New Breeding Laws - December 2025
NEW NSW DOG BREEDING LAWS - EFFECTIVE 1 DECEMBER 2025
The NSW Government has introduced stronger laws to protect dogs and stamp out puppy farming, improve the welfare for mums and pups, increase transparency and ensure ethical breeding across NSW.
These apply to everyone who breeds a dog, from registered breeders to accidental litters.
Here is a simple guide every dog owner and breeder should know.
1) Breeder Identification Number is now mandatory
Everyone who breeds a dog, including accidental litters, must have a Breeder Identification Number (BIN).
- Old breeder organisation numbers will no longer be accepted.
- Voluntary BINs automatically become inactive on 1 Dec 2025 unless updated.
2) Microchip + Breeder ID must be provided at sale or rehoming
When selling or giving away a puppy or dog, you must provide BOTH:
• The microchip number
• Your Breeder Identification Number
3) Lifetime breeding limits for female dogs
• Maximum 5 litters in a lifetime
• Maximum 3 caesareans (vet approval needed after the 2nd)
4) Limits on number of breeding dogs
No breeder in NSW can have more than 20 un-desexed female adult dogs unless they hold an approved exemption.
If you currently have more than 20:
- You must reduce to 20 or fewer by 1 December 2025, OR
- Apply for the temporary exemption (available only to breeders who had 20+ adult females on 24 Oct 2024).
5) Staff-to-dog ratio
Breeders must have at least 1 staff member or volunteer per 20 dogs to ensure proper care.
ABOUT THE EXEMPTION (2025–2035)
Available only to breeders who had over 20 female adult dogs on 24 Oct 2024.
Conditions include:
• No more than 50 adult female dogs by 1 Dec 2026
• Compliance with the Animal Welfare Code of Practice for Breeding Dogs and Cats
• Annual reporting
• Audits and inspections every 2 years
To find out more, visit >> https://www.petregistry.olg.nsw.gov.au/.../changes-dog...