Your guide to changes to South Australia’s dog and cat breeding rules

In case you missed it, in June last year, the Dog and Cat Management (Breeder Reforms) Amendment Act 2025 was passed. 

This introduced a suite of new rules and requirements to reform dog and cat management in SA and boost confidence in our breeding sector. 

Some changes - including increased penalties, additional feral cat controls for regional property owners and changes to retired greyhound muzzle rules – came into effect in late 2025. 

Other elements, including stricter licensing requirements for anyone who breeds dogs and cats in South Australia, are still on the way. 

Now the government is wanting to hear what you think about key details to support the implementation of this licensing scheme, including breeding limits, ages and other standards that must be adhered to.

Whether you’re a breeder yourself or just a passionate pet parent, we want to know what you think. 

Find out everything you need to know here. 

What is South Australia’s new breeder licensing scheme? 

A new licensing scheme for dog and cat breeders was introduced as part of changes brought by the Dog and Cat Management (Breeder Reforms) Amendment Act 2025.

The scheme will require breeders to apply for – and be approved to hold – a licence to breed dogs and cats in South Australia. 

When breeders apply for a licence, they’ll be subject to a strict assessment process. The assessment process will consider the breeder’s knowledge, facilities and experience. 

Breeders will also have to adhere to limits on the number of fertile dogs and cats they can have as part of their program, along with standards of care that will be a condition of holding a licence. 

Fines of up to $10,000 will apply for unlicensed operations.

This will ensure South Australia is one of the strictest jurisdictions for breeding programs in the nation.

What is the point of a new licensing scheme? 

All South Australians deserve to know that their new puppy or kitten has come from a good home.

By introducing a robust licensing scheme, anyone looking to purchase a puppy or kitten can be confident it is coming from a responsible breeder who cares for their animals and keeps them in appropriate living conditions. 

What are we seeking feedback on? 

To bring the licensing scheme into effect, the government is seeking feedback on details including:

• Fertile female limits – including a maximum of 20 fertile females per breeding facility and 50 fertile females per breeding program, enabling oversight for larger breeding programs where animals are housed at multiple locations.
• Draft regulations which support breeder licensing, cat management and recognition of interstate dog control orders.
• New standards and guidelines, prepared by the Dog and Cat Management Board, which propose the practices breeders must comply with when managing breeding animals and their offspring.

Together, these elements are an important step in the implementation of the new breeder licensing scheme, estimated to be introduced in 2027.

How can I get involved? 

To have your say, visit the YourSAy website.

For more blogs on our furry friends, find out Helpful tips so we can all be ‘dog safe’ and What to expect when you’re expecting a dog.