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SB 446

requiring animal care center operators to notify dog owners when a dog will be left unattended and to report injuries to animals or people which occur on the premises of the animal care center.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Avard and 3 co-sponsors

NH SB446 requires certified animal care centers to notify owners before unattended periods, report injuries, undergo regular inspections, and face penalties to raise safety standar

Pending Motion OT3rdg; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 446

Summary of Bill SB 446-FN (2026) - New Hampshire

Main purpose and intent

SB 446-FN aims to strengthen oversight and safety standards for animal care centers (commercial dog care facilities such as boarding kennels, dog daycare, board-and-train programs, and grooming facilities). The bill requires operators to notify dog owners when a dog will be left unattended, to report injuries that occur on the premises, and it establishes routine inspections, certification, and penalties to ensure proper care and safety.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions and scope

  • Creates a new subdivision under RSA 437: “Animal Care Center Requirements.”
  • Defines:
    • Animal care center: commercial dog care facilities (excluding certain entities like private residences with small numbers of dogs, licensed veterinary establishments, humane societies, animal shelters, municipal impound facilities, or licensed pet vendors regulated elsewhere).
    • Fire protection sprinkler system: definitions of sprinkler-related components.
    • Proper care: standards for structure, maintenance, utilities, food/bedding storage, and waste disposal to prevent vermin, odors, and disease hazards. Requires daily waste removal (at least once daily) unless the written health program specifies otherwise.

Informed consent for unattended dogs

  • If an animal care center boards or services 6 or more dogs, the operator cannot leave dogs unattended without:
    • Written notice to the dog owner about:
    • The hours during which the dog will be left unattended.
    • Whether the center has a functioning fire protection sprinkler system (or lack thereof).
    • A signed consent from the dog owner permitting the unattended period.
  • Operators must also inform owners in writing if the center does not carry liability insurance.

Injury reporting and missing dogs

  • Requires animal care centers to report to local law enforcement any injury to a person or animal that requires veterinary/medical treatment, results in death, or involves suspected cruelty or neglect. Minor injuries needing only owner notification do not require law enforcement reporting.
  • Centers must notify local law enforcement and the dog owner if a dog goes missing or is found.
  • Public reporting of injuries or cruelty allegations is limited to cases that meet those thresholds.

Inspections and enforcement

  • Local law enforcement or authorized inspectors may assist DAMF in cases of emergency conditions, cruelty, or criminal violations, but routine inspections are conducted by DAMF with help from local officials.
  • Inspections must use standardized criteria; non-critical deficiencies allow for a cure period before enforcement.
  • Operators must be present during inspections; only areas used for animal care or record-keeping may be inspected.
  • If the center is not kept in a sanitary and safe manner, inspectors may issue a written citation. Enforcement actions can include corrective actions or temporary closure, with attention to animal safety and continuity of care. Facilities must maintain an emergency care and continuity plan.

Certification and licensing

  • Certification mandatory to operate an animal care center (issued by the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, DAMF).
  • Certification duration: 2 years; renewable biennially.
  • Certification fee: $200 (non-refundable) at application or renewal.
  • Certification can be revoked or suspended for violations of the injury reporting provision (RSA 437:25, IV).
  • DAMF may adopt rules governing the application process, renewal procedures, and certification standards.

Penalties

  • Violations are punishable by a fine of $500 for each animal and for each day the violation continues.

Pet vendor licensing adjustment (related change)

  • Amends the transfer and licensing framework for pet vendors:
    • Pet vendors transferring large numbers of dogs/cats/ferrets/birds must include zoning certification.
    • License duration changes from annual to biennial.
    • Licenses remain non-transferable.
    • Fee: $200 (unchanged); licenses expire biennially.

Effective dates

  • Some provisions (injury reporting, inspections, certification) become effective January 1, 2028.
  • Other related changes (biennial licensing for pet vendors) take effect January 1, 2027.
  • The rest of the act’s provisions become effective January 1, 2027.

Who or what would be affected

  • Animal care centers (boarding kennels, dog daycare, board-and-train, grooming facilities) in New Hampshire.
  • Dog owners who use or contract services with these centers.
  • Local law enforcement and DAMF for inspections, enforcement, and reporting.
  • Pet vendors that transfer large numbers of animals (modified licensing timelines and requirements).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Requires routine inspections every 2 years by DAMF (with support from local officials as needed).
  • Establishes a 2-year certification cycle for centers, starting with a 2028 implementation for certification-related provisions.
  • Transition periods:
    • Pet vendor biennial licensing starts 2027.
    • Certification for animal care centers starts 2028, with fee and regulatory framework established by the bill.
  • Public reporting of enforcement actions will be available when investigations result in enforcement actions.

Fiscal impact (as analyzed)

  • No new funding or positions are authorized in the bill itself.
  • Estimated state revenue from certification fees starting in FY 2028: approximately $60,000 to $100,000 annually, offset by an estimated revenue decrease of about $30,000 in FY 2027 due to the biennial licensure change for pet vendors.
  • Implementing the program is expected to require additional staff (three Agricultural Technician positions) starting January 1, 2028, with estimated annual costs of about $240,000 in FY 2028 and $264,000 in FY 2029.
  • Net fiscal impact ranges from minor revenue increases to larger annual costs starting in 2028.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language quick-read or a side-by-side comparison with current law to highlight the changes more visually.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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