Government Regulations for your Dog Bakery
Investigating government regulations for your home baking business is the first step in starting your dog bakery. Home bakery regulations vary from one municipality to another. Make sure you know what the requirements are...and that you are in compliance!
Every country has its own requirements for bakeries. While it is true that, in most cases, that home bakery regulations for dog treats are less stringent than for people bakeries, don't be mislead—there are still regulations that you must comply with. Dog food is another story. It is a HIGHLY regulated industry. And very complicated—I do not recommend making and selling dog food. A good way to get started learning what your local regs are, is to inquire at the state level and also at the county or city level (US). This will be somewhat different if you live in a country, other than the U.S. You will just have to see what is required for your area.
Do you know how to deal with regulatory agencies? If you're not sure, you can learn about Regulations in this Guide. Sometimes the health department or agriculture department will oversee this area. Make sure you get the name and phone number of a contact person that you can call if you have questions. You will have questions! And, trust me, once you hang up, it will be a nightmare to find the same person again! Your Bakery LabelIn most cases, you can expect to have your kitchen inspected. In some states you will have to collect taxes on any sales that you make. And, in most countries, you will be required have a bakery label on your packages and to put specific information on the bakery label.At the very least, you will need to include:
Home Bakery RegulationsMake sure that you are not too relaxed about this area. I've seen too many websites that claim that you can just start baking dog treats in your kitchen, put the treats in paper bags, and open your shop.There are rules that you must follow! And your kitchen must be clean and pest-free. Lastly, your packaging must be food safe. For details on government regulations and what is required, I recommend getting a copy of Bake a Dog a Bone. It's the best resource for starting a dog bakery, that I've found. Vermont and Their Government Regulations – A Story to RememberIf you live in the US and will be selling online, you might consider including a disclaimer on your website. A couple of years ago, dog bakeries were adding a disclaimer to their websites, stating that they did not sell to residents of Vermont.I wondered why, so I investigated. Here's the reason...It seems that Vermont was requiring dog bakeries to register their products in every state, or they would fine the bakeries (even if a bakery had not sold anything to a resident of Vermont). To register your products in every state would be a very time intensive and costly process! And, at least one lawyer said that what Vermont was doing was legal. I am not staying current with this issue, so I don't know if Vermont is still harassing small dog bakeries. Just be aware, and make sure that you cover yourself. Make sure that you understand the home bakery regulations for your home baking business and that your house is in order before you open the doors for business!
Government Regulations to Starting a Home Business Government Regulations to Starting a Home Business Photo by Ruth Ellison, Canberra, Australia, flckr New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
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