Responsibilities of Licensed Breeders
Standards of Care
You are responsible for reading and understanding the standards of care as established in the Licensed Breeder's Administrative Rules in ยงยง91.100 through 91.202.
These standards should be followed at all times by licensees, and TDLR inspectors will use these guidelines when assessing violations and possible administrative penalties.
Annual Inventory
Between January 1st and February 1st of each year, you must complete an annual inventory of all animals held at your facility at any time during the previous calendar year. See the Annual Inventory Form (PDF).
The annual inventory must be completed and sent to TDLR no later than February 1st of each year.
You are required to keep copies of each annual inventory for a period of two years after completion and provide them to TDLR inspectors upon request.
If you have more than one licensed facility, you must keep separate records for each facility and submit a separate accounting of animals for each facility.
Display of License
Your license should be displayed inside your facility where it can be easily seen by the general public. If you sell animals at a place outside your facility, for example at a weekend flea market, you should also display your license there.
On-Site Availability of Laws and Rules
You must maintain a printed copy of the law and administrative rules regarding licensed breeders at each facility you are licensed to operate.
Mandatory Contract Provisions
On each contract for the sale or transfer of an animal, you must include your license number as well as the following statement:
"Dog and cat breeders are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, 1-800-803-9202, 512-463-6599, www.tdlr.texas.gov"
Record Keeping
You are required to maintain a separate record for each individual animal housed at your facility. Records must include:
- Date which the animal entered the facility or operation
- Information on the person from whom the animal was purchased or obtained, including the name, address and phone number of such person, and license or registration number if applicable
- A description of each animal, including the species, color, breed, sex, date of birth (if not known, the approximate age) and weight
- Any tattoo, microchip, or other identification number carried by or appearing on the animal
- The disposition of each animal with date of disposition
- Records of veterinary care provided to each animal
Additionally, the following documentation must be collected for breeding female animals:
- Breeding dates
- Whelping or queening dates
- Number of puppies or kittens per litter
- Sire or tom for each litter
Records Retention
Records must be kept at the licensed facility where the animal was last housed for two years from the date the last entry in the records or the date the animal is no longer housed at the facility, whichever is later.
Transfer of Animals
When an animal is transferred from one licensed facility to another, a copy of the required records must be transferred along with the animal at the time of move.
Inspections
Each facility of a licensed breeder will be inspected at least once in every 18-month period.
Additional inspections may be required, if serious or repeated violations are found. See the Inspections of Licensed Breeder Facilities page for more information.
You (or your authorized representative) must assist the TDLR inspector in performing the inspection, if requested.
Advertising
Licensed breeders may not engage in false, misleading or deceptive advertising practices.
Each advertisement must conspicuously include the facility license number.
Change in License Information
If your business changes names, addresses, or leadership (including managers, owners, and partners with a controlling interest), you must notify the department in writing not later than the 10th day after the change occurs.
