Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements in Texas
Texas requires licensing for large-scale breeders (11+ breeding females, 20+ dogs sold/year) under the Dog or Cat Breeders Act. TDLR oversees licensing and inspections.
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License Types & Requirements in Texas
Licensed Breeder
Facility standards and inspections required.
Local Requirements: Houston has retail pet sale restrictions.
Federal USDA Licensing in Texas
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: Regular
TDLR inspects licensed facilities.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Admin penalties, license revocation, criminal charges.
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
- Comprehensive breeding, sales, and vet care records.
Buyer Protections in Texas
Texas Pet Purchaser Protection
Protections through breeder licensing framework.
For more information, visit our Puppy Buyer's Guide.
Resources & Official Links
Governing Authority
Texas TDLRRelevant Laws
Texas Dog or Cat Breeders Act (Tex. Occ. Code § 802.001 et seq.)Useful Tools
TDLR Dog/Cat Breeders USDA APHISFrequently Asked Questions About Dog Breeding in Texas
How many dogs triggers a license?
11+ breeding females and 20+ dogs sold/year.
Does Texas inspect?
Yes. TDLR conducts inspections.
Neighboring States
Breeding or selling dogs across state lines? Check requirements in neighboring states.