NH SB446

Animal care centers boarding 5 or more dogs must obtain written consent from dog owners before leaving dogs unattended without an employee present, including disclosure of hours unattended and whether the facility lacks a fire protection sprinkler system

Animal care centers must report injuries to animals or people occurring on their premises to local law enforcement, which must investigate and publish findings online if enforcement action is taken

Local law enforcement or authorized inspectors must conduct annual unannounced inspections of animal care centers between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to ensure proper care standards are met

Animal care centers must obtain certification from the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, renewable biennially for a $100 fee, before operating in New Hampshire

Violations carry penalties of $500 per animal per day, and noncompliant facilities may be closed for up to 5 days or permanently closed after a third infraction; effective date is January 1, 2027