USDA Federal Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Last updated: 2026-02-21

Quick Summary

The USDA requires a federal license for anyone who maintains more than four breeding females and sells dogs sight-unseen (online, by phone, or by mail). This is managed by APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) under the Animal Welfare Act. Small breeders with four or fewer breeding females are exempt, as are those who sell only face-to-face. State licensing requirements may still apply.

License Required Yes (for sight-unseen sales)
License Type Class A Breeder
Threshold >4 breeding females + sight-unseen sales

Regulatory Agency: USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)

Do I Need a USDA License?

The answer depends on how you sell your dogs. Here is the simple test:

  1. Do you breed and sell dogs?

    If no, you do not need a USDA license. The federal requirement only applies to people who breed or deal in dogs commercially.

  2. Do you sell any dogs sight-unseen?

    “Sight-unseen” means the buyer does not physically see the dog in person before the sale is completed. Under the USDA rule, the seller, the buyer, and the animal must all be physically present in the same location so the buyer can personally observe the dog before purchasing it.

    Video calls do not count. Seeing a dog over FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype is not the same as seeing it in person. If you show a buyer the dog on video and then ship it, that is a sight-unseen sale.

    Deposits are OK. A buyer can place a deposit and make arrangements before visiting, as long as the sale is not finalized until the buyer physically sees the dog in person. For example, a buyer who pays a deposit online and then drives to your home to see the dog and complete the purchase is a face-to-face sale — not sight-unseen.

    • No — Every buyer physically sees the dog in person before you finalize the sale. No USDA license needed (you qualify as a retail pet store). But check your state requirements — you may still need a state license.
    • Yes, but I have 4 or fewer breeding females — You sell only offspring born and raised on your premises for pets or exhibition. No USDA license needed. The small breeder exemption (9 CFR 2.1(a)(3)(iii)) applies regardless of whether sales are face-to-face or sight-unseen.
    • Yes, and I have more than 4 breeding females — You need a USDA Class A Breeder license.

USDA License Types

The USDA issues two main types of licenses for people who deal in dogs:

Class A — Breeder

For people who breed and raise dogs on their own property and sell them. This is the license most dog breeders need.

  • You breed the dogs yourself
  • You sell dogs you produced
  • Required if you sell sight-unseen (with >4 breeding females)

Class B — Dealer

For people who buy dogs from others and resell them. This applies to middlemen and some brokers.

  • You buy dogs from other breeders
  • You resell dogs you did not breed
  • Stricter oversight than Class A

Who Is Exempt from a USDA License?

You do not need a USDA license if any of the following apply to you:

Small breeder — 4 or fewer breeding females

You keep 4 or fewer breeding females and sell only their offspring, born and raised on your premises, for pets or exhibition (9 CFR 2.1(a)(3)(iii)). This exemption applies regardless of whether sales are face-to-face or sight-unseen. Anti-circumvention rules prevent multiple people in one household from each claiming four females separately.

Retail pet store — face-to-face sales only

You sell animals directly to buyers who physically see the animal before purchase, at your location (9 CFR 1.1). The seller, buyer, and animal must all be present. This exemption applies regardless of how many breeding females you have, but does not cover online, phone, or mail-order sales.

Important: Even if you are exempt from the USDA license, you may still need a state or local license. Always check your state's requirements.

How to Apply for a USDA License

1
Contact USDA APHIS

Call 1-970-494-7478 or visit the APHIS License Application page to apply online.

2
Complete APHIS Form 7003

Fill out the Application for License form with your information and details about your breeding operation.

3
Submit application and fee

Send the completed form along with the required license fee to APHIS.

4
Pass the pre-license inspection

An APHIS inspector will visit your facility to verify it meets all Animal Welfare Act standards . You must pass before your license is granted.

5
Receive your license

Once approved, you will receive your USDA license. Since 2023, all licenses are valid for 3 years and must be renewed before expiration.

Fees and Costs

Since 2023, USDA animal welfare licenses use a simplified flat fee structure:

  • All licenses are now 3-year licenses with a flat processing fee of $120.
  • Registration (for research facilities, carriers, etc.) is free.
  • There is no separate inspection fee — inspections are included.
  • Applications and fees can be submitted online. See the APHIS Licensing Rule page for details.

Inspections and Compliance

USDA-licensed facilities are subject to unannounced inspections by APHIS. Here is what to expect:

  • A pre-license inspection is required before your initial license is granted.
  • After licensing, APHIS can inspect at any time without notice.
  • Inspectors check housing, food, water, veterinary care, sanitation, and space requirements.
  • They also review your record-keeping.
  • All inspection reports are public record .
  • Violations may result in warnings, deadlines to fix issues, or enforcement action.

Record-Keeping Requirements

USDA-licensed breeders must keep detailed records for every dog they buy, sell, or transport. Records must include:

  • Name and address of the buyer or seller
  • Date of each transaction
  • Description of each animal (breed, sex, color, markings, age)
  • USDA license number of any licensed parties involved
  • Records of veterinary care for each animal

Records must be kept for at least 1 year after you no longer have the animal and must be available for inspectors during business hours.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violating the Animal Welfare Act can result in serious consequences:

Civil Fines

Up to $10,000 per violation, per day

License Action

Suspension or permanent revocation

Criminal Charges

Fines and imprisonment for willful violations

Cease & Desist

Ordered to stop activities immediately

All enforcement actions and inspection reports are public record.

Sources and References

Related Resources

  • License Lookup — Search and verify any USDA-licensed dog breeder or dealer by name, certificate number, or state.
  • State Licensing Requirements — Check your state's breeder licensing requirements in addition to federal rules.
  • Glossary — Definitions of terms like "sight-unseen sale," "Class A license," and "Animal Welfare Act."
  • Report an Error — Found outdated info? Let us know.