Who needs a kennel registration and local animal rules in West Virginia?

Issued by Your county assessor (West Virginia Code 19-20-3); your city’s animal control, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

1 of the 20 kinds of business in West Virginia

Boarding or selling dogs needs the county kennel registration; selling pets and grooming alone need only the state business registration certificate and the city license. Cities set their own limits on animals kept on commercial premises and some require a kennel permit, so ask animal control before signing the lease. A breeder shipping animals sight unseen also needs a USDA license.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Your county assessor (West Virginia Code 19-20-3); your city’s animal control.

Sources and dates

West Virginia Code 19-20-3 (kennel registration); municipal animal ordinances. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.