08/01/2026
🐶New legislation for dog breeders in NSW
From 1 December 2025, new NSW legislation came into effect for dog breeders.
The changes strengthen animal welfare, improve transparency, and help stop puppy farming across the state. Whether you breed dogs or have an accidental litter, these rules apply to you.
What’s changing?
🪪 Breeder identification
Everyone who breeds dogs must hold a breeder identification number (BIN) or a rehoming organisation number (RON), issued through the NSW Pet Registry.
⏱️ Limits on litters and caesareans
Each female dog can have a maximum of five litters in her lifetime.
No more than three litters can be delivered by caesarean.
If a dog has had two caesareans, any further pregnancy will need veterinary approval.
🏡 Limits on breeding dogs per premises
You can keep up to 20 entire female adult dogs over six months of age on one premises, unless an exemption has been granted. Some exceptions apply.
👥 Staffing requirements
There must be at least one staff member for every 20 dogs on the premises.
Staff may be owners, employees or volunteers and must be at least 14 years old.
📢 Advertising requirements
When advertising a dog for sale or transfer, you must include:
- the dog’s microchip number
- the seller’s BIN or RON
Some exceptions apply.
This list is a summary. For full guidelines and legal requirements, see 👉https://www.petregistry.olg.nsw.gov.au/breeders
