Licensing

Sec. 2591 License required.
No person shall own, manage or operate a kennel, as defined in this Article, within the unincorporated areas of the County unless such kennel has first been licensed by the County pursuant to this Article and the license is currently in effect.

Below you will find Ventura County’s Department of Animal Regulation Kennel Standards and guidelines.

1) All kennels and its facility are to be kept clean, dry, and free from debris.
Kennels must protect against environmental extremes as well as have adequate ventilation and air flow.

2) Indoor kennels must meet the minimum sizes:
3ft. wide x 3ft. long x 6ft. high = small to medium dogs
4ft. wide x 4ft. long x 6ft. high = large dogs
5ft. wide x 5ft. long x 6ft. high = extra large dogs

3) Dogs must have a resting surface 6 inches off the kennel floor

4) It is recommended that all walls separating kennels be 5 feet.

5) Kennel flooring should be made of concrete inside and outside. The concrete flooring needs to be grated and sealed. This will allow the water to run off and not create free standing water.

6) Kennel walls must be made or constructed of non-porous material, to allow for easy and effective disinfection. Kennels are to be kept free of debris or material that interferes with proper sanitation. Kennels need to be kept free of any sharp objects or edges that would cause the animal injury.

7) Kennels must be well-kept at all times and repairs must be completed ASAP.

8) Outdoor kennel runs that are attached to any indoor kennel must be at the minimum 4ft. wide x 8ft. long x 6ft. high. When having outdoor only kennel(s), the dog must have a doghouse or an internal housing box that will allow the dog to be protected from environmental extremes. The minimum requirement for an outside only kennel is 5ft. wide x 10ft. long x 6ft. high.

9) Exercise pens must be at least 10 ft. x 10 ft. or larger. They must have a shaded area for hot weather. All dogs should have at least 1–2 hrs of exercise per day.
Puppies should be exercised at least twice a day.

10) If you are going to crate any dogs, they must have enough room to stand, sit, lie down and turn around. When crating puppies the following guideline must apply for length of time allowed in a crate:
9-10 wks = 30-60 min
11-14wks = 1-3 hrs
15-16wks = 3-4 hrs
17+ wks = 4+ hrs (not to exceed 6 hrs)

11) It is recommended that pet waste be removed at least twice a day and put into an airtight trash type container.

12) Kitchens or any area surface where food is kept or prepared must be disinfected daily.

13) Dog food is to be kept in airtight containers that must be rodent and pest proof.

14) Dogs need to be fed at the minimum once a day and 2-3 times for puppies. Dogs must have fresh water available at all times.

15) Food bowls must be removed after the dog(s) is finished eating and any left over’s need to be thrown away. If daily food bowls are not provided and removed, there should be only enough feed for 1 day and should be placed in a bottom feeder.

16) For disinfection, food bowls are to be soaked in bleach for a minimum of 10 minutes, then washed and air dried. If you have a dishwasher, wash the dishes with dish soap and then put into the dishwasher.

17) Bedding and blankets must be washed every other day. If the blanket or bedding is soiled it must be removed immediately and a new fresh blanket given to the dog. It is of the utter most importance that you either add bleach or a bleach alternative to the laundry detergent.

18) Enclosures are to be sanitized daily and disinfected once a week. Any disinfectant that is used must be non-harmful to animals and used within the manufactures guidelines.

19) Any new dogs as well as dogs that become sick or injured must be isolated from the general population. All sick or injured dogs must see a vet immediately for proper care.

20) Any and all veterinary records must be available for review at any time during normal business hours.

21) Every dog must be current on all its vaccinations including rabies. Any owned, rescued, or harbored dogs that reside within the county for 30 days on site or longer must follow the state mandated regulation and purchase a Ventura County dog license.