BOAH: Retail Pet Stores

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Information for Retail Pet Store Registration

Effective July 1, 2024, Indiana Code 15-21 requires retail pet stores, animal care facilities, and animal rescue operations to register with BOAH.

A retail pet store is defined as a commercial enterprise that sells dogs from a place of business at which the seller, buyer, and dog are physically present so the buyer may observe the dog before purchasing.
Registration is active for one year. After initial registration, a retail pet store will be required to register annually with the BOAH. A notice of the entity’s registration must be posted in a prominent place of business visible to the public.
Indiana Code 15-21

* Please click the button below to complete the registration application for retail pet stores

Retail Pet Store Registration

*Note: This form is NOT for Commercial Dog Breeder or Broker facilities.

Guidance for Retail Pet Stores

Dog Sourcing Requirements

IC 15-21 added specific requirements on where Indiana retail pet stores may acquire dogs to sell. The detailed sourcing requirements for retail pet stores are outlined in IC 15-21-5-6.5. To summarize, retail pet stores must obtain dogs via one of the following options:

Chart with options for stores to buy dogs.

Canine Care Certified Standards

The Canine Care Certified program certifies professional dog breeders meet specific standards for care, health and well-being for their dogs. This nationwide certification program establishes standards for physical and behavioral welfare in areas such as nutrition, veterinary care, genetic screening, housing handling and exercise.

To learn more about the Canine Care Certification standards please visit their website here.