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Licensed Breeders Frequently Asked Questions

On this page:

General

1. How old do I have to be to become a licensed Breeder?
2. What is an annual inventory?
3. Does an annual inventory need to be conducted at a certain time of the year?
4. How do I check the status of my application?
5. Will a criminal conviction prevent me from getting a license?
6. Do I have to include a CHQ with my application?
7. Can I request a criminal history evaluation before I apply?
8. Where can I find the Criminal History Questionnaire (CHQ)?
9. When would I need to include a DAQ with my application?
10. Where can I find a Disciplinary Action Questionnaire (DAQ)?
11. Do you take walk-in registration applications, and how long does it take to process an application?
12. How do I change my mailing address or phone number?
13. How do I get a duplicate license?
14. What is the fee for the “5 to 10 adult intact females” category?
15. How do I find out about the “Pre-License Inspection” process?
16. How do I know if I am Exempt from a breeder license?
17. How do I know if a breeding facility is licensed?
18. How do I report unlicensed activity?

1. How old do I have to be to become a licensed breeder?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for this license.

2. What is an annual inventory?

An annual inventory is a count of all cats or dogs held at your facility at any time during the past calendar year. Use the Annual Inventory Form (PDF) to report this information.

3. Does an annual inventory need to be conducted at a certain time of the year?

An annual inventory must be completed and sent to TDLR no later than February 1 each year.

4. How do I check the status of my application?

You can check the status of your application by contacting Customer Service by email or phone.

5. Will a criminal conviction prevent me from getting a license?

Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Licenses may be denied based on the nature of the conviction and how long prior to the application the conviction occurred. Detailed information of our criminal conviction guidelines can be found on our website at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/crimconvict.htm.

6. Do I have to include a CHQ with my application?

If your answer to the application question, "Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense?" is yes, then you must provide the CHQ.

7. Can I request a criminal history evaluation before I apply?

Yes. All controlling persons listed on an application for a license with TDLR are subject to a criminal background check. A potential applicant may find out before applying whether he or she would likely be denied a license due to his or her criminal history.

You may request a Criminal History Evaluation Letter (CHEL) by completing a request form, completing a criminal history questionnaire for each crime for which you were convicted or placed on deferred adjudication, and paying the $25.00 request fee. TDLR will not process a request form that is submitted without a criminal history questionnaire attached, or submitted without payment of the fee.

The request forms and more information is available at the Criminal History Evaluation Letter section of our website. Download the form for the specific license type for which you are applying.

8. Where can I find the Criminal History Questionnaire (CHQ)?

The CHQ is available to download and print on our web site at http://www.tdlr.texas.gov/MISC/lic002.pdf.

TDLR must review your criminal history to determine if you are eligible to obtain or retain a license. Depending on your criminal history, a review can take from one to six weeks to complete. Complete this form only if you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, other than a minor traffic violation, or pleaded guilty or no contest (resulting in a deferred adjudication) to any criminal offense. Be specific, provide exact details, and attach a separate form for each crime. Questions regarding this form may be addressed to TDLR’s Enforcement Division at enforcement@tdlr.texas.gov or by phone at (512) 539-5600.

9. When would I need to include a Disciplinary Action Questionnaire (DAQ) with my application?

If you have had an occupational license revoked, suspended, probated or denied in any state, county, or municipality, TDLR must review your disciplinary action history to determine if you are eligible to obtain a license. (This does not include revocation of a driver's license). Please provide specific information and exact details. Questions regarding this form may be addressed to TDLR's Enforcement Division at enforcement@tdlr.texas.gov or by phone at (512) 463-2906.

10. Where can I find a Disciplinary Action Questionnaire (DAQ)?

The DAQ is available to download and print on our web site at http://www.tdlr.texas.gov/misc/Disciplinary Action Questionnaire.pdf.

11. Do you take walk-in registration applications, and how long does it take to process an application?

A completed application with check or money order can be brought to the lobby of our headquarters, but processing will require a minimum of three business days in addition to any time required for review of criminal background information.

Visit our lobby at 920 Colorado Street in downtown Austin, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

12. How do I change my mailing address or phone number?

Go to Change Your Contact Info. You will be asked to verify your license type and license number before you can make any changes.

13. How do I get a duplicate license?

When you order a duplicate license, you’ll need your TDLR Breeder License number and the last 4 numbers of your Federal Tax ID to complete the process.

14. What is the fee for the “5 to 10 adult intact females” category?

15. How do I find out about the “Pre-License Inspection” process?

Learn more about the Pre-License Inspection process. You can apply once you’ve read the information.

16. How do I know if I am Exempt from a breeder license?

Dog breeders exempted from the law are those who breed dogs for herding livestock, hunting, competing in field trials or in breed or conformation shows. (Check section 91.30 of the Texas Administrative Code for more details.) Also exempt are those who possess less than five adult intact female dogs or cats.

17. How do I know if a breeding facility is licensed?

You can search for a licensed breeder on the TDLR website. Please note that the absence of a license does not necessarily mean that a breeder is operating without a license; some breeders are exempt from licensure.

18. How do I report unlicensed activity?

You can report violations online 24 hours a day or mail your complaint to:

TDLR
P.O. Box 12157
Austin TX 78711-2157

Licensed Breeder - Training and Enforcement Account

1. What is the Training and Enforcement Account?
2. Is my donation tax deductable?
3. How will my donation be used?
4. Can I make a donation using a check or money order?
5. Can I make a scheduled monthly donation from my bank account or credit card?
6. Can I donate online?
7. How can I collect a reward from this account for reporting unlicensed activity?
8. How do I report unlicensed activity?
9. Can I report unlicensed activity anonymously?

1. What is the Training and Enforcement Account?

The Licensed Breeder Training and Enforcement Account was established in Sec. 802.059 of the Licensed Breeder statute. All donations to this account are eligible to be used for:

2. Is my donation tax deductable?

Yes. TDLR will send you a letter to document the receipt of your donation for your tax records.

3. How will my donation be used?

All donations are eligible to be used for:

4. Can I make a donation using a check or money order?

Yes, print and complete the Donation Form (PDF) and send the form with check or money order payable to TDLR:

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
P.O. Box 12157
Austin, TX 78711-2157

You can also drop off a donation in person at our downtown Austin location, located at 920 Colorado St in Austin.

5. Can I make a scheduled monthly donation from my bank account or credit card?

No, you are required to initiate each donation.

6. Can I donate online?

Yes! Go to: http://www.tdlr.texas.gov/bre/donations.htm.

7. How can I collect a reward from this account for reporting unlicensed activity?

If information provided by you to TDLR leads to disciplinary action against an individual for unlicensed activity, you will be eligible for a reward. The amount of the reward and the method of payment will be determined by the executive director of TDLR on a case-by-case basis. The maximum amount of the reward is $1,000.

8. How do I report unlicensed activity?

You can report violations online 24 hours a day at: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/Complaints/.

You can also call TDLR during normal business hours at (800) 803-9202 to report violations. Please provide as much information as possible so that we may investigate thoroughly.

9. Can I report unlicensed activity anonymously?

Yes. When you file a complaint, you are not required to identify yourself. However, if you choose to remain anonymous, we will not be able to automatically update you on the progress of the case.