Dog Breeder Licences
If you’re stepping into the world of dog breeding—or still weighing whether it’s the right path—you’ll come across one term fairly quickly: dog breeder licences. In plain terms, a dog breeding licence is official permission from your state or local council to legally breed dogs, whether you’re doing it as a hobby or a business.
The tricky part? Australia doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all rulebook. Every state sets its own bar. In Queensland, for instance, there’s a structured licensing process, while Victoria and New South Wales may take a different approach. Some regions only require licensing once you reach a certain number of dogs or litters, others roll it into breeder registration systems. Either way, sorting the paperwork is one of the first real tests of breeding responsibly.
Licensing Requirements by Region
Dog breeder licences aren’t one-size-fits-all. What’s expected from a breeder in Victoria can differ wildly from someone setting up in Western Australia. To make things trickier, the terminology shifts too—some places ask for full licences, others use terms like breeder registration, identification numbers, or kennel permits.
Here’s a broad snapshot to help you get your bearings:
- Queensland (QLD): Breeders who sell, give away, or advertise puppies must apply for a Breeder Identification Number through the Queensland Dog Breeder Register.
- Victoria (VIC): If you have between 3 and 10 fertile female dogs, you may need to register as a Domestic Animal Business with your local council—and in some cases, obtain an additional state-level licence.
- New South Wales (NSW): While there’s no single state-wide licence, breeders must comply with the NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice. While not a licence, breeders must also register with the government and get a BIN number.
- Western Australia (WA) and Tasmania (TAS): These states have their own frameworks for breeder registration, which often involve microchipping, council registration, and identification numbers for breeders who advertise or sell.
- South Australia (SA): Mandatory dog breeder registration through the Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) system. All breeders must follow the South Australian Standards and Guidelines for Breeding and Trading Companion Animals.
- Northern Territory (NT): While the NT does not currently enforce a formal dog breeder licensing scheme, breeders are still expected to meet basic standards of animal care under the Animal Welfare Act.
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Breeders in the ACT must apply for a Breeder License with the ACT Government.
Because of these variations, it’s always a smart move to check with your local council or relevant state authority before getting started. That said, having support behind you can make it easier—and that’s where RPBA steps in.
How RPBA Lends a Hand with Dog Breeder Licences
Rules shift between states, requirements jump from council to council, and what’s fine in one suburb might not fly in the next. That’s where Responsible Pet Breeders Australia (RPBA) steps in—not to hand you a pack of papers and pat you on the back, but to walk with you every step of the way.
And when the red tape starts to tangle, we’ve got you covered. RPBA members get access to a toolbox stacked with the practical stuff—compliance checklists, sample contracts, printable puppy weight charts, health and vaccination records, and more. These are road-tested by real breeders, shaped by feedback, and regularly refreshed to keep pace with the rules that matter most.
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Please note that we do not accept breeders with more than 10 breeding females. And we do not accept breeders who have been found guilty of any animal welfare or cruelty offences.
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We offer information on how to prepare for your first litter, the things you should have at home for your breeding set-up, and legislation references to ensure you are meeting the requirements.
Yes, we do! We are an inclusive club and we believe that both pedigree and non-pedigree dog breeders and cat breeders should follow the same level of care and consideration. Responsible Pet Breeders Australia is all about the responsible and ethical upbringing of all breeds.
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We are Australian owned, government recognised, and focus on education with our vet-curated breeder resources and templates. We do not support puppy farmers, and do not accept members with more than ten breeding bitches and/or queens.
RPBA is Australia’s largest community for all breeds. 29% of Australian’s have been judged by their pet’s colour, look, heritage, or breed. We are an all inclusive community and we do not discriminate.
