Oregon Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Oregon does not require dog breeders to obtain a state-level breeding license regardless of the number of dogs they own or litters they produce. However, under ORS 167.376, any person who keeps 10 or more unsterilized dogs aged eight months or older must comply with minimum care standards, including proper shelter, food, water, veterinary care, and sanitation. Additionally, ORS 167.374 prohibits any person from possessing more than 50 sexually intact dogs aged two years or older for the purpose of breeding. Breeders who sell dogs interstate or wholesale (selling to pet stores or brokers) may need federal USDA licensing under the Animal Welfare Act if they maintain more than four breeding female dogs. Senate Bill 1076 was introduced in the 2025 legislative session and would have required the Oregon Department of Agriculture to create a licensing program for breeders who sell or transfer more than two litters of dogs within a 12-month period, with enforcement beginning January 1, 2028, but this bill died in committee in June 2025 and did not become law. Local jurisdictions may have their own kennel or business licensing requirements separate from state law.

Since Oregon does not require a state dog breeder license, there is no application process with the state. Breeders should verify compliance with local city or county kennel licensing requirements, which vary by jurisdiction. For example, counties like Benton, Deschutes, and Washington County require dog owners to license individual dogs with local animal services, typically requiring proof of rabies vaccination and payment of a fee. These local dog licenses are different from business or kennel licenses. Breeders who meet the federal threshold (more than four breeding females and selling dogs sight-unseen or wholesale) must apply for USDA licensing through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) by submitting an application at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/awa/apply. The USDA application requires detailed information about facilities, number of animals, and business operations. While no state breeder license exists, breeders should contact their local animal control agency or county clerk to determine if local business licenses or kennel permits are required.

Oregon does not charge state-level dog breeder licensing fees because no such license exists. Local jurisdictions charge dog licensing fees that vary by county; for example, individual dog licenses typically range from $15 to $75 depending on whether the dog is spayed/neutered and the license duration (one, two, or three years). These are owner licenses for individual pets, not business licenses. If a breeder needs a USDA license for federal compliance, the federal licensing fee structure applies, though specific amounts are not set by Oregon law. Local business license fees may apply depending on the city or county where the breeding operation is located, and these vary widely by jurisdiction. Breeders should contact their local government offices to determine applicable local fees.

Oregon does not conduct state-level breeder inspections because there is no state licensing program. Local animal control agencies have authority to investigate complaints and enforce care standards under ORS 167.376 for facilities with 10 or more unsterilized dogs. These investigations typically occur in response to complaints of neglect, abuse, or violations of minimum care standards. Breeders who are USDA-licensed are subject to unannounced inspections by USDA APHIS inspectors to ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, which includes reviewing housing, sanitation, veterinary care, and record-keeping. The frequency of USDA inspections varies but typically occurs at least annually for licensed facilities. Failure to meet care standards can result in citations, corrective action orders, fines, license suspension or revocation (for USDA licensees), or criminal charges under state animal cruelty laws.

Oregon state law does not specify record-keeping requirements for dog breeders because no state licensing program exists. However, breeders with 10 or more unsterilized dogs should maintain basic records documenting compliance with care standards under ORS 167.376, including veterinary care records, feeding schedules, and facility maintenance logs, though specific requirements are not detailed in statute. Breeders who are USDA-licensed must maintain detailed records as required by federal Animal Welfare Act regulations, including acquisition and disposition records for all dogs, veterinary care records, breeding records, and daily observation logs. Federal regulations require these records to be maintained for at least one year and made available to USDA inspectors upon request. Local jurisdictions may have additional record-keeping requirements for kennel or business licenses. Breeders are advised to keep comprehensive records of all breeding activities, health care, sales, and transfers to demonstrate responsible practices and legal compliance.

Because Oregon does not require a state dog breeder license, there are no penalties specifically for breeding without a license. However, violations of animal care standards under ORS 167.376 for facilities with 10 or more unsterilized dogs can result in animal cruelty charges. Possessing more than 50 sexually intact dogs aged two or older for breeding purposes violates ORS 167.374 and is punishable as animal abuse. Animal neglect in the second degree is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $2,500, while animal abuse in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor with penalties up to one year in jail and fines up to $6,250. Aggravated animal abuse is a Class C felony carrying potential prison time and fines up to $125,000. Local jurisdictions may impose additional penalties for operating without required local kennel or business licenses, typically including fines and potential closure orders. USDA-licensed breeders who violate federal Animal Welfare Act requirements face federal penalties including civil fines up to $11,000 per violation, license suspension or revocation, and potential criminal prosecution for willful violations.