Maine Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Last updated: 2026-02-21

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Quick Summary

Maine requires a breeding kennel license for anyone who keeps five or more adult female dogs or cats capable of reproduction. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry oversees the program, with three license categories based on the number of breeding animals. Licenses expire after 12 months.

License Required Yes
Annual Fee $125 - $200 (by category)
Threshold 5+ adult breeding females
Inspections Before licensing and during license period
Governing Body Maine DACF

Regulatory Agency: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Who Needs a License in Maine?

You need a breeding kennel license in Maine if you keep five or more adult female dogs or cats that are capable of having puppies or kittens, or if more than 16 dogs or cats raised on your premises are sold to the public in a 12-month period. The license is required under Maine law Title 7, Section 3931-A. As of September 2025 (LD 1771), all kennel licensing is handled by the state DACF — municipal kennel licenses have been eliminated.

How to Apply

You can apply for a breeding kennel license by filling out the application form from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF). The form asks for information about your facility, the number of animals, and your veterinary care plan. After you submit your application and pay the fee, the department will schedule an inspection of your facility. Your license number must be shown in all advertising once you are licensed.

Fees and Costs

Maine has three categories of breeding kennel licenses based on the number of breeding females you keep. Category 1 (5 to 10 animals) costs $125 per year. Category 2 (11 to 20 animals) costs $150 per year. Category 3 (21 or more animals) costs $200 per year. The license is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued. Extra inspection fees may apply if more than two inspections are needed to confirm you have fixed any problems.

Inspections and Compliance

Your breeding kennel will be inspected by the department before your license is issued and during the license period. Inspectors check housing, sanitation, exercise areas, and humane treatment of animals. If problems are found, you will receive a written notice describing the violation and what you need to fix. You generally have six months to correct issues. If corrections are not made in time, your license can be suspended or revoked.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Breeders must keep records of all purchases and sales of animals for at least two years. These records must be available for the department to review upon request. You must also keep health records, vaccination information, and breeding histories for each dog.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating a breeding kennel without a license can lead to fines and forced closure of your facility. If you fail an inspection, you must make corrections within the timeframe given. Failure to fix problems can result in suspension or revocation of your license. The department can refuse to renew a license if violations are not corrected. It is also illegal to sell or give away a puppy before it is eight weeks old.

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