Minnesota Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Last updated: 2026-02-21

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Quick Summary

Minnesota requires a commercial dog and cat breeder license for anyone who owns ten or more adult intact animals and whose animals produce more than five litters per year. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health oversees the program, with annual inspections and fees based on the number of animals.

License Required Yes
Annual Fee $10 per animal (max $250)
Threshold 10+ intact animals and 5+ litters/year
Inspections At least annually
Governing Body Minnesota Board of Animal Health

Regulatory Agency: Minnesota Board of Animal Health

Who Needs a License in Minnesota?

You need a commercial breeder license in Minnesota if you own or have an ownership interest in ten or more adult intact dogs or cats and your animals produce more than five total litters of puppies or kittens per year. Both conditions must be met. If you have fewer than ten intact animals or produce five or fewer litters, you are not considered a commercial breeder under state law. However, you should still check local city and county rules.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a license application to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health along with the initial license fee. You must apply for a separate license for each facility you own or operate. After your application is received, the Board will schedule an announced prelicense inspection within 60 days. Your facility must pass this inspection before the license is granted. You can find the application on the Minnesota eLicensing portal at mn.gov/elicense.

Fees and Costs

The license fee is $10 per adult intact animal, with a maximum fee of $250 per year. This fee applies both for the initial prelicense inspection and for annual renewal. So if you have 15 intact animals, your fee would be $150. If you have 25 or more, you pay the maximum of $250.

Inspections and Compliance

The Board of Animal Health must inspect each licensed facility at least once a year. The first inspection is announced and happens within 60 days of your application. If you have two years in a row with no violations, the Board may inspect you every two years instead. However, if any violations are found during an inspection, or if the Board has other concerns, inspections go back to at least once per year.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Licensed breeders must keep detailed records for each animal, including descriptions, health information, breeding histories, and transaction records. Records of veterinary care must also be maintained. These records must be available for review during inspections by the Board of Animal Health.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Board of Animal Health can issue correction orders with administrative penalties of up to $5,000 per order. Your license must be revoked if you are convicted of animal cruelty under Minnesota law or a similar law in another state. A breeder whose license is revoked cannot reapply for two years. If the revocation was due to a gross misdemeanor or felony animal cruelty conviction, the revocation is permanent. If your license is suspended or revoked twice, you are permanently barred from getting a new license.

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