Maryland Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Under Maryland Local Government Code §13-108, anyone who keeps six or more unspayed female dogs over six months old for breeding purposes must obtain a kennel license from their local county licensing authority. Additionally, anyone who sells dogs from six or more litters per year is required to have a kennel license, regardless of how many breeding females they own. Breeders who own fewer than six unspayed females or sell from fewer than six litters annually are generally not required to obtain a state-level kennel license, though individual counties and municipalities may have their own pet licensing requirements for all dogs. Maryland does not have a single statewide dog licensing mandate; instead, the power to require dog licensing is delegated to counties and municipalities. As of March 2026, pending legislation (being considered by the Maryland General Assembly) may change these requirements to mandate annual registration for all dog breeders regardless of size, along with $50 birth certificates for every puppy whelped. Breeders should check with their specific county or municipal government for additional local requirements beyond the state threshold.

To apply for a kennel license in Maryland, breeders must contact their local county licensing authority, as kennel licenses are issued at the county level rather than by a single state agency. Each county may have different application procedures, fees, and requirements. Breeders should start by contacting their county animal control office or county clerk's office to obtain the appropriate kennel license application forms. The Maryland Department of Labor provides oversight and receives annual reports from local agencies regarding kennel licenses, but does not directly issue licenses. When applying, breeders will typically need to provide proof of rabies vaccination for all dogs, information about the number and type of dogs kept, and details about their breeding facilities. Since requirements vary by county, breeders should verify specific application procedures, required documentation, and processing times with their local licensing authority. Some counties may require facility inspections before issuing or renewing a kennel license.

Kennel license fees in Maryland vary by county because licensing is handled at the local level. Each county sets its own fee structure for kennel licenses, so costs can differ significantly depending on location. Breeders should contact their county licensing authority directly to determine the exact fee for their jurisdiction. In addition to the initial license fee, most counties require annual renewal fees. If pending legislation requiring annual registration for all breeders and $50 birth certificates per puppy is enacted, these additional costs would apply statewide on top of existing county fees. Breeders should budget for both initial licensing costs and ongoing annual renewal fees, as well as any potential inspection fees their county may charge.

Inspection requirements for kennel license holders in Maryland are determined at the county level, so inspection frequency and procedures vary by jurisdiction. Most counties with kennel licensing requirements conduct initial inspections of breeding facilities before issuing a license to ensure facilities meet basic animal welfare and safety standards. Some counties also conduct periodic inspections during license renewal periods or random inspections throughout the year. County inspectors typically examine housing conditions, cleanliness, ventilation, space per animal, access to food and water, veterinary care records, and overall animal health. If a facility fails an inspection, the county may require corrective actions to be taken within a specified timeframe, deny or suspend the kennel license, or impose additional penalties. Breeders who also sell dogs commercially across state lines may additionally be subject to federal inspections under the Animal Welfare Act administered by USDA APHIS, which has separate inspection protocols and requirements.

Maryland's county-level kennel licensing system means that specific record-keeping requirements may vary by jurisdiction. However, kennel license holders are generally expected to maintain basic records including veterinary care records, proof of rabies vaccinations for all dogs, breeding records showing parentage and litter information, and records of dog sales or transfers. The Maryland Department of Labor receives annual reports from local licensing agencies, suggesting that counties maintain records of licensed kennels and report this information to the state annually. Breeders should maintain these records for at least several years, though specific retention periods may vary by county. If the pending legislation requiring $50 birth certificates for every puppy is enacted, breeders would need to maintain detailed birth records and certificates for all puppies whelped. Breeders subject to federal USDA licensing must also maintain more extensive records as required under the Animal Welfare Act, including detailed acquisition and disposition records for all dogs.

Penalties for operating a kennel without a required license in Maryland are enforced at the county level, and specific penalties vary by jurisdiction. Counties may impose civil fines for unlicensed kennel operations, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the severity and duration of the violation. Some jurisdictions may also pursue criminal charges for repeated or egregious violations of kennel licensing laws. In addition to fines, counties may seize animals from unlicensed facilities that fail to meet minimum animal welfare standards. Breeders who fail to obtain required licenses may also face enforcement actions including cease-and-desist orders, temporary or permanent prohibition from breeding or selling dogs, and civil lawsuits from purchasers of puppies. Maryland's new law banning retail pet stores from selling puppies from commercial breeders (effective January 1, 2020) includes separate penalties for pet stores that violate this restriction. Breeders who also operate under federal USDA licenses face additional federal penalties for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including substantial fines and license revocation.