H 314 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to provide consumer protections at dog day care businesses

This bill establishes a new licensing requirement for dog day care businesses in Massachusetts to ensure consumer safety and animal welfare. It mandates that operators obtain an annual license from the state director, which will expire on December 31st each year unless revoked. The law requires the director to create specific regulations covering sanitation, fire safety, staff training, insurance, and recordkeeping, including a duty to report serious injuries. Before finalizing these rules, the state must consult with business owners, employees, pet owners, and veterinarians, with the licensing system officially opening for applications on December 1, 2024.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Apr 2023
Senate Passage
Apr 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Apr 22, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
3
Committee
2
Apr 16, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Apr 13, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Apr 6, 2023
Committee
Discharged to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors