Washington D.C. Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Last updated: 2026-02-21

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Quick Summary

Washington D.C. requires a commercial animal breeder license if you breed and sell more than 25 animals per year. If you own 7 or more animals over 4 months old, you also need an animal hobby permit from DC Health. D.C. also bans pet stores from selling animals from commercial breeders, allowing only adoptions from shelters and rescue groups.

License Required Yes
Annual Fee $25 (hobby permit)
Threshold 25+ animals/year (commercial); 7+ animals (hobby)

Regulatory Agency: DC Health - Animal Services Program (under the DC Department of Health)

Who Needs a License in Washington D.C.?

Under DC Code Section 8-1821.01, anyone who breeds and raises more than 25 animals per year for sale must get a commercial animal breeder license. This applies to any person, business, organization, or corporation. In addition, under DC Code Section 8-1804.01, anyone who owns or keeps 7 or more animals larger than a guinea pig and over 4 months old must obtain an animal hobby permit. The hobby permit does not allow you to keep animals mainly for commercial purposes, but you are allowed to occasionally sell offspring. Licensed pet shops, veterinary hospitals, and incorporated animal welfare groups that do not sell animals are exempt from the hobby permit requirement. All dog owners in DC must also get an individual dog license for each dog over 4 months old.

How to Apply

To apply for an animal hobby permit, you can submit your application through the DC Health Animal Services Online Portal or call (202) 535-2323 to request an application. You will need to describe the type and number of animals you plan to keep and the address where they will be housed. For the commercial animal breeder license, DC law directed the Mayor to create rules for the licensing process, including application procedures. Contact DC Health Animal Services at (877) 672-2174 or visit their office at 2201 Shannon Place SE, Washington, DC 20020 for the most current information on how to apply. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for your application to be reviewed and processed.

Fees and Costs

The animal hobby permit costs $25 per year and must be renewed annually. Individual dog licenses cost $15 per year for spayed or neutered dogs and $50 per year for dogs that are not fixed. Service dogs are licensed at no cost. Two dollars from each dog license fee goes to the Animal Education and Outreach Fund. The specific fee for a commercial animal breeder license is set by the Mayor through rulemaking and is not listed in the statute itself. Contact DC Health Animal Services for the current commercial breeder licensing fee.

Inspections and Compliance

DC Health's Animal Services Program conducts inspections for hobby permit holders. An initial inspection is done when you first apply, and follow-up inspections may happen from time to time to make sure you are following the rules. For commercial animal breeders, DC Code Section 8-1821.01 requires the Mayor to set up facility inspection requirements as part of the licensing rules. This means commercial breeding facilities are subject to inspections to check that animals are being properly cared for and that the facility meets DC standards.

Record-Keeping Requirements

DC law does not spell out detailed record-keeping rules specifically for dog breeders in the statute text. However, hobby permit applicants must provide a full description of the kinds and numbers of animals they keep and where they are housed. Pet stores that sell animals must keep records showing the source of each animal for at least one year and must post signs showing which shelter or rescue group each animal came from. All dog owners must maintain proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations and keep their dog's license up to date. Commercial breeders should keep records of all breeding activity, sales, veterinary care, and animal inventory as part of meeting the care and management standards required by their license.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Under DC Code Section 8-1811, violations of the animal control chapter are treated as civil infractions. The Mayor can fine violators up to $500 per offense for most violations, and up to $1,000 per offense for violations of certain animal care standards under Section 8-1808. The Mayor may also revoke an animal hobby permit if the permit holder does not follow the rules. These fines do not prevent the government from pursuing other criminal or civil penalties allowed under DC law. Separating a puppy from its mother before 6 weeks of age or selling a puppy under 6 weeks old is also a violation that can result in fines.

Sources and References

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