, under a business practice.
Kennel licenses are mandatory for home care and boarding โ even for those operating as agents under apps like โRoverโ.
We helped to pass this law, which creates a path to regulating the pet care industry in a manner that improves care safety standards to better protects pets.
Massachusetts is a leader in animal protection, and not only is it important to protect pets and pet owners who utilize these pet care practices, but those who engage in operating within this growing and lucrative industry need to know that these measures protect them as well.
We are just about to enter a peak time for dog boarding โ Winter Break. Dog owners โ please ensure that if you have a reservation to board your dog, that your dog has either a still-valid 2024 dog license, or that your city/town has issued you one for 2025, otherwise, you will not be able to board your dog.
If anyone utilizes a dog daycare, boarding, training, playgroup, or other commercial service, and you are concerned about its legitimacy, licensure, or any unsafe or non-compliant practices being conducted within it, please notify your municipalityโs Animal Control Officer. Our job is to uphold the laws that are in place to protect YOUR pets โand it is a job we are proud to do.
[Photo: Ollie]