Puerto Rico Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Last updated: 2026-02-21

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Quick Summary

Puerto Rico requires all dog breeders to be licensed by the Commonwealth. The Department of Health issues breeder licenses under Act No. 154 of 2008 (the Animal Welfare and Protection Act) and Regulation No. 148. Operating as an unlicensed breeder is a fourth-degree felony, which can result in fines of $1,000 to $5,000 and possible jail time.

License Required Yes
Annual Fee $25
Threshold 3+ intact females or 10+ puppies/year

Regulatory Agency: Puerto Rico Department of Health, through the Oficina Estatal para el Control de Animales (OECA)

Who Needs a License in Puerto Rico?

Under Puerto Rico's Animal Welfare and Protection Act (Act No. 154 of 2008), every breeder must be licensed by the Commonwealth. You need a license if you meet any of these conditions: you own three or more female dogs or cats that have not been spayed and you keep them for the purpose of breeding and selling their offspring; you breed more than ten puppies or kittens per year for sale; or you sell more than ten puppies or kittens per year. The law applies to anyone involved in breeding or selling dogs and cats, whether you operate out of a pet shop, a farm, a home, or any other location. The term 'commercial animal breeder' is defined in the law as any person or business engaged in the business of breeding animals for sale.

How to Apply

To apply for a breeder license, you must go through the online portal at renovacionesonline.com. The license is issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Health. In addition to the breeder license itself, you must also get a sanitary health license for the building or space where you run your breeding operation. You also need a Use Permit (called a Permiso Unico) that specifically lists pet breeding or sales as an allowed activity at your location. If your current Use Permit does not include this activity, you can request a change through the Permit Office (available at ogpe.pr.gov). For questions, you can contact any of the eight regional Environmental Health Offices located in Aguadilla, Arecibo, Bayamon, Caguas, Fajardo, Mayaguez, San Juan, and Ponce.

Fees and Costs

The breeder and commercial pet dealer license costs $25.00. This fee covers the license issued by the Department of Health. You may also need to pay separate fees for your sanitary health license and Use Permit, which are handled by different government offices. The exact amounts for those additional permits may vary depending on your location and the type of facility you operate.

Inspections and Compliance

The Puerto Rico Department of Health, through its regional Environmental Health Offices, oversees breeder facilities. These offices handle licensing, compliance checks, and can conduct facility visits. The OECA (State Office for Animal Control), which operates under the Department of Health's Assistant Secretary for Environmental Health, focuses on three main areas: educational programs, regulation and enforcement, and the control of stray animal populations. Specific inspection schedules and procedures are set out in Regulation No. 148. Breeders must maintain facilities that meet sanitary standards and provide animals with adequate space, proper temperature, good ventilation, and a clean environment free from excess waste or other harmful substances.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Regulation No. 148 from the Secretary of Health establishes the detailed requirements that breeders must follow, including record-keeping standards. Breeders are expected to maintain records related to their animals, breeding activities, and sales. The law requires that all animals receive what it calls 'minimum care,' which includes veterinary care that a reasonable person would consider necessary to protect the animal from suffering. This includes keeping records of vaccinations and preventive care. Breeders must also be able to show proof of their valid license when asked by authorities.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating as a breeder without a license from the Department of Health is a fourth-degree felony under Puerto Rico law. If someone is found guilty of this crime and qualifies for probation instead of jail time, they must still pay a mandatory fine of $1,000 to $5,000. Repeat offenders face a fixed fine of $5,000. Selling animals on streets, highways, or in any public place is also a fourth-degree felony with the same fine range. Under Puerto Rico's Penal Code, a fourth-degree felony can carry a jail sentence ranging from six months and one day up to three years. These are serious criminal penalties, not just administrative fines, which makes Puerto Rico's enforcement approach among the stricter ones in U.S. jurisdictions.

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