All dog breeders in NSW must:

• have a breeder identification number
• comply with limits on dog numbers and litters
• meet minimum staff to dog ratio
• provide the dog’s microchip number and their breeder identification number when selling or rehoming a puppy.

Anyone who breeds dogs in NSW, whether you’re an experienced breeder or your dog has a one-off accidental litter, is classed as a breeder.

However, certain exemptions apply in limited circumstances. These include:

• racing greyhounds
• assistance dogs, if the breeder is either:
  • a member of the International Guide Dog Federation, or
  • an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International
• dogs kept by government agencies, such as police or corrective services
• working dogs that remain on the land where they were bred
• animal research conducted under an approved animal research authority.

You should proceed with microchipping and vaccinating the animals. Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW), all dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, regardless of whether a breeder identification number has been obtained. The absence of a breeder identification number does not prevent a veterinarian from microchipping or providing routine veterinary care.

The requirement to hold a breeder identification number or rehoming organisation number sits with the breeder or the person selling or giving away the animal, not the veterinary practitioner.

Anyone who breeds dogs in NSW, whether they are an experienced breeder or have a one-off accidental litter, is classed as a breeder under the new laws and are legally required to obtain a breeder identification number. Some exemptions apply in limited circumstances. These include, racing greyhounds, assistance dogs, dogs kept by government agencies, working dogs that remain on the land where they were bred and dogs involved in animal research. For more information visit our Q&A for dog breeding.

No. Any fine or enforcement action for failing to obtain a breeder identification number or rehoming organisation number sits with the breeder, not the veterinary practitioner.

For full details on your responsibilities under the code please see the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW Guideline on lifetime breeding limits for dogs.

Breaching lifetime litter limits:

• For individuals - a maximum of 1,000 penalty units ($110,000), or 2 years imprisonment, or both; and for a corporation, a maximum of 5,000 penalty units ($550,000)
• Penalty notice offence of $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for a corporation

Breaching record keeping requirements:

• For individuals - a maximum of 100 penalty units ($11,000) and for a corporation, a maximum of 500 penalty units ($55,000)
• Penalty notice offence of $500 for individuals and $2,500 for a corporation

If you suspect or become aware of poor, unlawful, or non-compliant breeding practices; including failure to obtain a required breeder identification number - you may make a report to an enforcement agency.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is responsible for administering the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) and supporting legislation, DPIRD is not an enforcement agency and does not hold investigative or enforcement powers under the Act.

Information on reporting a compliance concern on can be found at: Reporting & enforcement | Department of Primary Industries.

It is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Puppy Farming) Act 2024 No 85 for dog breeders to:

• Fail to obtain or use a required breeder identification number (BIN) or rehoming organisation number (RON)
• Exceed the maximum number of non-desexed female adult dogs permitted on a premises
• Not meet the minimum staff to dog ratios
• Provide incorrect or incomplete information when selling or transferring a dog
• Breach lifetime breeding limits, including limits on total litters or caesarean births

Please note: individuals and businesses involved in breeding dogs for a fee or reward and those litters that were not accidental must comply to the standards in the Animal Welfare Code of Practice breeding cats and dogs.

From 1 December 2029, compliance with the Code will be mandatory for all dog breeders, regardless of whether the breeding was intentional or otherwise, or for fee or reward.

Reporting is not mandatory, but veterinary practitioners should be aware of their obligations under the Veterinary Practitioners Code of Conduct (Schedule 2)

If you suspect or know a person may have breached these requirements, you can report this to a POCTAA enforcement agency. In NSW, these include RSPCA NSW, AWL NSW, NSW Police, and the Greyhound Welfare Integrity Commission. You can find more information about POCTAA enforcement agencies on the department’s webpage here.

Reporting the issue helps keep breeders accountable and assists in the prevention of illegal or unethical breeding practices.