Texas Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Under the Texas Dog or Cat Breeder Act (Chapter 802 of the Texas Occupations Code), a person may not act as a dog or cat breeder without a license. You need a license if you possess five or more adult intact female dogs or cats and breed them for sale or exchange. The threshold applies to the total number of intact breeding females you own, regardless of how many litters you produce or puppies you sell per year. Prior versions of the law included a sales-number threshold (20 or more animals per year), but TDLR's current licensing guidance indicates this sales requirement was removed, making the law apply based solely on possession of five or more intact females bred for sale. The law applies to both commercial breeding operations and smaller hobby breeders who meet the threshold. Recent enforcement actions confirm that operating without a license when required is a violation of both state and federal law, as seen in a December 2025 case involving a Hopkins County breeder charged under the Animal Welfare Act for operating without proper licensing.

To apply for a Texas Licensed Breeder license, you must submit an application to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The application process requires providing your full legal name, the physical address of your breeding facility, and detailed contact information. You will need to complete the required forms and pay the applicable license fee based on the number of breeding animals you maintain. As of March 2026, Texas requires applicants to provide proof of legal immigration status to obtain professional licenses, including dog breeder licenses, as part of a new rule adopted by the Commission of Licensing and Regulation. Applicants should visit the TDLR website at tdlr.texas.gov/bre/ for current forms and detailed application instructions. You may also need to pass background checks as part of the application process, particularly since individuals convicted of animal cruelty cannot own non-livestock animals for five years under Texas law.

License fees for Texas dog and cat breeders range from $150 to $500 per year, depending on the number of breeding animals you maintain at your facility. The fee structure is tiered based on the size of your breeding operation, with larger facilities housing more breeding females paying higher annual fees. These fees cover the cost of licensing and regulatory oversight by TDLR. In addition to the initial license fee, breeders must pay renewal fees annually to maintain their license in good standing. While specific inspection fees are not detailed in the available sources, the costs of maintaining compliance with TDLR standards, including facility improvements and veterinary care requirements, should be factored into the overall cost of operating a licensed breeding facility.

All licensed dog and cat breeding facilities in Texas must be inspected at least once every 18 months by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. These inspections verify compliance with the standards established under Chapter 802 of the Texas Occupations Code and the implementing regulations in 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 92, titled Responsible Pet Owners. During inspections, TDLR inspectors examine the physical condition of the facility, the health and welfare of the animals, record-keeping practices, and compliance with care standards including proper food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and sanitary conditions. The inspection requirements include examination of housing, space, ventilation, temperature control, and overall animal welfare conditions. If a facility fails an inspection, TDLR can require corrective action, impose fines, suspend or revoke the license, or pursue other enforcement actions. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation readopted the rules in Chapter 92 in March 2026 as part of the required four-year rule review process, confirming the continued enforcement of these inspection standards.

Licensed breeders in Texas must maintain detailed records of their breeding operations, though the specific record-keeping requirements are established in the regulations under 16 TAC Chapter 92. These records typically include documentation of each animal in the facility, breeding records, veterinary care records, sales and transfer records, and records of any animals that die or are euthanized. Breeders must keep records that allow TDLR inspectors to verify compliance with all licensing requirements and animal welfare standards. Records must be maintained for a period specified in the regulations and must be made available to TDLR inspectors during facility inspections. Proper record-keeping is essential for demonstrating compliance with the Texas Dog or Cat Breeder Act and for tracking the health, breeding history, and disposition of all animals in the breeding program. Failure to maintain adequate records can result in violations and enforcement actions by TDLR.

Operating as a dog or cat breeder in Texas without the required license is a violation of the Texas Dog or Cat Breeder Act (Chapter 802 of the Texas Occupations Code). Penalties for operating without a license or violating licensing requirements can include administrative fines, cease and desist orders, license suspension or revocation, and potential criminal charges. In December 2025, a Hopkins County breeder was charged under federal law (the Animal Welfare Act) for operating a dog breeding and sales business without a license from June 2024 through December 2025, demonstrating that unlicensed breeding operations can face both state and federal enforcement actions. TDLR has authority to investigate complaints, conduct inspections, and pursue enforcement actions against unlicensed breeders or those who violate licensing standards. Violations of animal welfare standards can also result in separate criminal charges under Texas animal cruelty laws. The specific fine amounts and criminal penalties are established in the statute and implementing regulations, with enforcement actions tailored to the severity and nature of the violations. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation oversees enforcement policy and can impose administrative penalties for non-compliance.