Louisiana Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements
Quick Summary
Louisiana regulates dog breeders through a combination of state laws and local parish ordinances. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry oversees breeder standards, and breeders who sell dogs at retail must provide proof of a USDA license or explain their exemption. State law also caps the number of breeding dogs at 75 per facility.
License Required
Yes
Annual Fee
Set by local parish
Threshold
5+ dogs for kennel license; retail sellers must comply with RS 3:2511
Max Breeding Dogs
75 per facility
Governing Body
Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry
Regulatory Agency: Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Who Needs a License in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, anyone who breeds, buys, or sells dogs at retail must comply with state law under RS 3:2511. If you sell dogs at retail, you must hold a USDA Class A or Class B license, or show why you are exempt. Local parishes may also require a kennel license if you own five or more dogs. The specific rules depend on where you live, since parishes and municipalities can set their own requirements on top of state law.
How to Apply
To apply for a breeder or kennel license, contact the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and your local parish government. Retail sellers must provide their USDA license number and sales tax identification number. For a local kennel license, contact your parish animal control office. Application processes vary by parish.
Fees and Costs
License fees in Louisiana are set at the local level by each parish or municipality. The state does not charge a single uniform breeder license fee. Kennel license fees replace individual dog tag fees when you own five or more dogs. Contact your local parish government for the exact fee in your area.
Inspections and Compliance
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry may inspect breeding facilities to make sure they meet animal welfare standards. Inspections cover housing conditions, sanitation, animal care, and record-keeping. Local animal control officers may also conduct inspections depending on parish rules.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Breeders must keep records of all dogs they buy, sell, or breed. Retail sellers must maintain documentation of their USDA license status and sales tax information. Records should include each dog's description, health information, and transaction details. These records must be available for review by inspectors.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violating Louisiana's breeder laws can result in fines, license suspension, or criminal charges depending on the severity. No breeder may keep more than 75 dogs over one year old for breeding purposes at any one time. Violating animal cruelty laws carries separate penalties under Louisiana criminal statutes. Local parishes may impose their own fines for operating without a kennel license.
Sources and References
- Louisiana RS 3:2511 - Restrictions on the Retail Sale of Dogs and Cats (primary law) — accessed 2026-02-21
- Louisiana RS 3:2772 - Dog, Cat, and Kennel Licenses Fee and Certificate; Records (primary law) — accessed 2026-02-21
- Louisiana Laws - Louisiana State Legislature (Title 3) (primary law) — accessed 2026-02-21
- Louisiana's Role in Animal Welfare and Control Activities - Legislative Auditor (government report) — accessed 2026-02-21
Related Resources
- USDA License Lookup for LA — Search USDA-licensed breeders and dealers in Louisiana.
- USDA Federal Licensing Requirements — You may also need a federal license if you have more than 4 breeding females and sell dogs sight-unseen.
- Glossary of Breeder Licensing Terms — Definitions of terms like "intact female," "threshold," and "commercial breeder."
- All State Requirements — Compare licensing requirements across all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico.