North Dakota Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

No State License

Last updated: 2026-10-03 Checked against official sources October 3, 2026

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Quick Summary

North Dakota does not have a statewide dog breeder licensing law. There is no state-issued breeder license or registration, but breeders must still follow the state's general animal welfare rules and any local city or county kennel permit and zoning requirements. Some breeders may also need a federal USDA license under the Animal Welfare Act, depending on how many breeding females they keep and how they sell their dogs.

License Required No
Annual Fee N/A (no state license); local kennel fees may apply
Threshold No state threshold; federal USDA rules may apply if more than 4 breeding females and selling sight-unseen or wholesale

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Regulatory Agency: North Dakota does not license dog breeders at the state level. General animal welfare is governed by North Dakota Century Code Chapter 36-21.2, and local governments may issue kennel permits. Federal licensing is handled by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Who Needs a License in North Dakota?

North Dakota does not require a state license to breed dogs. However, breeders may still need a federal USDA license under the Animal Welfare Act. The USDA requires a federal license for anyone who keeps more than four breeding females and sells dogs sight-unseen (online, by phone, or by mail) or who keeps more than four breeding females and sells wholesale through pet stores or brokers. Breeders who sell puppies directly, face-to-face, and stay at or below the federal threshold typically do not need a federal license either.

How to Apply

Because North Dakota has no statewide breeder license, there is no state application to complete. Breeders should check with their local city or county government about kennel permits and zoning rules, which can vary from place to place. If you meet the federal thresholds, you must apply with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for a Class A or Class B license under the Animal Welfare Act. For USDA licensing, dogs must generally have been born and raised on your premises, and if you work with other breeders you must count the combined number of breeding females and sales.

Fees and Costs

There is no state breeder license fee in North Dakota because the state does not license dog breeders. Local kennel license fees may apply instead, and amounts, where a city or county charges one, vary by location and should be confirmed locally. A USDA license, if required, costs $120 and is valid for three years (9 CFR 2.6).

Inspections and Compliance

North Dakota does not conduct state breeder license inspections because there is no state breeder license. Local governments that issue kennel permits may set their own inspection or facility standards, so breeders should confirm requirements with their city or county. Breeders who hold a federal USDA license are subject to APHIS inspections under the Animal Welfare Act, which cover housing, veterinary care, and overall animal welfare.

Record-Keeping Requirements

North Dakota does not impose statewide record-keeping rules specific to dog breeders, since there is no state breeder license. Breeders who hold a USDA license must follow federal Animal Welfare Act record-keeping requirements, which include tracking sales and the number of breeding females and puppies, especially when multiple breeders work together. Local kennel permits may carry their own record requirements. North Dakota sets no record-keeping standard for breeders.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

North Dakota's general animal welfare standards appear in North Dakota Century Code Chapter 36-21.2, and violations can lead to criminal penalties, fines, or the seizure of animals by law enforcement. These rules apply to all individuals and organizations responsible for housed animals, including breeders and kennels. Because there is no state breeder license, there is no penalty for breeding without a state license, but breeders can still be penalized for animal cruelty or neglect under state law or for violating local permit and zoning rules. Breeders who are required to hold a USDA license and fail to obtain one may face federal enforcement under the Animal Welfare Act.

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