Washington D.C. Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Washington D.C. requires a commercial animal breeder license for people who breed and sell more than 25 animals per year. People who keep 7 or more animals over 4 months old are generally required to get an animal hobby permit, even if they are not running a large commercial operation. If you breed only a small number of dogs and keep fewer than 7 animals, you may not need a city permit, but you should always check with DC Health first. These thresholds come from D.C. Code § 8-1821.01 (commercial animal breeder: breeding and raising more than 25 animals per year for sale) and § 8-1804.01 (animal hobby permit: 7 or more animals larger than a guinea pig and over 4 months old). A hobby permit cannot be issued to someone who keeps animals for commercial purposes, although occasional sales of offspring are allowed. Breeders who have more than four breeding females and sell dogs sight-unseen (online, by phone, or by mail) may also need a federal USDA Class A license under the Animal Welfare Act.

The animal licensing program in Washington D.C. is run by DC Health (the DC Department of Health) through its Animal Services Program. To apply, you should contact DC Health directly to request the correct application for a commercial animal breeder license or an animal hobby permit. DC Health's Animal Services Program takes hobby permit applications through its Animal Services Online Portal or by phone at (202) 535-2323. Apply before July 1 each year, or within 10 days of acquiring a seventh animal, and describe the kind and number of animals and where they are kept (D.C. Code § 8-1804.01). You will likely need to provide information about how many animals you keep, where they are housed, and proof of proper care. Always confirm the exact documents and steps with the agency before you apply.

DC Health states that animal hobby permits cost $25 and expire annually. D.C. Code § 8-1821.01 directs the Mayor to set fees for a commercial animal breeder license, but no published fee or application for that license could be found, so commercial breeders should confirm requirements directly with DC Health.

Washington D.C.'s animal program is run by DC Health, which oversees animal care and welfare in the city. DC Health's Animal Services Program conducts initial and periodic inspections of hobby permit holders, who must provide adequate care, feed, shelter, space, water, and veterinary care (D.C. Code § 8-1804.01). No published inspection rules were found for commercial breeders. In general, agencies that license breeders may inspect facilities to check for clean housing, proper food and water, veterinary care, and humane conditions. If you want to know exactly how often inspections happen and what inspectors look for, contact DC Health directly. Breeders who also hold a federal USDA license are subject to Animal Welfare Act inspections.

D.C. law does not spell out record-keeping rules for breeders. In general, breeders are expected to keep records of their animals, including health and veterinary care, sales, and the number of animals kept. Breeders who hold a USDA license under the Animal Welfare Act must keep federal records on the animals they buy, sell, and breed. You should confirm D.C.'s specific record-keeping requirements with DC Health.

Violations of D.C.'s Animal Control Act, including keeping 7 or more animals without a hobby permit, carry fines set by regulation of up to $500 per offense (D.C. Code § 8-1811), and a hobby permit can be revoked for noncompliance (§ 8-1804.01). In general, breeders who operate without a required permit can face fines or other enforcement action from the city. At the federal level, operating without a required USDA license, or violating the Animal Welfare Act or its regulations, can trigger a civil penalty of up to $14,575 for each violation (the inflation-adjusted maximum in 7 CFR 3.91). You should contact DC Health to learn the exact local fines and enforcement steps.