Pets in a microbakery kitchen in Union County?
North Carolina is the national outlier: indoor pets at any time — even overnight — disqualify the Home Processor path.
Cottage path first — then any inspected path
Cottage / exemption path
There is no standalone cottage-food statute. NCDA&CS Home Processor inspection treats the home as a food-manufacturing facility under 21 CFR 117 Subpart B. Agency FAQ: a pet that comes into the home at any time means you cannot manufacture from that kitchen.
Inspected or home-bakery path
The Home Processor inspection is the path. A commissary / commercial kitchen is the usual workaround if you keep indoor pets.
County or program note on file
No pets allowed in home at any time — presence of any pet disqualifies applicant
Strictest published pet policy in the country. This is not “keep the dog in the bedroom while you bake.” It is the whole dwelling, at any time. County pages restating this are state baseline, not a county overlay.
21 CFR 117 Subpart B as applied by NCDA&CS Home Processor program · verified 2026-08-19
Pets in another county kitchen?
Crosodo compiles publicly available statutes and agency pages for home cottage-food bakers. It is not legal, veterinary, or housing advice and is provided without warranty. Confirm with North Carolina and Union County offices before you sell or change how pets live in the home. Rules change.