Hawaii Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Last updated: 2026-02-21

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Quick Summary

Hawaii currently does not have a statewide dog breeder licensing law. It is one of the least regulated states for commercial dog breeding. A bill (SB593) was introduced in 2025 to create new rules for large-scale breeding facilities, but it has not yet been enacted into law.

State License Required No
Annual Fee N/A (no state license)
Threshold No statewide threshold
Proposed Legislation SB593 (2025) - not yet enacted
Dog Registration Required at county level

Regulatory Agency: No statewide governing body for breeder licensing; county governments handle dog registration

Who Needs a License in Hawaii?

As of early 2026, Hawaii does not require a state license to breed dogs. There are no statewide commercial pet breeder laws on the books. Dog owners are required to register their dogs with their county government, but this is a basic registration, not a breeder license. Each county (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii County, and Kauai) has its own dog registration rules. A proposed bill (SB593) would define a 'dog breeder' and set rules for anyone with more than 30 intact dogs over one year of age, but this has not become law yet.

How to Apply

Since there is no statewide breeder license, there is no state-level application process. Dog owners must register their dogs with their county. For example, in Honolulu, dogs must be licensed through the Hawaiian Humane Society. In Maui County, registration is handled through the county government. Hawaii has very strict quarantine and import rules for animals coming into the state, so breeders who import dogs must follow those rules carefully.

Fees and Costs

There are no state-level breeder license fees because there is no state breeder license. County dog registration fees vary. Basic dog registration fees are typically between $7 and $20 per dog depending on the county and whether the dog is spayed or neutered. If the proposed SB593 legislation passes, new fees could be set for commercial breeders, but no specific fee amounts have been established yet.

Inspections and Compliance

Hawaii does not conduct statewide breeder inspections because there is no state licensing program. County animal control officers may visit properties in response to complaints about animal welfare. If SB593 or similar legislation passes, it would likely create an inspection program to check on large-scale breeding facilities. The proposed bill focuses on sanitary living conditions, medical care, daily exercise, and adequate shelter.

Record-Keeping Requirements

There are no statewide record-keeping rules specific to dog breeders. County dog registration requires basic information about each dog. The proposed SB593 legislation would require breeders to maintain specific written records about their dogs, though the exact details have not been finalized. Hawaii does have strict record-keeping requirements for importing animals into the state, including proof of rabies vaccination and health certificates.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Without a statewide breeder licensing law, there are no specific penalties for unlicensed breeding in Hawaii. However, animal cruelty laws still apply, and anyone who mistreats animals can face criminal charges under Hawaii's animal cruelty statutes. County-level penalties may apply for failing to register dogs. The proposed SB593 would create new penalties for breeders who do not follow the rules, but these are not yet in effect.

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