Anyone involved in breeding cats and dogs must understand and be familiar with their responsibilities under NSW animal welfare and companion animal laws. 

These responsibilities apply whether you breed pets occasionally or run a breeding business.

Before breeding a cat or dog you should:

  • ensure the animal is healthy and suitable for breeding
  • understand the welfare standards that apply to breeding animals

Key breeder laws in NSW

As a breeder you must:

  • microchip puppies and kittens before selling or giving them away, or by 12 weeks of age
  • only sell or give pets to people 18 years or older
  • only sell puppies or kittens after they are 8 weeks old
  • ensure pets are healthy and not suffering from illness or injury
  • include the required identification numbers in any advertisement for a pet
  • follow animal welfare standards for breeding cats and dogs.

When you have a litter

If your cat or dog has a litter, you are responsible for ensuring the puppies or kittens are properly identified and cared for.

You must:

  • microchip each puppy or kitten before selling or giving them away, or by 12 weeks of age
  • ensure puppies and kittens are at least 8 weeks old before they are sold or given away
  • ensure pets are healthy and free from disease or injury
  • keep records of the litter and the pets you sell or transfer.

Microchipping helps ensure pets can be identified and reunited with their owners if they become lost.

Registering pets

If a puppy or kitten remains in your care after 12 weeks of age, you must register it in the NSW Pet Registry.

Pet registration helps councils manage companion animals and supports responsible pet ownership across NSW.

Selling or giving away pets

Before you sell or give away a puppy or kitten you must:

  • ensure the pet is microchipped
  • provide the microchip number to the new owner
  • ensure the person receiving the pet is 18 years or older.

Invite the owner to create or log in to their NSW Pet Registry account to complete the ownership transfer online instantly.

Advertising pets for sale or rehoming

If you advertise a puppy or kitten for sale or rehoming in NSW, the advertisement must include:

  • the microchip number of the pet, or
  • your breeder identification number, or
  • a valid rehoming organisation number.

This rule applies to advertisements on:

  • websites and online marketplaces
  • social media
  • newspapers or magazines
  • flyers or noticeboards.

Advertising without the required identification numbers is an offence.

Laws that breeders must follow

Breeders must comply with several NSW laws, including:

Failure to comply with these laws may result in penalties.

Breeding animal welfare rules

Breeders must follow minimum welfare standards when caring for breeding animals.

These standards include requirements for:

  • suitable housing and living conditions
  • veterinary care and health monitoring
  • appropriate breeding frequency
  • humane treatment and handling.

The rules help protect the health and wellbeing of breeding cats and dogs.

small-cavoodle-runs-on-the-beach-at-sunset
Manage your breeder responsibilities using the NSW Pet Registry

With a NSW Pet Registry account you can:

  • manage a litter
  • update your contact details
  • transfer ownership of a pet.