Glossary of Terms

Common terms used in dog breeder licensing laws, explained in plain language.

Animal Welfare Act (AWA): The main federal law that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers, including dog breeders. It is enforced by the USDA through APHIS.
APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service): The branch of the USDA that enforces the Animal Welfare Act. APHIS inspectors visit licensed breeding facilities to make sure they meet federal standards for animal care.
Breeding Female / Intact Female: A female dog that has not been spayed (has not had surgery to prevent pregnancy). Many state laws use the number of intact females you own to decide whether you need a breeder license.
Class A License (USDA): A federal USDA license for breeders who breed and raise animals on their own premises for sale. This applies to people who sell dogs they bred themselves.
Class B License (USDA): A federal USDA license for dealers who buy and resell animals. This applies to people who buy dogs from other breeders and then sell them to others.
Commercial Breeder: A person or business that breeds dogs primarily for the purpose of selling them for profit. Most state licensing laws apply to commercial breeders, though the exact definition varies by state.
Exemption: A rule that says certain people do not need a license. Common exemptions include hobby breeders who sell only a small number of puppies per year, people who sell directly to the buyer face-to-face, and people who breed dogs for personal use (such as hunting dogs).
Hobby Breeder: A person who breeds dogs on a small scale, usually as a hobby rather than a primary business. Many states exempt hobby breeders from licensing requirements if they stay below a certain number of litters or sales per year.
Kennel License: A permit issued by a state or local government that allows you to keep a certain number of dogs on your property. This is different from a breeder license, but some states combine them into one permit.
Litter: A group of puppies born to the same mother at the same time. Some states measure breeding activity by the number of litters produced per year rather than the number of dogs you own.
Microchip: A tiny electronic chip implanted under a dog's skin that stores an identification number. Some states require breeders to microchip puppies before selling them.
Pet Dealer / Pet Shop: A person or business that sells dogs to the public, often from a retail location. In many states, pet dealers have separate licensing requirements from breeders, and some states have banned pet shops from selling dogs sourced from commercial breeders.
Puppy Lemon Law: A consumer protection law found in some states that gives buyers the right to a refund or replacement if a purchased puppy turns out to have a serious health problem. These laws apply to breeders and pet stores.
Retail Pet Store Rule (USDA): A 2013 USDA rule (78 FR 57227) that narrowed the definition of "retail pet store" to require that the buyer, seller, and animal are all physically present so the buyer can personally observe the animal before purchase. Sellers who meet this definition are exempt from USDA licensing. Those who sell sight-unseen (online, by phone, or by mail) cannot claim this exemption — though small breeders with four or fewer breeding females have a separate exemption under 9 CFR 2.1(a)(3)(iii).
Sight-Unseen Sale: A sale where the buyer does not physically see the animal in person before the sale is completed. Under the USDA's Retail Pet Store Rule, the seller, the buyer, and the animal must all be physically present in the same location for it to count as a face-to-face sale. Video calls (FaceTime, Zoom, Skype) do not count as seeing the animal in person. However, a buyer may place a deposit before visiting, as long as the sale is not finalized until the buyer physically sees the dog. Sales where the dog is shipped to the buyer without an in-person meeting are sight-unseen. For breeders with more than four breeding females, sight-unseen sales trigger the requirement for a federal USDA license. Breeders with four or fewer breeding females are exempt even for sight-unseen sales.
Spay / Neuter: Surgical procedures that prevent a dog from reproducing. Spaying refers to females and neutering refers to males. Some states and local governments require that dogs be spayed or neutered unless the owner has a breeding license or permit.
Threshold: The number of dogs, litters, or sales that triggers the requirement to get a breeder license. For example, a state might require a license if you own 5 or more intact females, or if you sell more than 20 dogs per year.
USDA License / Federal License: A license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act. This is required for breeders who maintain more than four breeding females and sell dogs sight-unseen (such as online). Breeders with four or fewer breeding females are exempt under 9 CFR 2.1(a)(3)(iii). It is separate from any state or local license you may also need.
Veterinary Inspection / Health Certificate: A document from a licensed veterinarian stating that a dog or puppy is healthy. Many states require breeders to get a health certificate before selling or transporting puppies, especially across state lines.
Whelping: The process of a dog giving birth. Breeders sometimes use this term in reference to their facilities and records (e.g., "whelping box" or "whelping date").