Dog Breeding Laws by State 2024

Most states have dog breeding laws that apply to commercial pet breeders. Someone who breeds a litter or two of dogs each year as a hobby is usually referred to as a 'hobby breeder,’ and these laws do not apply to them.

However, the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Hawaii, Kentucky, New Jersey, Utah, Wyoming and the District of Columbia do not have any laws about commercial pet breeders. When you look at dog breeding laws by state, these states have the least restrictions for commercial pet breeders.

Laws are different in each state. Some require necessary food, water, shelter, and veterinary care, while others require room to move and a sanitary home. Breeders may be required to keep their dogs safe from weather, minimize distress, or exercise and socialize the dogs according to their state’s laws. Prospective breeders should make sure they are familiar with what requirements their state has for them.

Most States Require Certain Standards of Care

As with many things, the standards of care for dogs owned by commercial pet breeders are not uniform across all states. However, one consistent thing is that most states have some requirements for the standards of care for those dogs. For example, the state of California requires that commercial pet breeders provide portable water, adequate nutrition, sanitary conditions, 'adequate space' that is sufficient for the breed, weight, size, and age of the dog, adequate exercise and socialization, and veterinary care without delay when the dogs require it.

Commercial pet breeders in California also have to provide a floor mat, rest board, or another device that can be kept sanitary. One more requirement in California is that staff wash their hands before and after handling any contagious or infectious dogs.

The Majority of States Require Inspections for Commercial Pet Breeders

Another common requirement for commercial pet breeders across the United States is regular inspections. Some states, like Arizona, only require inspections of commercial pet breeders who have more than 20 dogs and are applying for a kennel permit. However, other states, like Connecticut, allow the Chief Animal Control Officer, the commissioner, or any state animal control officer to inspect any kennel where dogs are housed or bred at any time.

Kansas is another state that requires inspections to grant a commercial pet breeder permit or license. However, there are some exceptions to the inspection requirement. For example, the state of Indiana does not require commercial pet breed inspections.

Every State with Commercial Pet Breeder Laws Imposes Penalties for Violations

Commercial pet breeder laws vary quite a bit from state to state. However, one similarity that exists when you look at dog breeding laws by state for commercial pet breeders is that all states with commercial pet breeder laws penalize anyone who violates these laws. The severity of the penalties also differs from state to state.

However, in quite a few states, violating commercial pet breeder laws constitutes some misdemeanor offense. For example, in Arizona, anyone who knowingly fails to get a kennel permit within 30 days after the county enforcement agent notifies them that they have to do so has committed a class 2 misdemeanor. Penalties include fines, revocation of licenses, criminal penalties, and mandated improvement periods in which the offender must resolve their violation of commercial pet breeder laws. It is worth noting that the laws mentioned above do not apply to humane societies, pet shops, dog boarding kennels, and animal rescue organizations.

State	Provide FWSV	Safe from Weather	Minimize Distress	Room to Move	Sanitary Home	Exercise Socialization	Charges for Improper Care
Alabama	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated
Alaska	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Breeders who violate Alaska's dog breeding laws may be subject to fines up to $500 per violation. Revocation of license for breeding and criminal charges
Arizona	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Neglect of an animal is a class 1 misdemeanor, and can result in up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Aggravated cruelty to animals, which includes intentionally or knowingly subjecting an animal to cruel mistreatment or killing an animal, is a class 6 felony, and can result in up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $150,000.
Arkansas	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated
California	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Failure to provide adequate care to an animal is a crime, and can result in up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If the animal suffers great bodily harm or death, the penalties are increased to up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000.
Colorado	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Cruelty to animals is a class 1 misdemeanor, and can result in up to 18 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Aggravated cruelty to animals, which includes knowingly torturing, needlessly mutilating, or killing an animal, is a class 6 felony, and can result in up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,00
Connecticut	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide an animal with proper care can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in prison. If the animal suffers serious physical harm or dies, the penalties are increased to a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to five years in prison.
Delaware	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Cruelty to animals is a class A misdemeanor, and can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,300. Aggravated cruelty to animals, which includes intentionally or recklessly torturing, cruelly beating, or killing an animal, is a class G felony, and can result in up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
Florida	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Dog breeders who violate Florida's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties
Georgia	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Dog breeders who violate Georgia's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties
Hawaii	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated
Idaho	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Dog breeders who violate Idaho's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties
Illinois	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Cruelty to animals is a class A misdemeanor, and can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Aggravated cruelty to animals, which includes torturing or mutilating an animal or killing an animal in an especially heinous or brutal manner, is a class 4 felony, and can result in up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000.
Indiana	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Neglect of a vertebrate animal is a class A misdemeanor, and can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Animal cruelty, which includes knowingly or intentionally torturing or mutilating an animal, is a level 6 felony, and can result in up to 2.5 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Iowa	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Animal neglect is a simple misdemeanor, and can result in up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $625. Animal abuse, which includes intentionally injuring, maiming, disfiguring, or killing an animal, is an aggravated misdemeanor, and can result in up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $6,250.
Kansas	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both. A second or subsequent violation is a felony and may result in a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to one year and six months, or both.
Kentucky	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated
Louisiana	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $25,000, imprisonment for up to ten years, or both.
Maine	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Maryland	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $5,000, imprisoned for up to 90 days, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
Massachusetts	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $2,500, imprisoned for up to five years, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to seven years, or both.
Michigan	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to 93 days, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to four years, or both.
Minnesota	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $3,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Mississippi	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Dog breeders who violate Mississippi's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties
Missouri	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to four years, or both.
Montana	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Dog breeders who violate Montana's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties
Nebraska	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
Nevada	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
New Hampshire	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Dog breeders who violate New Hampshire's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties
New Jersey	Required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Monetary fines and suspension of the license to sell pets.
New Mexico	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Dog breeders who violate New Mexico's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties
New York	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Dog breeders who violate New York's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties
North Carolina	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Dog breeders who violate North Carolina's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties
North Dakota	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor for first offense and class A misdemeanor for second or subsequent violation.
Ohio	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide adequate food, water, and shelter: first degree misdemeanor, fine of $250 to $1000, and/or up to 180 days imprisonment. Torturing or cruelly abusing a dog: fifth degree felony, fine of up to $2500, and/or 6 to 12 months imprisonment
Oklahoma	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide proper care for a dog is considered animal cruelty, which is a felony offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to five years.
Oregon	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal neglect, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
Pennsylvania	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $750 and imprisonment for up to one year.
Rhode Island	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $500 and imprisonment for up to 11 months.
South Carolina	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines less than $200 and imprisonment for up to one year.
South Dakota	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Dog breeders who violate South Dakota's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties
Tennessee	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $2,500 and imprisonment for up to one year.
Texas	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a felony offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to two years.
Utah	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated
Vermont	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $2,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.
Virginia	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a Class 4 misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $250.
Washington	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Washington law also states that a dog may not be left in a parked car in a manner that endangers its health or safety. Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a gross misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.
West Virginia	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	In West Virginia, failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.
Wisconsin	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Not required	Failure to provide adequate food, water, and shelter: Class C forfeiture (fine of up to $500). Torturing or cruelly treating a dog: Class I felony, fine of up to $10,000, and/or up to 3 years and 6 months imprisonment
Wyoming	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated	Unregulated

State

Provide FWSV

Safe from Weather

Minimize Distress

Room to Move

Sanitary Home

Exercise Socialization

Charges for Improper Care

Alabama

Unregulated

Alaska

Required

Not required

Breeders who violate Alaska's dog breeding laws may be subject to fines up to $500 per violation. Revocation of license for breeding and criminal charges

Arizona

Required

Not required

Neglect of an animal is a class 1 misdemeanor, and can result in up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Aggravated cruelty to animals, which includes intentionally or knowingly subjecting an animal to cruel mistreatment or killing an animal, is a class 6 felony, and can result in up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $150,000.

Arkansas

Unregulated

California

Required

Failure to provide adequate care to an animal is a crime, and can result in up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If the animal suffers great bodily harm or death, the penalties are increased to up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000.

Colorado

Required

Cruelty to animals is a class 1 misdemeanor, and can result in up to 18 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Aggravated cruelty to animals, which includes knowingly torturing, needlessly mutilating, or killing an animal, is a class 6 felony, and can result in up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,00

Connecticut

Required

Not required

Failure to provide an animal with proper care can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in prison. If the animal suffers serious physical harm or dies, the penalties are increased to a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to five years in prison.

Delaware

Required

Not required

Cruelty to animals is a class A misdemeanor, and can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,300. Aggravated cruelty to animals, which includes intentionally or recklessly torturing, cruelly beating, or killing an animal, is a class G felony, and can result in up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Florida

Required

Not required

Dog breeders who violate Florida's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties

Georgia

Required

Not required

Dog breeders who violate Georgia's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties

Hawaii

Unregulated

Idaho

Required

Not required

Dog breeders who violate Idaho's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties

Illinois

Required

Cruelty to animals is a class A misdemeanor, and can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Aggravated cruelty to animals, which includes torturing or mutilating an animal or killing an animal in an especially heinous or brutal manner, is a class 4 felony, and can result in up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000.

Indiana

Required

Neglect of a vertebrate animal is a class A misdemeanor, and can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Animal cruelty, which includes knowingly or intentionally torturing or mutilating an animal, is a level 6 felony, and can result in up to 2.5 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Iowa

Required

Not required

Animal neglect is a simple misdemeanor, and can result in up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $625. Animal abuse, which includes intentionally injuring, maiming, disfiguring, or killing an animal, is an aggravated misdemeanor, and can result in up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $6,250.

Kansas

Required

Not required

If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both. A second or subsequent violation is a felony and may result in a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to one year and six months, or both.

Kentucky

Unregulated

Louisiana

Required

Not required

If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $25,000, imprisonment for up to ten years, or both.

Maine

Required

Not required

If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

Maryland

Required

Not required

If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $5,000, imprisoned for up to 90 days, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

Massachusetts

Required

Not required

If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $2,500, imprisoned for up to five years, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to seven years, or both.

Michigan

Required

Not required

If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to 93 days, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to four years, or both.

Minnesota

Required

Not required

If a person is found guilty of animal cruelty, they may be fined up to $3,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both. If the animal cruelty resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty may be increased to a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

Mississippi

Required

Not required

Dog breeders who violate Mississippi's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties

Missouri

Required

Not required

Montana

Required

Not required

Dog breeders who violate Montana's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties

Nebraska

Required

Not required

Nevada

Required

Not required

New Hampshire

Required

Not required

Dog breeders who violate New Hampshire's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties

New Jersey

Required

Not required

Monetary fines and suspension of the license to sell pets.

New Mexico

Required

Not required

Dog breeders who violate New Mexico's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties

New York

Required

Not required

Dog breeders who violate New York's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties

North Carolina

Required

Not required

Dog breeders who violate North Carolina's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties

North Dakota

Required

Not required

Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor for first offense and class A misdemeanor for second or subsequent violation.

Ohio

Required

Not required

Failure to provide adequate food, water, and shelter: first degree misdemeanor, fine of $250 to $1000, and/or up to 180 days imprisonment. Torturing or cruelly abusing a dog: fifth degree felony, fine of up to $2500, and/or 6 to 12 months imprisonment

Oklahoma

Required

Not required

Failure to provide proper care for a dog is considered animal cruelty, which is a felony offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to five years.

Oregon

Required

Not required

Failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal neglect, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.

Pennsylvania

Required

Not required

Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $750 and imprisonment for up to one year.

Rhode Island

Required

Not required

Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $500 and imprisonment for up to 11 months.

South Carolina

Required

Not required

Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines less than $200 and imprisonment for up to one year.

South Dakota

Required

Not required

Dog breeders who violate South Dakota's laws and regulations may be subject to fines, revocation of license, criminal charges, and civil penalties

Tennessee

Required

Not required

Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $2,500 and imprisonment for up to one year.

Texas

Required

Not required

Failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a felony offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to two years.

Utah

Unregulated

Vermont

Required

Not required

Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $2,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.

Virginia

Required

Not required

Failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a Class 4 misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $250.

Washington

Required

Not required

Washington law also states that a dog may not be left in a parked car in a manner that endangers its health or safety. Failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a gross misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.

West Virginia

Required

Not required

In West Virginia, failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties can include fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.

Wisconsin

Required

Not required

Failure to provide adequate food, water, and shelter: Class C forfeiture (fine of up to $500). Torturing or cruelly treating a dog: Class I felony, fine of up to $10,000, and/or up to 3 years and 6 months imprisonment

Wyoming

Unregulated