Animal Welfare Applications, Licenses and Guides

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Applications and License Forms

Animal Rescue/Shelter Forms & Information

Starting an Animal Rescue? It's a difficult process that has to be well thought out and properly planned in order to ensure your animal rescues success. This link will help in the planning process for creating an animal rescue and navigating most of the legal requirements necessary to properly operate within the State of Maine

Importation of Dogs and Cats into Maine for Resale or Adoption

The following contains information for individuals who wish to import dogs or cats into Maine for resale (sales to pet shops or other retail outlets) or for adoption (rescue groups who plan to bring dogs into Maine to be adopted by another person). If you are an out-of-state organization, you MUST be affiliated with a licensed pet shop or shelter with a physical address in Maine. This is due to the required quarantine (holding) period before animals can be released for sale or adoption. Import permits will only be released to Maine-licensed organizations. Maine’s rules are very specific for animals in this classification and they include the following:

  1. Minimum age: 56 days.
  2. Certain core vaccinations required.
  3. Tests required for dogs >180 days old: lyme disease, heartworm, ehrlichiosis.
  4. Holding periods: 48 hours for animals over six months; five days for animals less than six months.
  5. Certificate of vaccination within 30 days of importation and health record must accompany animals.
  6. All organizations importing animals for resale or adoption must be a licensed pet shop or shelter and must hold a valid import permit with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
  7. Other provisions can be found in the link to the rule below.
  8. Note: For pets travelling with their owners, the only requirement for dogs and cats to enter Maine is documentation that the animal is current on their rabies vaccination.

Manuals, Guides and Booklets

Municipal Forms and Information

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For the Public