License Application Procedures

(1) A complete application for a License or renewal of License shall be submitted to the Department on a form prescribed by the Department. The application shall state the Applicant's name, name of individual serving as the primary contact for the Applicant, principal place of business, and a detailed operations plan that includes the following information in writing: (a) a complete list of the Organization's directors and managerial personnel; (b) a complete list of the locations of all Facilities, including shelters or kennels, where Animals in the custody of the Organization are or will be housed, and an accounting of the number of Foster Homes being utilized, and the maximum number of Animals that could be appropriately cared for at each location; (c) the location within the Commonwealth where the Organization will maintain its records; (d) methods of acquiring Animals for purposes of Placement; (e) methods of Animal care and maintenance; (f) description of Facility operations and maintenance; (g) the handling and segregation of Animals in the custody of the Organization that are found to be suffering from illness or injury; (h) methods to ensure the handling and disposing of deceased Animals in a sanitary manner; (i) such other detailed information that fully describes the Organization's proposed activities; (j) evidence that the Organization holds § 501(c)(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code or an equivalent Internal Revenue Service nonprofit designation and is in good standing; (k) evidence that the Organization holds a registration as a Public Charity with the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General and is in good standing; (l) evidence that the Organization holds a current kennel license from the municipality in which any Facility is operating, if applicable; (m) a policy regarding the method(s) of euthanasia to be employed and the circumstances under which euthanasia will be performed, if applicable; (n) evidence that the Organization holds a current certificate of occupancy from the municipality in which any Facility is operating; and (o) whether the Organization intends to import Dogs or Cats into the Commonwealth; if so, the Department must issue an Import License that clearly authorizes the Import of Dogs and Cats in addition to their Placement within the Commonwealth. (2) An application for a License or renewal of License shall be accompanied by a fee as determined by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. The application shall not be deemed complete until such time as the Applicant has paid the fee. (3) The Department will send a confirmation notice to the Applicant indicating that the application was received, and shall issue an approval or denial of the application within 90 days after the date of such notice. (4) Prior to the issuance of a License, the Department shall be granted access to all of the Applicant's Facilities to ensure compliance with M.G.L. c. 129, and 330 CMR 30.00. All inspections shall be conducted during normal business hours. The Department may conduct additional inspections prior to renewal and as it deems necessary in accordance with M.G.L. c. 129. An Isolation Room, as described in 330 CMR 30.05(3), shall be inspected and approved by the Department prior to the issuance of an Import License. (5) An Applicant may enter into a written agreement with the operator of an approved Isolation Room to perform the activities required by 330 CMR 30.08. Such written agreement shall be approved by the Department prior to the issuance of an Import License. (6) Licenses shall be issued on an annual basis and shall authorize the Licensee to operate for 12 months from the date of issuance, unless earlier suspended, modified, or revoked by the Department in accordance with 330 CMR 30.13. (7) The Licensee shall keep the original of its most recent License at a location within the Commonwealth and shall make a copy available for inspection upon request, including by any individual at the time and location of any Placement. A copy shall be posted at each Facility in a place prominently visible to the public. (8) The Licensee shall include its most recent License number in a way that is easily viewed by the public on its website and any other printed promotional materials or printed advertisements that offer a specific Animal for Placement. (9) A renewal application shall be submitted not later than 30 days prior to expiration of the License. (10) The Licensee will promptly notify the Department in writing of any material change in the information provided in the License or renewal application including, but not limited to, changes in managerial personnel; loss of, acquisitions of, or renovations to Facilities; a change in the status of Internal Revenue Service nonprofit designation, Public Charity registration, or municipal kennel licensing.