How To Get A Dog Breeding License In Ontario

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Many dog lovers are very enthusiastic about a particular breed of dog. A dog breeding business lets dog lovers who like a specific breed pick out a puppy of that breed. Most businesses focus on raising one breed of dog and, thus, serve people who love that breed.

Learn how to start your own Dog Breeding Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Are they Purebred?​​​​

When we look at purebred dogs, there are three things to remember. First of all, puppies produced by breeding two of the same breed — for instance, two chihuahuas — together are considered purebred in much of the world.

However, this is not the case in Canada. According to the Canadian Animal Pedigree Act, dogs are not legally purebred until they are properly registered with the Canadian Kennel Club.

Also, all of their offspring are only purebred if they are also registered by the CKC. Finally, all purebred dogs sold to new owners, must be registered within 6 months from the date of purchase.

In efforts to reduce puppy mills in Canada, the Canadian Animal Pedigree Act has determined that only dogs registered with the Canadian Kennel Club are considered to be purebred. Make sure that your kennel dogs adhere to the Canadian Animal Pedigree Act.

Breeder Kennel Permits

​A breeder needs to provide both indoor and outdoor space for his dogs

A breeder needs to provide both indoor and outdoor space for his dogs

In Canada, you do not need a permit to breed dogs if you keep numbers low and applicable to your location. You will find that, in most cities and rural communities, the maximum number of dogs is 3 dogs per household.

However, some cities and counties allow a maximum of 4 dogs per household. Furthermore, you should be aware that some cities have special rules concerning the number of intact dogs on in a home.

With all numbers, dogs under the age of 6 months, if the mother is also on the property, do not count toward the maximum dogs. After 6 months, they do.

Likewise, if you want to have more dogs than 3 or 4, you can apply for a kennel permit. The requirements for a kennel permit vary depending on the county and province you live in.

Additionally, in some areas a limited number of kennel permits are awarded every year. Therefore, it is important to check with your local animal control office to determine if you’d be eligible.

With licencing, kennels are graded on several factors:

Start a Dog Breeding Business in your State

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FAQ

Do you need a license to be a dog breeder in Ontario?

The Licensing By-Law requires that those operating a pet shop, premises where animals and/or birds for use as pets are sold and/or kept for sale, obtain a licence.

Is it legal to breed dogs at home in Ontario?

The Act also bans the owning, breeding, importing, or transferring of pit bull dogs in Ontario, save for dogs grandfathered in before the Act took effect in 2005 (then the dog is a “restricted pit bull” subject to further laws).

Is it illegal to sell puppies in Ontario?

If purchasing a purebred puppy, be aware the Canadian Kennel Club makes is against their Code of Conduct to sell purebred puppies without pedigree papers, or to sell puppies before 8 weeks, and it is illegal to ask you to pay extra for the registration.

Do dog breeders need a license?

If the breeder does any of the following they will require a license: Breeding and selling of five or more litters in a year. Advertising a business breeding and selling dogs. Selling dogs commercially, such as in a pet shop.