Top 10 states for commercial dog breeders

Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: February 28, 2008 - 1:59 PM

To sell puppies to pet stores, breeders must hold a USDA Class A license (if the breeder has more than 3 breeding females). Class B dealers can sell animals to research facilities as well as pet stores.

USDA list USDA USDA Breeders &

12/11/07 (Class A) (Class B) Brokers

Missouri 1556 162 1718

Oklahoma 572 53 625

Iowa 436 63 99

Kansas 410 54 464

Arkansas 349 28 377

Pennsylvania 201 53 254

Texas 118 105 223

Ohio 174 31 205

Nebraska 160 11 177

South Dakota 102 12 114

Minnesota 74 40 114

* Anyone can request breeders' inspection reports from the USDA. The USDA does not regulate pet stores, though many states provide oversight of the health and welfare of pets in retail stores.

* Veterinary proof is required that a dog or cat was unhealthy at the time of purchase in order to return the pet for a refund, exchange the pet for a different one "of equivalent value," or receive reimbursement for reasonable veterinary costs.

* Consider adopting purebred dogs or cats from breed rescue groups. The website www.petfinder.org has thousands of animals available for adoption, searchable by breed, size, age and geographic area.

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