The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) at the federal level along with varying state laws collectively regulate animal welfare in the United States, including responsible puppy breeding. These laws are designed to ensure that puppies are bred and sold under humane and ethical conditions.
Since the Animal Welfare Act is enforced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), licensed commercial breeders must meet minimum standards for housing, sanitation, feeding, and general care. Additionally, many states require breeders to hold a license and undergo regular inspections to safeguard puppy welfare. For example, New York recently passed strict licensing laws under Senate Bill S5410 (2025) that set clear standards breeders must uphold.
Choosing a licensed breeder who follows these regulations helps reduce the risk of buying unhealthy or mistreated puppies and supports ethical breeding practices. This guide provides tips on how you, as a prospective puppy buyer, can identify licensed breeders, verify their credentials, and understand your rights and protections.
Requirements vary substantially across states in America. Some states including Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Ohio have mandatory licensing for anyone breeding and selling dogs commercially, especially if they breed three or more litters per year. In these states, "puppies for sale" by licensed breeders should come with assurance that welfare standards are met.
Conversely, some states do not require breeder licensing, such as California, Florida, and Alaska; however, breeders often must still comply with federal USDA regulations and local animal cruelty laws to operate legally. City or county governments may have additional licensing or inspection rules.
Generally, breeding dogs without intent to sell puppies commercially exempts breeders from licensing requirements if they can demonstrate this status.
Licensed breeders in the US typically provide certain key information when advertising puppies to help buyers confirm their legitimacy:
When buying from licensed breeders in the US, you can expect official compliance with welfare standards, including:
If you suspect illegal breeding activity or poor welfare conditions, it’s important to take action to protect puppies:
By familiarizing yourself with the federal and state licensing requirements and knowing what red flags to watch for, you can confidently select a licensed breeder who prioritizes puppy well-being. This informed approach will contribute to welcoming a healthy, happy new family member and discouraging unethical breeding practices across the US.