What Is Ollie’s Law?

Ollie’s Law: Raising the Bar for Dog Daycare Safety in MA

In honor of a beloved Labradoodle named Ollie, who tragically lost his life in 2020 due to unsafe conditions at an unregulated dog daycare, Massachusetts has taken meaningful action to improve oversight across the industry.

On September 20, 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed into law “An Act to Increase Kennel Safety” — now widely known as Ollie’s Law.

This legislation sets statewide standards for safety, supervision, and transparency in dog daycare and boarding facilities.

Key Points of Ollie’s Law

• Staff-to-Dog Ratios: Daycares must maintain safe and appropriate staffing levels to ensure every dog is properly supervised and cared for.

• Emergency & Safety Protocols: Facilities are required to have clear, documented plans for handling emergencies — from illness to evacuations — to protect pets at all times.

• Injury Reporting: Any injuries must be documented and, when applicable, reported to regulatory authorities, ensuring full transparency and accountability.

• Vaccination & Licensing Requirements: All dogs must have a valid Rabies Certificate and be licensed in their home municipality. These tags must be worn during their stay at any daycare or boarding facility.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is overseeing implementation, with input from kennel professionals, veterinarians, animal control, and community members.

This law helps ensure that every dog in Massachusetts receives the care, attention, and protection they deserve — and we’re proud to do our part.

Questions about how we comply with Ollie’s Law? Just ask — we’re happy to walk you through our safety practices any time.