Tennessee Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Tennessee does not currently enforce a state-level dog breeder licensing requirement. The state's Commercial Breeder Act expired on June 30, 2014 and has not been successfully renewed. One source mentions that commercial dog breeders with 10 or more fertile female dogs kept for the purpose of selling their offspring must register with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, but this appears to reference proposed legislation rather than current enforceable law. At the federal level, dog breeders who maintain more than 4 breeding female dogs and sell puppies sight-unseen (without in-person contact before sale and delivery) must obtain a USDA license under the Animal Welfare Act. Tennessee does maintain a Dog and Cat Dealer licensing program under the Department of Agriculture, but this primarily applies to dealers who sell dogs or cats to research facilities, not typical commercial breeders selling to the public. Individual cities and counties in Tennessee may have their own kennel permit requirements based on the number of dogs kept on a property.

Since Tennessee does not currently have an active state-level dog breeder licensing program, there is no state application process for dog breeders. If you maintain more than 4 breeding female dogs and sell puppies sight-unseen, you must apply for a federal USDA license through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). You can apply online at the APHIS website (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/awa/apply) or contact APHIS Animal Care. The federal application requires detailed information about your facilities, animals, and breeding operations. Before starting a breeding operation in Tennessee, check with your local city or county animal control department about kennel permits or business licensing requirements, as these vary widely by jurisdiction. Some Tennessee municipalities require kennel permits for anyone keeping more than a certain number of dogs (often 3-5 dogs), regardless of whether you are breeding them for sale.

Since Tennessee does not currently have an active state dog breeder licensing program, there are no state-level breeder license fees. If federal USDA licensing is required, the USDA charges licensing fees based on the number of animals you maintain. Federal license fees are updated periodically and can be found on the APHIS website. Local kennel permit fees in Tennessee vary widely by city and county. Some jurisdictions charge flat fees for kennel permits, while others base fees on the number of dogs kept on the property. Contact your local animal control office for specific fee information in your area.

Without an active state breeder licensing program, Tennessee does not conduct state-level breeding facility inspections. If you hold a federal USDA license, your facility will be subject to unannounced inspections by USDA APHIS inspectors at least once annually. Federal inspectors evaluate compliance with the Animal Welfare Act regulations, including standards for housing, sanitation, veterinary care, exercise, and record-keeping. Local animal control agencies in Tennessee may inspect facilities in response to complaints or as part of kennel permit programs. The USDA has recently expanded its compliance and enforcement specialist teams to more aggressively identify and investigate unlicensed activities and intensify enforcement against violators, as announced in February 2026.

Tennessee does not currently impose state-level record-keeping requirements specifically for dog breeders. If you hold a federal USDA license, you must maintain detailed records as required by the Animal Welfare Act regulations, including records of animal acquisition and disposition, veterinary care, breeding history, and daily care. Federal regulations require these records to be maintained for at least one year and made available for inspection by USDA officials. Even without state requirements, responsible breeders should maintain thorough records of each dog's health history, breeding dates, pedigrees, sales contracts, and veterinary care to ensure proper animal welfare and consumer protection.

Since Tennessee does not currently have an active state dog breeder licensing law, there are no state-level penalties specifically for breeding dogs without a license. However, all dog owners in Tennessee are subject to general animal cruelty and neglect laws under Tennessee Code. Animal cruelty is a criminal offense in Tennessee, and violations can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity. If you are required to hold a federal USDA license but operate without one, you may face federal penalties including fines, cease and desist orders, license suspension or revocation, and potential criminal prosecution. The USDA, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Health and Human Services launched a coordinated crackdown effort in February 2026 to aggressively identify and investigate unlicensed activities under the Animal Welfare Act. Local ordinance violations for operating without required kennel permits can result in fines and orders to reduce the number of animals on your property.