Kansas Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Last updated: 2026-02-21

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Quick Summary

Kansas requires dog breeders to be licensed under the Kansas Pet Animal Act if they produce three or more litters per year. There are three license tiers: hobby breeder, animal breeder, and retail breeder. The Kansas Department of Agriculture oversees inspections and enforcement.

License Required Yes
Annual Fee Varies by tier (contact KDA)
Threshold 3+ litters per year
Inspections Routine inspections required
Governing Body Kansas Dept. of Agriculture

Regulatory Agency: Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health

Who Needs a License in Kansas?

Kansas uses a tiered system for breeder licenses. A Hobby Breeder license is needed if you produce 3, 4, or 5 litters per year and sell fewer than 30 individual dogs or cats. An Animal Breeder license is required if you sell 6 or more litters, or 30 or more animals, mostly at wholesale. A Retail Breeder license is required if you sell 6 or more litters, or 30 or more animals, mostly directly to buyers at retail. If you produce fewer than 3 litters per year, you generally do not need a state license.

How to Apply

You must apply for a license through the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health. The application requires you to submit a veterinary care plan and information about your facility. Once your application is received, your facility will be inspected before or shortly after the license is granted. Applications and forms are available on the Kansas Department of Agriculture website.

Fees and Costs

License fees in Kansas vary by breeder tier and are set by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Contact the Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6605 for current fee amounts. Additional fees apply if your facility fails an inspection: there is a $200 no-contact fee if the inspector cannot access your premises, and a $200 reinspection fee for any follow-up inspection after a failed visit.

Inspections and Compliance

Licensed breeders are subject to routine inspections by the Kansas Department of Agriculture to check for compliance with the Pet Animal Act. Inspectors look at housing, sanitation, feeding, watering, and veterinary care. If problems are found, you may need a reinspection. Failing to allow access for an inspection results in a $200 no-contact fee.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Kansas breeders must keep records of all animals they buy, sell, or breed, including descriptions of the animals, dates of transactions, and veterinary care provided. A current veterinary care plan must be on file. Records should be available for review during inspections.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violating the Kansas Pet Animal Act can result in fines, license suspension, or license revocation. Reinspection fees of $200 are charged after failed inspections. The Kansas Department of Agriculture has the authority to take legal action against unlicensed breeders or those who fail to meet care standards.

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