Georgia Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

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 sells more than 30 adult dogs in a year. According to Georgia state law, it is illegal to breed a dog more than once per year without a Department of Agriculture license and annual inspection. This requirement applies to both traditional kennels and home-based breeders who exceed these thresholds. The law is designed to distinguish between casual breeders who have an occasional litter and commercial breeding operations. As of 2025, pending legislation (Senate Bill 590) may expand the definition of 'dog breeder' and create additional requirements, though this has not yet been enacted. Breeders who sell puppies sight-unseen or over the internet may also need a federal USDA license if they have more than 4 breeding females, in addition to the state license.

To obtain a Pet Dealer License in Georgia, applicants must contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which oversees animal welfare licensing in the state. The application process requires submitting detailed information about your breeding operation, including the number and types of animals you maintain. A kennel license from the Georgia Department of Agriculture is mandatory to obtain before a business license can be issued if you plan to operate a commercial breeding facility. Applicants should be prepared for an initial inspection of their facilities to ensure they meet state standards for animal care, housing, and sanitation. The Georgia Department of Agriculture can be reached through their main website at agr.georgia.gov, where licensing information and forms should be available. Some counties may also require approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals or Planning Board before issuing permits for breeding operations.

The annual fee for a Pet Dealer License in Georgia ranges from $50 to $400, depending on the size and type of operation. The exact fee amount varies based on factors such as the number of animals maintained and the scope of the breeding business. Fees must be paid annually to maintain an active license. There may be additional costs for initial and renewal inspections conducted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, though specific inspection fee amounts are not publicly standardized. Breeders should budget for both the license fee and potential facility improvement costs to meet state standards.

Licensed dog breeders in Georgia are subject to annual inspections by the Georgia Department of Agriculture to ensure compliance with state animal welfare standards. According to state law, it is illegal to breed a dog more than once per year without a Department of Agriculture license and annual inspection. Inspectors evaluate facilities for adequate shelter, proper nutrition, clean water supply, veterinary care, and appropriate space for each animal. The inspection covers housing conditions, sanitation practices, record-keeping, and the overall health and welfare of the dogs. Licensed breeders must limit the number of breeding females to ensure proper attention to each animal, with the state setting a maximum of 50 dogs and cats combined for breeding operations. If a facility fails inspection or violations are found, the Department of Agriculture can require corrective action, suspend or revoke the license, or pursue enforcement actions.

Georgia requires licensed dog breeders to maintain detailed records of their breeding operations, including information about each animal, breeding dates, litter records, veterinary care, and sales transactions. These records must document the number of litters produced per year to prove compliance with the threshold of no more than one litter per year for unlicensed breeders or proper licensing for those exceeding this limit. Breeders must also keep records showing they are not exceeding the state limit of 50 breeding dogs and cats combined. Records should include dates of acquisition and disposition of animals, health certificates, vaccination records, and buyer information. The Georgia Department of Agriculture can request to review these records during inspections or compliance checks. While specific retention periods are not detailed in the search results, breeders should maintain records for at least several years to demonstrate compliance history.

Breeding dogs without a required Pet Dealer License in Georgia is illegal and subject to enforcement action by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Under Georgia's 2025 law prohibiting public pet sales (HB 331), each animal sold in violation of the law is treated as a separate violation, multiplying potential consequences for those who ignore the rules. Violators can face civil penalties, fines, and potential criminal charges depending on the severity of the violation. The state can pursue enforcement actions including cease and desist orders, license suspension or revocation, and referral for prosecution. Local animal control departments throughout Georgia also enforce county animal control ordinances and can respond to complaints about illegal breeding operations. Beyond state penalties, breeders who sell dogs sight-unseen without proper federal licensing may also face USDA enforcement under the Animal Welfare Act, which can include substantial fines and criminal prosecution.