Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina regulates commercial breeders under the Animal Welfare Act. The Department of Agriculture oversees licensing and inspections.
On This Page
License Types & Requirements in North Carolina
Breeder License
Required for commercial breeders.
Local Requirements: County and municipal regulations may add requirements.
Federal USDA Licensing in North Carolina
Federal USDA requirements apply.
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: As determined by Department
Licensed facilities subject to inspection.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Fines and 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 animals bred and sold.
Resources & Official Links
Governing Authority
NC Department of AgricultureRelevant Laws
NC Animal Welfare Act (N.C.G.S. § 19A-20 et seq.)Useful Tools
NC Dept of Agriculture USDA APHISFrequently Asked Questions About Dog Breeding in North Carolina
Do I need a license?
Yes for commercial breeders.
Puppy lemon law?
No comprehensive puppy lemon law.
Neighboring States
Breeding or selling dogs across state lines? Check requirements in neighboring states.