Who needs a retail dog outlet or kennel license in Delaware?
Issued by Delaware Office of Animal Welfare (Department of Health and Social Services), at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.
Grooming alone needs no animal license; boarding more than four dogs needs the kennel license and an Office inspection. House Bill 131, signed in 2026, bans retail pet stores from selling dogs and cats from January 23, 2027, except stores licensed as retail dog outlets for at least a year before then that meet the law’s sourcing rules, so a new shop should plan on adoption events with shelters and rescues rather than puppy sales. Every dog kept or sold must also carry the state dog license.
Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by Delaware Office of Animal Welfare (Department of Health and Social Services).
Sources and dates
Office of Animal Welfare retail dog outlet and kennel license pages; House Bill 131 (2026) on pet store sales of dogs and cats. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
Yes. Grooming alone needs no animal license; boarding more than four dogs needs the kennel license and an Office inspection.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
No. In Delaware it is listed for pet stores and groomers.
Delaware Office of Animal Welfare (Department of Health and Social Services).
Step 4 of 6, get the permits for your kind of business. The steps before it: set up the business, register for tax and approve the space.
Who needs a retail dog outlet or kennel license in Delaware?
