USDA Licensing: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

We know that navigating the federal and state regulations, licensing and registration requirements can be overwhelming. We have summarized some of the important aspects below to help you interpret the requirements and gain a better understanding of how they may apply to your breeding program.

Individuals and businesses that buy or sell dogs may be required to be licensed under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) by the USDA.

When is a USDA license required for breeders selling dogs?

You may need a USDA Class A license as a breeder if you meet both of the following requirements:

1. Have a total of five or more “breeding” females of any regulated species, bred and raised in your home or on your property, and 
2. Transfer one or more pets to buyers “sight unseen” (i.e., not face-to-face).

Only females with the capacity to breed (i.e. intact) are considered “breeding females” by the USDA. Dogs in any guardian home programs and co-ownership arrangements may count towards a breeder’s total number of breeding females.

Licensing is required for retail sales of dogs “sight unseen” “...where the buyer, seller, and dog are not physically together in the same place so the person buying or acquiring the animal cannot observe it prior to purchase or taking custody”.

Photos, webcam images, Skype sessions or other electronic means of communication are not a substitute for the buyer or their designee personally observing the animal at the time of purchase or custody transfer. 

Do You Need to Consider a Class A License?

If your responses to Column A equal more than four AND you answered yes to at least one of the questions in Column B, then the USDA Class A licensing requirements might apply to you.

Still unsure if you need a license? Enter your program's information in the Animal Care Licensing and Registration Assistant or contact USDA Animal Care.

USDA Animal Care
2150 Centre Ave. 
Building B, Mailstop 3W11 
Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117 
Phone: (970) 494-7478
E-mail: acwest@aphis.usda.gov

USDA Animal Care
920 Main Campus Drive Suite 200 
Raleigh, NC 27606-5210 
Phone: (919) 855-7100
E-mail: aceast@aphis.usda.gov 

Additional information can be found below:

• Questions and Answers: Activities with Dogs Requiring a USDA License/Registration
• Retail Pet Store Rule and Importation of Live Dogs Rule
• The Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations
• USDA-APHIS-AC homepage
• What are the licensing and registration requirements for transporting a dog?

In addition to federal regulations your program may also require licensing by the state. Requirements vary by state so be sure you check with your state's Department of Agriculture.

It is important to understand that if your program meets the requirements of both the state and the USDA you will be required to hold a license with both. 

If you need assistance in understanding how any USDA or state regulations might apply to you or your breeding programs, you can also email us anytime at breederteam@gooddog.com.

This information is provided for general information purposes only, and shall not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. Any advice we provide does not create an attorney-client relationship. We are not acting as your lawyer and are not barred to practice in your state. We would recommend connecting with a lawyer in your state if you are able. Legal advice is dependent upon the specific circumstances of each situation and the law may vary from state to state. Good Dog expressly disclaims all liability in respect of actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents in this resource.