Usda dog breeding license. Jan 11, 2026 · Review the 2020 licensing rule. In general, comm...

Usda dog breeding license. Jan 11, 2026 · Review the 2020 licensing rule. In general, commercial dog breeders who breed dogs for sale are required to be licensed, while hobby breeders who breed dogs for personal enjoyment may not need a license. There are two types of kennels non-commercial and commercial which have differing requirements. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has begun accepting online applications for Animal Welfare Act (AWA) licensees and registrants. Sep 10, 2013 · The rule, originally proposed in May 2012 and essentially unchanged, effectively expands USDA oversight of pet breeders to include people who maintain more than four “breeding females” of any It's extremely simple and free! Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public, support dog breeders, and promote canine health so we can give our dogs the world they deserve. Under NDA’s Commercial Dog and Cat Program, inspectors follow state rules and regulations to determine whether animal control facilities, animal rescues, animal shelters, boarding kennels, commercial dog and cat breeders, dealers and pet shops are in compliance with Nebraska’s Commercial Dog and Cat Operator Inspection Act. The AWA and associated regulations requires a USDA license for anyone who (for compensation or profit) buys, sells (including adoption), or negotiates the sale of dogs for research, exhibition, or use as a pet; or for hunting, breeding, or security purposes at the wholesale level. gov/animal_welfare/downloads/List-of-Active-Licensees-and-Registrants. Information for Breeders and Brokers —Indiana Breeder and Broker Rule (IAC 345, Article 13) — Effective July 1, 2024, IC 15-21 amended the commercial breeder-broker registration requirements. Some small-scale breeders can qualify for an exemption (see "Hobby Breeders"). Wisconsin law requires that some dog breeders and others involved in dog sales, adoptions, and sheltering to be inspected and licensed. Animal Welfare The Illinois Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare has the statutory authority to license and inspect pet shop operators, dog dealers, kennel operators, cat and dog breeders, animal control facilities, animal shelters, day care operators, guard dog services, and horse rescues. A federal license is mandatory for breeders who own more than four breeding females and sell puppies to buyers sight-unseen. g. Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public, support dog breeders, and promote canine health so we can give our dogs the world they deserve. Nov 7, 2023 · The USDA also conducts inspections and issues licenses to breeders who comply with the regulations. 1. Prior to completing the application, please be aware of the various license types and select the type which best describe your business. The licensing requirements for animal breeders in Arizona include obtaining a breeder’s license from the Arizona Department of Agriculture, passing a background check, maintaining proper facilities and records, and adhering to specific guidelines for breeding and selling animals. ANIMAL BREEDING/ BOARDING/GROOMING/SERVICE Checklist If you will breed dogs for hunting or sale, you must register as a kennel owner with the county auditor where the business will be located. This law provides for the humane care and treatment of animals bred for commercial sale, transported in commerce, used in biomedical research, and exhibited to the public. To obtain a breeder’s license in California, applicants must first submit an application and pay a fee to the Department of Food and Agriculture. Exemptions The law provides exemptions for certain types of dog breeding, including dogs bred for herding livestock, hunting, or competing in field trials. A separate application must be 1. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. In the United States, most states require dog breeders to obtain a license in order to legally breed dogs for sale. Under federal law, a breeder with ve or more breeding females must be licensed by the USDA. This includes commercial breeders, pet shops, boarding kennels, dealers, rescues, research facilities, commercial kennels (boarding, grooming and training facilities), public auctions, dog daycares, animal shelters and pounds, as Check your state's commercial breeder laws, county breeding ordinances, and city zoning requirements. Additionally, a large-scale dog breeding kennel cannot sell, exchange or transfer a dog that is less than eight weeks old. Failure to comply with this federal law can result in hefty fines. ) AND they transfer one or more pets “sight unseen” (i. Howev-er, federal regulation only Apr 7, 2025 · Hundreds of USDA-Licensed Breeding Facilities Are Mistreating Dogs, New Report Finds The ASPCA’s annual report has found that the USDA has failed to protect dogs from being bred in inhumane conditions. This includes providing adequate living space, proper nutrition, clean water, and veterinary care for all animals involved in the breeding operation. Aug 21, 2017 · The U. They must also comply with necessary health and welfare standards for their animals. Learn about the Animal Welfare Act and federal breeder regulations. Jan 11, 2026 · Many types of businesses with animals require a license or registration under the Animal Welfare Act. S. More details at the link in comments. This is known as a Class A License. Ask for buyer references. Department of Justice (DOJ) involving a facility that has repeatedly prevented USDA officials Oct 6, 2022 · The USDA is required to ensure licensed commercial breeders meet the minimum standard of care for dogs, and they are supposed to hold breeders accountable for violations of the law. 2. Any person or firm who is operating a pet animal facility or business that engages in selling, transferring, adopting, breeding . Jul 8, 2025 · The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates commercial dog breeders under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Resources Report unlicensed activity or a license violation Search licensed breeders Apply to become a licensed breeder Failure to follow these state laws or regulations can often lead to revocation of a commercial breeder's license, civil fines, or even criminal penalties. TYPES OF LICENSES: Class A/ Class B Class A: Commercial breeders. But before you can get started, you need to ensure your business complies with the Animal Welfare Act and has the appropriate USDA license or registration. Nov 29, 2018 · Answer. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) regulations and registration requirements can be difficult to decipher when it comes to pet transporters. xlsx Apr 21, 2016 · The United States Department of Agriculture today released an updated version of its online course for dog breeders. But that isn't happening, and dogs continue to suffer. This distinction brought Texas into line with the licensing threshold applied in numerous other states and the USDA. Oct 2, 2025 · USDA License = Wholesale License A USDA license is required of all dog/cat breeders who have five or more breeding females and sell the puppies/kittens at the wholesale* level - either to a broker or directly to a pet store. How does Washington regulate animal breeders through licensing and registration What Kind of License is Required? A USDA Class A Breeder/Dealer license is required if a breeder has more than a combined total of four “breeding” (unspayed) females of any regulated species (including dogs, cats, etc. Pet sellers know that shoppers find comfort in the term “USDA-licensed breeder,” but this label isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Stay compliant and run a successful breeding program. This is more of a complex issue for providing a direct answer due to the fact that it depends on the state you live in. Facilities that breed companion animals, primarily dogs, for the pet trade. To learn more about these exemptions, see the Licensed Breeders law. Promote compliance, reduce administrative burdens, and strengthen animal welfare safeguards under the AWA. Be sure to review all BOAH forms as they have been updated to reflect this change. The Bureau of Horse Racing oversees the state's horse racing programs and encourage the breeding, racing and ownership of quality horses in Illinois. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) adminis-ters the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). aphis. Check your state's commercial breeder laws, county breeding ordinances, and city zoning requirements. Feb 21, 2026 · USDA APHIS federal licensing requirements for commercial dog breeders. The Commercial Dog Breeders (CDB) office consists of veterinarians, inspectors and support staff who work to help Ohio individuals and businesses comply with Ohio law The licensing requirements for animal breeders in Pennsylvania include obtaining a breeder’s license from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, submitting an application and fee, meeting minimum care standards for animals, keeping accurate records of breeding and sales, and passing annual inspections. The USDA was not keeping up with inspections yet continued to issue commercial breeding licenses. A federal license becomes necessary for breeders who maintain more than four breeding females and sell puppies to buyers sight-unseen. Laws vary dramatically by state, county, and local ordinances, but knowing which sort of laws may apply is very helpful as you begin your research. Specifically, you want to know (1) if commercial breeders need a license from the U. Some states require only one authority to issue said license, making it easier. 4 days ago · Verify Breeder Credentials Check USDA license, state breeder license, breed club memberships, and reviews. The U. However, one similarity that exists when you look at dog breeding laws by state for commercial pet breeders is that all states with commercial pet breeder laws penalize anyone who violates these laws. Wisconsin Statutes and DATCP rules regulating dog breeding, sales, and adoption-for-fee requires inspection and licensing of many dog breeders, dealers, and sellers, as well as shelters and rescues that foster and adopt out dogs. To learn more, read USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Questions and Answers: Activities with Dogs Requiring a USDA License/Registration How to find a USDA licensed breeding or brokering facility There are thousands commercial breeding facilities in the U. The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS)’s finalized version of new federal regulations that narrow the definition of a "retail pet store" is designed to license and regulate internet-based pet breeders and sellers as "dealers" under the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Jan 5, 2026 · Some people advertise themselves as being licensed, but do you even need a license to breed dogs? The short answer is not all dog breeders need to be USDA-licensed. Concerned dog breeders are asking: What does it mean for me? Do you need a USDA license? We summarized some important considerations to help you understand what applies to your program. If a dog and cat breeder, check both boxes and provide the current number of intact females at your facility. If you decide to stop breeding dogs, you may need to surrender your license to the Department of Agriculture. The rule expands USDA oversight of pet breeders to include Jun 16, 2025 · Our team has also begun updating state-licensed breeder information on a rotating basis (if the states having breeding oversight) in order to give as much information as possible. If a breeder has more than 4 breeding females and are selling to brokers, pet stores, or sight unseen they are required to have a federal license. The license is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dog breeders require a pet dealer’s license if they sell more than one litter in any twelve (12) month period or over 30 adult dogs in a 12 month period. Government’s APHIS website can be used to get information, inspection reports (not CAPS’ reports) and other information about these facilities. The licensing requirements for animal breeders in Pennsylvania include obtaining a breeder’s license from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, submitting an application and fee, meeting minimum care standards for animals, keeping accurate records of breeding and sales, and passing annual inspections. In all, over 30 states have laws addressing commercial breeders. PACFA's Licensing Authority The Colorado Department of Agriculture enforces the provisions of the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA), which allows for licensing pet animal facilities in accordance with the Colorado Revised Statutes (Title 35, Article 80). Answer. Aug 1, 2021 · Whether you want to build a kennel for your own personal use or you intend to make a business or not-for-profit, considering the laws and regulations surrounding building a dog kennel is the first place to start. While others states Oct 23, 2018 · Who Issues Dog Breeding Licenses? Individual states, as well as federal bodies (e. Fees and License Period Licenses are good for 1 year beginning from the time your payment is processed. We are currently tracking 2,354 USDA licensed dog and cat breeders and 2,091 state-licensed dog and cat breeders. This course provides the latest information on the federal Animal Welfare Act Animal Breeder License Application Animal Breeder License Application - any person in which all or part of 6 or more litters of dogs or cats, or both, or 30 or more dogs or cats, or both, are sold, or offered or maintained for sale, primarily at wholesale or resale to another. Pet Breeders: Anyone breeding pets for the wholesale trade must be licensed. Oct 9, 2024 · Learn how to get a dog breeders license & meet requirements with our comprehensive guide, covering registration, insurance & compliance. The Commercial Dog Breeders (CDB) office consists of veterinarians, inspectors and support staff who work to help Ohio individuals and businesses comply with Ohio law The Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) Program is a licensing and inspection program dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of pet animals in facilities throughout Colorado. However, wholesale sales of these dogs requires a license. How are complaints made about large-scale dog breeding kennels? Nov 4, 2013 · USDA-LICENSED COMMERCIAL BREEDERS You asked for information about commercial dog and cat breeders. This table does NOT include laws affecting pet shops, animal rescue organizations, dog boarding kennels, or humane societies. This Tech Note explains the requirements and your options for meeting them. Warning No content found for: ‭ohio content english/oda/divisions/animal-health/resources/commercial-dog-breeders‭ The licensing requirements for animal breeders in Arizona include obtaining a breeder’s license from the Arizona Department of Agriculture, passing a background check, maintaining proper facilities and records, and adhering to specific guidelines for breeding and selling animals. Wisconsin's law regulating dog breeding, sales, and adoption-for-fee requires ins pection and licensing of many dog breeders, dealers, and sellers, as well as shelters and res cues that foster and adopt out dogs. , not face-to-face). Additionally, state and local authorities may have their own regulations and licensing requirements for breeders. Similar purposes include, but are The USDA retail pet store rule governs whether many individual dog breeders are subject to USDA licensing. APHIS eFile Community Loading Sorry to interrupt CSS Error Refresh BREEDER TYPE - Check the appropriate box indicating if you are a dog or cat breeder and provide the current number of intact females at your facility. Identification and Recordkeeping Requirements for Dogs and Cats As a breeder, dealer, or exhibitor licensed by the U. Department of Agriculture (USDA), (2) what standards of care USDA-licensed breeders have to comply with, and (3) how many USDA-licensed breeders there are in Connecticut. What are the licensing requirements for animal breeders in Washington? According to Washington state laws, animal breeders are required to obtain a license from the Department of Agriculture. The USDA retail pet store rule governs whether many individual dog breeders are subject to USDA licensing. It’s a little complicated to navigate and understand at first, so here we provide some basic instructions: Visit Mar 2, 2026 · You’re an animal lover with a passion for dogs and a desire to develop your own breeding business. Regulatory authority in these areas rests with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Illinois Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare has the statutory authority to license and inspect pet shop operators, dog dealers, kennel operators, cat and dog breeders, animal control facilities, animal shelters, day care operators, guard dog services and horse rescues . Feb 20, 2026 · Licensing Who needs to apply for an Animal Welfare License with the State of Iowa? All commercial establishments must be authorized to operate in the State of Iowa. You also may have to be licensed if you sell dogs as breeding stock to other breeders. It also requires that dogs be examined by a veterinarian before they are sold or adopted for a fee, and prohibits sale of puppies until they are 7 weeks old. usda. Missouri’s Animal Care Facilities Act (ACFA) Program regulates commercial activities involving dogs and cats. Jul 17, 2025 · The primary federal law governing commercial dog breeding is the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which is administered by the U. Pet Breeders/Shelters Publications and Applications Licensed Pet Breeders Licensed Animal Shelters OGC Staff Pet Facilities Breeders and Shelters List Active Breeders Active Shelters Make a selection above In February 2023, ASPCA analyzed USDA enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and produced a report on the data found from Fiscal Year 2022. This application cannot be used to renew a license and will not be processed if used for that purpose. They must also comply with other regulations including obtaining proper vaccinations and permits for specific breeds. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced the rollout of the updated public search tool that provides access to Animal Welfare We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. You Need this License If You own an establishment, other than an animal shelter, where dogs or cats are maintained for boarding, holding, training, or similar purposes for a fee or compensation. Learn what’s required, how to apply, and the steps to ensure compliance for animal breeding operations. There are no state-level licenses required for breeding and selling of other domesticated animals, such as cats. Additionally, the AWA restricts the import of dogs for purposes of resale, prohibits dog-fighting ventures 6 days ago · Following an animal welfare investigation, the Ridglan Farms facility will surrender its Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATC) breeding license by July 1, according to Oct 23, 2018 · Who Issues Dog Breeding Licenses? Individual states, as well as federal bodies (e. To obtain or renew a breeding license in Florida, breeders must meet certain standards for animal care, housing, and sanitation. The severity of the penalties also differs from state to state. Middlemen who obtain animals from breeders and then resell. What are the licensing requirements for animal breeders in Oklahoma? According to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, animal breeders in Oklahoma are required to obtain a Breeder’s License if they have 11 or more intact adult animals over 6 months old that are capable of breeding. 1 Under USDA regulations, dogs are legally kept Commercial pet breeder laws vary quite a bit from state to state. In conclusion, getting a dog breeding license in Florida is a manageable process that requires research, preparation, and compliance with state regulations. This is a summary of the requirements for facilities and animal care that licensees must meet. Mar 14, 2026 · Learn what it takes to legally start a breeding kennel, from USDA licensing and zoning to facility standards and business setup. Aug 30, 2021 · Read everything you need to know on how to get a dog breeding license in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia! Including FAQ. e. Aug 30, 2021 · The U. Concerned dog breeders are asking: What does it mean for me? Here is some information on the new regulations: If you have more than four “breeding females” and you sell pets sight unseen, you may be subject to USDA licensing and Animal breeders, or anyone who sells, exchanges, or offers to sell animals for profit in California, must obtain a breeder’s license from the state. You must register with BOAH: Alexandra Paul, a Connecticut native and actress known for her role on Baywatch, was arrested along with other animal activists at a beagle breeding and biomedical research facility in Wisconsin Feb 20, 2026 · Licensing Who needs to apply for an Animal Welfare License with the State of Iowa? All commercial establishments must be authorized to operate in the State of Iowa. While others states The beagle breeding facility gave up its state license but says it will continue operating under USDA licenses for on-site research. The Ohio General Assembly has passed several laws regarding the breeding, sale and care of dogs in the State of Ohio. May 14, 2019 · Current USDA regulations require that pet breeders who maintain more than 4 “breeding females” (dogs, cats or other small mammals) and sells one sight unseen may be subject to licensing to APHIS Public Search Tool Loading Sorry to interrupt CSS Error Refresh Texas Constitution and Statutes - Home A large-scale dog breeding kennel must provide a valid pet health certificate with any dog that is sold, exchanged, transferred or delivered. Contact your local animal control office and state department of agriculture for specific requirements. These licenses are typically issued by the state’s department of agriculture or similar regulatory agency. USDA), are in charge of issuing commercial dog breeding licenses and inspecting kennels. For more details, including a full list of regulations, see the Companion Animal program page. Are hobby dog breeders with a few dogs required to have a breeder license? It depends on your location and operation. Aug 25, 2025 · Demystify the breeding license process. You must register with BOAH: https://www. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), you are required to identify and keep records of all dogs and cats in your possession. In the United States, for example, dog breeders who have more than five breeding females and sell puppies to pet stores or online are required to be licensed by the USDA. A non-commercial kennel type includes the following kennel types: Rescue Network Kennel, Research Kennel, Pet Shop Kennel, Private Kennel, Kennel (a breeder who only sells retail and transfers ownership of no more than 60 dogs in a calendar year), Dealer Kennel, Humane Society, Association for the Texas Constitution and Statutes - Home Feb 18, 2026 · USDA has cancelled, denied, suspended and revoked licenses issued to six dog breeders who failed to provide humane care to their dogs, filed administrative enforcement cases against two chronically noncompliant dog breeders, referred a case to the U. (For more information about federal and Aug 22, 2023 · With the passage of SB 876 in 2023, the TLBP now makes a clear distinction between large-scale commercial breeders and small-scale hobby breeders. The AWA and associated regulations require a USDA license for anyone who (for compensation or profit) buys, sells (including adoption), or negotiates the sale of dogs for research, exhibition, or use as a pet; or for hunting, breeding, or security purposes at the wholesale level. Additionally, the Animal Welfare Act restricts the importation of dogs for purposes of resale, prohibits Oct 3, 2022 · How to Apply for a USDA License or Registration USDA Registration Breeder Registration Applications: Dogs and cats registration — DOWNLOAD — Application Link With dogs, cats and other animals Frequently Asked Questions How do I find out if a dog breeder is licensed with the USDA? Not all dog breeders are required to have a license or registration under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Working Dog Dealers—A retail outlet that sells dogs for hunting, breeding, and security is excluded from requiring licensure. Annual license fees are based on 50 percent of gross sales of regulated animals. Learn how federal law fails breeding dogs and keeps them Barred From Love. Jan 11, 2026 · Access animal welfare services, file complaints, apply for licenses, prepare for inspections, and review rules for care, transport, and emergencies. Total: 2560 Class B: Brokers and dealers. 2 The Animal Welfare Act does set minimum welfare standards for dogs in puppy mills, but these standards are extremely inadequate, and there is a massive regulatory loophole which exempts from federal oversight any commercial dog breeders who sell directly to the public, including over the Internet. Sep 14, 2024 · Learn everything you need to know about dog breeding regulations, from federal and state laws to ethical practices. 1 day ago · However, commercial dog breeders, who operate on a larger scale and sell dogs for profit, usually need to obtain a license. The Federal licenses for dog breeders are required under the Animal Welfare Act (federal law). This includes commercial breeders, pet shops, boarding kennels, dealers, rescues, research facilities, commercial kennels (boarding, grooming and training facilities), public auctions, dog daycares, animal shelters and pounds, as Animal Breeder License Application Animal Breeder License Application - any person in which all or part of 6 or more litters of dogs or cats, or both, or 30 or more dogs or cats, or both, are sold, or offered or maintained for sale, primarily at wholesale or resale to another. Program Area GDA’s Companion Animals program manages Kennel licenses. Our program licenses and inspects breeding and boarding facilities, animal shelters, rescues, municipal pounds, pet shops, exhibitors, pet sitters, dealers or brokers, and transport companies. This license often requires meeting specific standards for animal care, housing, and health, as well as complying with zoning and business regulations. Dear Prospective Licensee: Below is an application for licensure necessary to comply with the Illinois Animal Welfare Act. kvwzt aico xrqwd bueg aorkjkne jgumhk okuh aaeeqv brwnfhq xwax