Raising a cator a dog cannot be improvised well, even more so when you want to make it your job. Training, declaration, identification, control of facilities, veterinary follow-up... The regulation of animal breeding, cat and dog, is quite strict.
What is a dog or cat breeder?
The objective of the canine or feline breeder is to raise, feed, care for and reproduce the animals he holds. He must provide the necessary care adapted to the breed of the animal.
He sells his animals directly or through pet stores.
Good to know
As of January 1, 2024, the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores will be prohibited.
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How to become a dog or cat breeder?
The law very clearly defines the breeding activity (Article L214-6 of the Rural and Maritime Fisheries Code).
A dog or cat breeder is a person who holds:
- At least one breeding female.
- And who sells at least one dog or cat born from this female.
That is, if you sell a puppy or kitten whose mother you own, you are considered a breeder.
To practice, you must:
- Either have a specific professional certification (list in the decree of 14 January 2022).
- Either have undergone training to acquire knowledge relating to the biological, physiological, behavioral and maintenance needs of cats and dogs and have a certificate of knowledge. It entails the issuance of proof attesting to knowledge of the biological, physiological and behavioural needs of the animal.
Good to know
To find an authorized training in your region, you can consult the website of your Regional Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Forestry (DRAAF).
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What are the legal obligations of dog or cat breeders?
Formalities must be completed by dog and feline breeders. They are mandatory. Otherwise, they may be sanctioned by a fine of 30,000 euros (Article L215-10 of the Rural and Maritime Fisheries Code).
Declaring your breeding
Declaring the creation of one's breeding is not automatic. The obligation depends on the number of litters sold per year.
You sell one litter of puppies or kittens per year and per tax household
You do not have to declare the creation of your livestock activity to the Chamber of Agriculture if:
- You only produce purebred dogs or cats, which you must enter in the following herd books: the LOF for dogs, the LOOF for cats.
- You declare to the studbooks all litters from the dogs or cats you hold.
A specific identification number must be assigned to each litter.
On the other hand, if one or the other of these conditions are not met, you must declare your breeding administratively (see below).
You sell more than one litter per year and per tax household
Your new farm must be declared to the Chamber of Agriculture. The declaration is made on the e-procedures portal of the Single Window for Business Formalities.
You must file a declaration of creation of a farming business.
You will then receive a Siret number and a Siren number that must be mentioned in all your transactions and ads of animals for sale.
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Designate a health veterinarian
Any farmer may appoint a sanitary veterinarian for his breeding. Adobe Stock
The Cerfa form n ° 15983 * 01 allows you to appoint a health veterinarian as part of your canine or feline breeding activity.
Once signed by you and the veterinarian chosen, the document must be sent to the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations (DDPP) of the prefecture of each place of detention.
The designated professional has several missions. He must establish with you a health regulation to preserve:
- The health and well-being of your raised animals.
- Public health.
- The hygiene of your employees, if you have any.
He must also visit your facility twice a year. As a breeder, you are obliged to inform him as soon as the death of an animal appears suspicious to you.
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Declare your professional activity to the prefecture if you sell more than one litter per year
You must also declare your activity as a professional carrying out an activity related to pets of domestic species, Cerfa 15045 * 03, to the DDPP of the department in which your farm will be located at least 30 days before any sale of animal.
Keeping specific records
Two specific registers must be kept and updated by breeders:
- The register of entry and exit of animals: it includes the name and address of the owners.
- The animal health and health monitoring register: this includes information on sick or injured animals, reports of visits, and indications and proposals from your health veterinarian.
The latter can ask you for them at any time.
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Respect health and animal protection rules
Your farm must comply in all respects with the rules set out in the annexes of the decree of 3 April 2014.
Is the breeder of cats or dogs subject to the payment of contributions and social contributions?
The answer to this question depends on the number of breeding females held.
- Only one: you don't have to pay any dues.
- From 2 to 7: you must pay a solidarity contribution.
- From 8: you can apply to be affiliated to the MSA and pay the corresponding contributions.
What is the tax regime to which animal husbandry is subject?
Income from the sale of livestock is subject to income tax as agricultural profits.
They must be the subject of an annual declaration.
