Starting September 1, 2023, Texas kennel facility operators (those who are providing boarding services for breeding, sheltering, training, hunting, “or similar purposes” for more than three dogs for compensation) will be required to provide written notice to dog and cat owners if their pet will be left unattended and the facility does not have a fire sprinkler system. Kennel operators must ensure that clients sign the informed consent document prior to leaving an animal at a facility for boarding. A kennel operator who violates the law will be subject to a $500 fine for each animal boarded without informed consent.
Facilities that board dogs for the purposes described above should include these informed consent provisions in contracts or in boarding agreements/waivers. The law impacts professional handlers, trainers, sportsmen, and breeders that board dogs.
Filed in response to a tragic 2021 boarding kennel fire in Georgetown, TX, the original version of the bill, HB 66, required anyone that housed three or more dogs to install fire sprinkler systems and retain 24-hour employees. AKC expressed concerns to HB 66’s sponsor, who ultimately filed HB 2063 with positive amendments. The bill was signed by Governor Abbott on June 2, 2023.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor all state and local issues impacting dog owners in Texas. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.