Oregon Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements
Quick Summary
Oregon does not require a state dog breeder license. Breeders who have 10 or more unsterilized dogs must follow care standards under ORS 167.376. No person may have more than 50 sexually intact dogs aged two or older for the purpose of reproduction. Senate Bill 1076, which would have created a licensing program, was introduced in 2025 but died in committee without being enacted.
License Required
No
Annual Fee
None (state level)
Care Standards Threshold
10+ unsterilized dogs (8 months or older)
Max Intact Dogs
50 sexually intact dogs aged 2+ for breeding
SB 1076 Status
Died in committee (June 2025)
Regulatory Agency: No state licensing agency. Local animal control enforces care standards. Oregon Department of Agriculture was proposed but SB 1076 did not pass.
Who Needs a License in Oregon?
Oregon does not require a specific breeder license. However, breeders who have 10 or more unsterilized dogs that are eight months or older must follow special care standards under ORS 167.376. No person may own, possess, control, or have charge of more than 50 sexually intact dogs that are two years of age or older for the purpose of reproduction (ORS 167.374). Senate Bill 1076 (2025) would have created a full breeder licensing program through the Oregon Department of Agriculture for anyone selling more than two litters in a 12-month period, but the bill died in committee in June 2025 and was never enacted.
How to Apply
Since Oregon does not require a state breeder license, there is no state application process. Some counties and cities may require local kennel licenses or permits. Contact your local animal control for details. If you sell dogs commercially, you may need a general business license from your city or county.
Fees and Costs
There are no state breeder license fees in Oregon. Local permit fees vary by jurisdiction. If you are required to be licensed by the USDA (for example, if you sell dogs wholesale), federal licensing fees apply separately.
Inspections and Compliance
Under ORS 167.376, animal control officers can inspect breeders with 10 or more unsterilized dogs to verify compliance with care standards. These inspections may check housing, sanitation, food and water access, veterinary care, and exercise. Local jurisdictions may have additional inspection requirements tied to local kennel permits.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Breeders with 10 or more unsterilized dogs must keep records of each dog, including information about their health and care as required by the ORS 167.376 care standards. Good record-keeping of vaccinations, health checks, and sales is recommended for all breeders even if not strictly required by state law.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violating the care standards for breeders with 10 or more dogs (ORS 167.376) is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. Exceeding the 50 intact dog limit (ORS 167.374) is also a Class B misdemeanor. Each dog in violation is considered a separate offense.
Sources and References
- ORS 167.376 - Standards of Care Applicable to Dog Breeders (primary law) — accessed 2026-02-21
- ORS 167.374 - Possession of Dogs for Reproduction (primary law) — accessed 2026-02-21
- Oregon Senate Bill 1076 (2025 Session) - Died in Committee (failed legislation) — accessed 2026-02-21
- Oregon SB 1076 Bill Status - LegiScan (reference) — accessed 2026-02-21
Related Resources
- USDA License Lookup for OR — Search USDA-licensed breeders and dealers in Oregon.
- 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.