South Carolina Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Last updated: 2026-02-21

Report an Error

Quick Summary

South Carolina currently has no statewide dog breeder licensing law. A bill called the South Carolina Humane Dog Breeding Act (S. 720) was introduced in January 2026, which would create a licensing requirement for professional dog breeders. Until that bill passes, breeding is mainly governed by local county and city rules and general animal cruelty laws.

State License Required No (not currently)
Annual Fee N/A (no state license exists yet)
Proposed Threshold 10+ intact females or 15+ puppies/year
Pending Bill S. 720 (Humane Dog Breeding Act, introduced Jan 2026)
Local Rules 7 counties license or inspect kennels

Regulatory Agency: No dedicated state agency currently; proposed oversight by SC Department of Agriculture

Who Needs a License in South Carolina?

As of now, South Carolina does not have a statewide license requirement for dog breeders. Some individual counties license or inspect kennels that sell dogs, but there is no uniform state rule. A new bill (S. 720, the SC Humane Dog Breeding Act) was introduced in January 2026. If it passes, anyone who keeps 10 or more intact female dogs for breeding, or who sells more than 15 puppies or more than 2 litters per year, would need a state license from the Department of Agriculture.

How to Apply

There is no state-level application process right now because South Carolina does not currently have a breeder licensing law. If the proposed Humane Dog Breeding Act (S. 720) passes, breeders would apply for a license through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. Check with your local county or city government to see if they have any local kennel license or permit requirements.

Fees and Costs

There are no state-level breeder license fees at this time. Some counties may charge their own kennel permit or license fees. Under the proposed S. 720 bill, the Department of Agriculture would set license fees, but no specific amounts have been established since the bill has not yet passed.

Inspections and Compliance

There is no statewide inspection program for dog breeders in South Carolina today. Seven counties have some form of kennel licensing or inspection process. Under the proposed bill, licensed breeders would need to pass an initial on-site inspection by local law enforcement or an assigned representative. Follow-up inspections would also be required to make sure breeders keep following the rules.

Record-Keeping Requirements

South Carolina does not currently have state-level record-keeping requirements for dog breeders. Under the proposed Humane Dog Breeding Act, breeders would be required to keep detailed records for each dog, including health, breeding, and sales information. Breeders would also need to give buyers a written disclosure statement at the time of sale.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

General animal cruelty and neglect laws apply to all animal owners in South Carolina under Title 47 of the state code. Under the proposed S. 720 bill, acting as a professional dog breeder without a valid license would be a misdemeanor. A first offense could result in a fine of up to $500, and later offenses could cost up to $1,000.

Sources and References

Related Resources