Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements by State

The most comprehensive resource for understanding dog breeder licensing laws, USDA regulations, and state-specific permit requirements across the United States.

34
States Requiring Breeder Licenses
4+
Breeding Females Triggers USDA License
$10K
Max USDA Fine Per Violation Per Day

Understanding Dog Breeder Licensing in the United States

Dog breeder licensing exists at both the federal and state level in the United States. At the federal level, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires licensing under the Animal Welfare Act for commercial breeders who sell dogs sight-unseen — meaning through online sales, phone orders, or mail — and who maintain more than four breeding female dogs or cats.

State-level requirements vary significantly. Some states require all breeders to obtain a kennel license regardless of the number of animals, while others only require licensing once a breeder exceeds a certain threshold of breeding animals or annual litters. A handful of states have no state-level breeder licensing requirement at all, though local municipalities may still impose their own regulations.

Whether you are a first-time breeder, an experienced kennel operator, or a puppy buyer looking to verify a breeder's credentials, understanding these requirements is essential for responsible dog breeding and ownership.

Find Licensing Requirements by State

Click on your state below to view detailed licensing requirements, application procedures, fees, and regulatory contacts. States shown with a green indicator require some form of breeder or kennel license.

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Federal USDA Licensing Requirements

Who Needs a USDA License?

Under the Animal Welfare Act, a USDA license is required for any person who breeds and sells dogs at wholesale, sells dogs sight-unseen to buyers (including online sales), or maintains more than four breeding female dogs and sells their offspring commercially. Breeders who sell puppies directly to buyers face-to-face, and who maintain four or fewer breeding females, are generally exempt from USDA licensing.

How to Apply for a USDA License

The application process involves submitting an initial application to USDA APHIS Animal Care, paying the applicable licensing fee (which varies based on the number of animals), and passing a pre-licensing facility inspection. Inspectors will evaluate your facilities against the standards set forth in the Animal Welfare Act, including requirements for housing, sanitation, veterinary care, and recordkeeping. The licensing process typically takes 60 to 90 days from application to approval.

Complete USDA Licensing Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dog breeders need a license?
Licensing requirements depend on your state and the scale of your breeding operation. Most states require some form of breeder license or kennel permit once you exceed a certain number of breeding dogs or litters per year. At the federal level, the USDA requires a license for breeders who sell dogs sight-unseen and maintain more than four breeding females. Even in states without a state-level requirement, local city or county ordinances may still require a kennel permit.
How do I get a USDA breeder license?
Submit an application to USDA APHIS Animal Care, pass a pre-licensing inspection, demonstrate compliance with Animal Welfare Act standards for housing, feeding, sanitation, and veterinary care, and pay the applicable license fee. The process typically takes 60 to 90 days. Visit our USDA Licensing Guide for step-by-step instructions.
How can I verify if a breeder is licensed?
Verify USDA licenses through the USDA APHIS online search tool. For state-level licenses, contact your state's Department of Agriculture. Our Verify a Breeder page provides links to all available verification tools.
What happens if I breed dogs without a license?
Penalties vary by jurisdiction. Federal USDA violations can result in fines up to $10,000 per violation per day, license revocation, and cease-and-desist orders. State penalties range from modest fines to misdemeanor charges depending on severity and jurisdiction.
How many dogs can I have before I need a license?
Thresholds vary by state. Common thresholds range from as few as three breeding animals to more than 20 adult dogs. Select your state from the list above to see specific thresholds for your location.

Buying a Puppy? Protect Yourself.

Learn how to verify a breeder's license, recognize red flags, and ensure you're buying from a responsible, licensed breeder.

Read the Puppy Buyer's Guide →