Tennessee Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Last updated: 2026-02-21

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Quick Summary

Tennessee's original Commercial Breeder Act (TCA Title 44, Chapter 17, Part 7) expired on June 30, 2014. The state still regulates dog and cat dealers under Part 1 of the same chapter through the Department of Agriculture. A 2024 bill (SB 2513) proposed re-establishing commercial breeder licensing through the Department of Commerce and Insurance with a threshold of 10 or more dogs, but its final passage status is uncertain. Tennessee also has a separate Dog and Cat Dealers licensing program under the Department of Agriculture.

License Required Uncertain - original law expired 2014; SB 2513 status unclear
Dealer License Required for sales to research facilities
Proposed Threshold (SB 2513) 10+ dogs for commercial breeder license
Original Commercial Breeder Act Expired June 30, 2014

Regulatory Agency: Tennessee Department of Agriculture (dog/cat dealers); Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (proposed commercial breeder licensing under SB 2513)

Who Needs a License in Tennessee?

Tennessee's Commercial Breeder Act (Part 7, effective 2010) expired on June 30, 2014, and the 2024 Tennessee Code still shows Part 7 as expired. Under Part 1 of TCA Title 44, Chapter 17, a dog and cat dealer license is required for anyone who sells dogs to research facilities within the state. SB 2513 (2023-2024 session) proposed re-establishing commercial breeder licensing through the Department of Commerce and Insurance, defining a commercial breeder as a person who possesses or maintains 10 or more dogs or cats for the purpose of selling their offspring as companion animals. The bill's final enactment status requires verification with the Tennessee Secretary of State.

How to Apply

For a Dog and Cat Dealer license under Part 1, apply to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Applications must include the license fee and an annual report, submitted on or before July 1 each year. All licenses expire on June 30 following their issuance. If SB 2513 was enacted, commercial breeder applications would go through the Department of Commerce and Insurance, requiring a criminal background check for the applicant and all employees working with animals.

Fees and Costs

Dog and Cat Dealer license fees are set by the Department of Agriculture. Under SB 2513 as proposed, commercial breeder license fees would be set by the commissioner based on the number of breeding females, up to $15 per adult female dog or cat. Contact the appropriate Tennessee department for current fee information.

Inspections and Compliance

Licensed dog and cat dealers are subject to inspections by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. If SB 2513's commercial breeder provisions are in effect, licensed commercial breeders would also be subject to inspections to verify compliance with care and housing standards.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Dog and cat dealers must keep records as required by the Department of Agriculture. Commercial breeders (if SB 2513 is in effect) must keep detailed records of their breeding operation, including information about each animal, veterinary records, and sales records. Records must be available for review during inspections.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Under the Dog and Cat Dealer law (Part 1), violations can result in license denial, suspension, or revocation. A person convicted of animal cruelty is ineligible for a dealer license. Under SB 2513 as proposed, operating as a commercial breeder without a license would be a Class A misdemeanor, and the commissioner could impose civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.

Sources and References

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