02/18/2026
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced that it is seeking comments from the public regarding appropriate standards for (1) the care of breeding female dogs at dog breeding facilities and (2) exercise and socialization of dogs subject to the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
Details:
As the agency tasked with enforcing AWA regulations, USDA APHIS notes that recent advances, new information, and new concepts regarding the handling and care of dogs makes it appropriate to review and seek data and scientific information on:
For Breeding Females:
Do breeding female dogs require additional veterinary or other care considerations over those for non-breeding dogs? What are the most common health issues documented in female breeding dogs?
Are there studies regarding the specific nutrition requirements during pregnancy and lactation for breeding females?
What scientific evidence is there regarding the impact of breeding age on the health of breeding females?
What, if any, impact does the number and frequency of litters have on the health of female dogs? Are there studies evaluating the impact of breed size on the health and breeding of female dogs?
What scientific evidence is there regarding the impact of heritable defects on the health of breeding females? What are the costs and benefits of genetic testing in breeding females for dog breeding facilities?
For Dog Socialization and Exercise:
Are there studies assessing the socialization needs of dogs, including interactions with humans and compatible dogs?
Are there studies assessing the health and wellbeing of singly housed dogs?
What scientific information is available regarding the exercise needs of dogs, including considerations of the animal’s age, breed, and health, the type of exercise, and exercise frequency and duration?
Are there studies evaluating the effects of human interaction on the health and welfare of dogs in breeding facilities?
APHIS’ Request for Information (RFI) explicitly notes, “The American Kennel Club (AKC), a canine welfare and advocacy organization, has also advanced kennel improvements to enhance dog welfare, including additional space, enhanced exercise and environmental enrichment, and outdoor access.”
APHIS will use the information obtained from submitted public comments to help identify outdated standards, new science, and stakeholder interest.
Points to Consider:
Not sure if you are subject to USDA licensing as a dog breeder? First, review Understanding USDA Dog Breeder Licensing. Then, go to APHIS Animal Care’s Licensing and Registration Assistant and answer the questions to determine whether you should be licensed under AWA.
AKC has long been of the view that the federal Animal Welfare Act, enforced by USDA, is intended to regulate wholesale breeders, dealers, and caretakers of dogs. USDA has regularly strengthened the standards for humane care and treatment of dogs and other animals by persons regulated under the AWA. AKC supports increasing the number of USDA enforcement personnel dealing with wholesale dog operations and strong enforcement of AWA requirements. (February 2026).
AKC supports further consideration of performance-based environmental enrichment standards as part of AWA regulations. (April 2023).
To consider new information regarding the health and care of breeding females, it is imperative that the term “breeding females” be clearly defined. AKC has long been concerned with the lack of a clear definition of “breeding female” in AWA regulations. In practice, USDA appears to define “breeding female” as “capacity to breed,” basing the assessment on a case-by-case individual inspection. This is vague, and leaves breeders uncertain of which animals may be considered non-breeding animals. AKC continues to encourage USDA APHIS to consider specifically defining “breeding female” as one that is in whelp or that has delivered live offspring in the past three years [if sexually intact]. Read Definition of Breeding Female (pages 2-3), included in AKC’s July 2022 comment to APHIS regarding its Strategic Plan Framework.
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS TO APHIS
APHIS will consider all comments received by March 19, 2026.
The easiest way to submit comments is via the Federal eRulemaking Portal (https://www.regulations.gov/document/APHIS-2025-1000-0001). Click Comment (blue box, top left of the page). Type or attach your comment, complete the other required information, then click Submit Comment (blue box, bottom center of the page).
Comments may also be submitted via mail. Send one copy of your comment to:
Docket No. APHIS-2025-1000
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS
5601 Sunnyside Ave.
Beltsville, MD 20705
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT…
Ms. Christine Jones, Acting Animal Care Chief of Staff
2150 Centre Avenue
Building B, Mailstop 3W11
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
Phone: 970-494-7478
AKC Government Relations
919-816-3720
doglaw@akc.org
