TEXAS BREEDER LAW EFFECTIVE 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2012

ATTENTION: The new Texas Dog or Cat Breeders Act approved by the legislature in 2011 becomes effective on September 1, 2012. Individuals who are required to come into compliance with the law include those:

► Who possess 11 or more adult (6 months or older) intact female dogs or cats, and

► Who are in the business of breeding those dogs or cats for direct or indirect sale or for exchange in return for consideration, and

► Who sell, exchange, or offers to sell or exchange, 20 or more dogs or cats in a calendar year.

Among its many provisions, the law includes breeder licensing, inspections of breeder facilities, and standards of care requirements. (See below for specific information on the new law/regulations.)

Individuals who are required to get a license but do not may be subject to enforcement actions, including administrative penalties and sanctions.

INFORMATION ON THE NEW LAWS  The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has created several online resources to help breeders understand the law and to encourage breeders to come into compliance. They include:

卐 The Licensed Breeders laws may be viewed by clicking here.

卐 Administrative rules for licensed breeders may be viewed by clicking here.

卐 Forms for licensed breeders, including an application to obtain a license, may be accessed by clicking here.

A FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page may be viewed by clicking here.

NEXT STEPS FOR TEXAS BREEDERS The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) advises that breeders required to be licensed should send an application and fee to TDLR; provide a valid state sales and tax identification number; list the name and address of each person who applies for the license, or each controlling person; pass a criminal background check; and pass a pre-license inspection or, in the alternative, possess a Class A USDA breeder license.

For more information, click here to email the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; click here to email the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance, or call (210) 822-6763; or call the American Kennel Club Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or click here to email AKC.