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Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements in Connecticut

License Required Last updated: December 1, 2025
Connecticut requires a local kennel license for any breeder producing more than five litters annually. Breeders producing five or fewer litters may voluntarily obtain a license. Commercial kennels must meet detailed standards of care and may be inspected annually.

On This Page

  1. License Types & Requirements
  2. Federal USDA Requirements
  3. Inspections
  4. Penalties for Non-Compliance
  5. Recordkeeping Requirements
  6. Buyer Protections
  7. Resources & Links
  8. Frequently Asked Questions

License Types & Requirements in Connecticut

Local Kennel License (Mandatory)

Issuing Authority
Town Clerk
Threshold
More than 5 litters per year
Fee
Set by municipality
Renewal
Annual

Mandatory for breeders producing more than five litters annually. Facilities must meet standards for housing, sanitation, ventilation, lighting, temperature, and veterinary care.

Local Kennel License (Voluntary)

Issuing Authority
Town Clerk
Threshold
5 or fewer litters per year (optional)
Fee
Set by municipality
Renewal
Annual

Breeders producing five or fewer litters may voluntarily apply for a kennel license.

Local Requirements: Kennel licenses are issued at the municipal level; fees and requirements vary by town.

Federal USDA Licensing in Connecticut

Connecticut breeders selling sight-unseen with more than four breeding females must also hold a USDA license.

The USDA license is separate from and in addition to any state or county license. For complete details, visit our USDA Licensing Guide.

Inspections

Frequency: May be inspected annually; Commissioner may inspect at any time

The Commissioner, Chief Animal Control Officer, or state animal control officer may inspect any kennel at any time. Kennels may be inspected annually by local animal control.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Maintaining a kennel after license revocation is a Class D misdemeanor.
  • Breeding 5+ litters without license: first offense infraction; subsequent offenses Class D misdemeanor.
  • Failure to allow inspection can result in license revocation.
Important: In addition to state penalties, breeders who meet the USDA threshold may face separate federal fines of up to $10,000 per violation per day.

Recordkeeping Requirements

  • Records of all dogs bred, maintained, and sold.
  • Veterinary records including vaccinations.
  • Sales records with buyer information.

Buyer Protections in Connecticut

Connecticut Pet Purchaser Protection

Pet dealers must provide health certificates and disclose known health conditions. Buyers may have remedies for ill or defective animals.

For more information, visit our Puppy Buyer's Guide.

Resources & Official Links

Governing Authority

Connecticut Department of Agriculture

Relevant Laws

Connecticut Kennel Licensing (C.G.S.A. § 22-342, 344) Commercial Kennel Standards (CT ADC § 22-344-1 to 15)

Useful Tools

CT Department of Agriculture USDA APHIS Breeder Search

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Breeding in Connecticut

How many litters can I breed in Connecticut without a license?
Up to five litters per year without a mandatory license, though you may voluntarily obtain one. More than five litters requires a local kennel license.
Who issues kennel licenses in Connecticut?
The town clerk in the town where the kennel is located.
Does Connecticut have a puppy lemon law?
Connecticut has pet purchaser protections requiring health disclosures and providing buyer remedies.

Neighboring States

Breeding or selling dogs across state lines? Check requirements in neighboring states.

Massachusetts → New York → Rhode Island →
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