Georgia Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Last updated: 2026-02-21

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Quick Summary

Georgia requires a pet dealer license from the Georgia Department of Agriculture for anyone who sells more than one litter of dogs in a 12-month period or more than 30 adult dogs in a year. The state also sets limits on the number of breeding females a licensed breeder can have.

License Required Yes
Annual Fee $50 to $400
Threshold More than 1 litter/year or 30+ adult dogs sold/year
Max Breeding Females 50 (dogs and cats combined)
Governing Agency Georgia Department of Agriculture

Regulatory Agency: Georgia Department of Agriculture

Who Needs a License in Georgia?

You need a pet dealer license if you sell more than one litter of dogs in any 12-month period or sell more than 30 adult dogs in a year. Hobby breeders who have fewer than 50 dogs or cats total and sell no more than 24 offspring per year are exempt from the license requirement. Breeders who only produce hunting, herding, or sporting dogs and do not sell pets to the general public are also exempt. Licensed breeders may have no more than 50 breeding female dogs and cats combined at one time.

How to Apply

To apply for a pet dealer license, you submit an application to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. After your application is received, an inspector will visit your facility for a pre-inspection. If the inspector finds any problems, they will work with you to fix them. You cannot move forward in the licensing process until you pass the pre-inspection and your application is approved. Once everything is approved, you will get an email telling you how to log in and pay your license fee. After you pay, your license certificate will be mailed to you within 1 to 7 business days.

Fees and Costs

The annual license fee is between $50 and $400, depending on the size and type of your operation. Licenses are good for one year starting from when your payment is processed. The exact fee within this range depends on the specifics of your facility and the number of animals you handle.

Inspections and Compliance

The Commissioner of Agriculture or designated agents can enter any public or private property to inspect the business premises of any pet dealer. They check to make sure the facility is licensed and meets the standards of the Georgia Animal Protection Act. Inspections may happen without any warning and can occur as often as the Commissioner thinks is needed. Inspectors look at living conditions, sanitation, food and water access, veterinary care, and overall treatment of the animals.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Licensed pet dealers must keep records about every animal they sell or transfer. This includes information about where each dog came from, its health and vaccination records, and where it went when sold. These records must be available for inspectors to review at any time. Proper record-keeping helps the state track animals and make sure all dogs are getting proper care.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating as a pet dealer without a license can result in penalties ranging from $200 to $1,000 per violation. Unlicensed breeders could also face misdemeanor charges for violating animal welfare laws. In addition, breeders who break the rules could be subject to civil lawsuits for any harm caused by their animals. The Georgia Department of Agriculture takes enforcement seriously and works to make sure all pet dealers follow the law.

Sources and References

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