Where PawTrace operates
Every province. Every territory. Day one.
PawTrace verifies breeders and issues passports across Canada. Rules differ by province — here is what applies where you live, and how PawTrace fits.
Regulatory snapshot
| Province / territory | What PawTrace adds | Animal‑welfare statute | Breeder licensing | Privacy law |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario ON |
| Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 (PAWS Act), as amended by the Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act, 2024 (PUPS Act) | No licence No provincial breeder licence or registry | PIPEDA (federal) |
| Quebec QC |
| Animal Welfare and Safety Act (CQLR, c. B-3.1) | Permit required MAPAQ permit to own or keep 15 or more cats or dogs | Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector (Law 25) |
| British Columbia BC |
| Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (RSBC 1996, c. 372) | No licence No provincial breeder licence or registry | Personal Information Protection Act (BC PIPA) |
| Alberta AB |
| Animal Protection Act (RSA 2000, c. A-41) | No licence No provincial breeder licence or registry | Personal Information Protection Act (Alberta PIPA) |
| Manitoba MB |
| The Animal Care Act (C.C.S.M. c. A84) | Licence required Licence regime in the Act for breeding premises and kennels | PIPEDA (federal) |
| Saskatchewan SK |
| The Animal Protection Act, 2018 (SS 2018, c. A-21.2) | No licence No provincial breeder licence or registry | PIPEDA (federal) |
| Nova Scotia NS |
| Animal Protection Act (SNS 2008, c. 33) | No licence No provincial breeder licence or registry | PIPEDA (federal) |
| New Brunswick NB |
| Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (RSNB 2014, c. 132) | Licence required Annual Pet Establishment licence required for anyone who breeds and sells dogs | PIPEDA (federal) |
| Prince Edward Island PE |
| Animal Welfare Act (RSPEI 1988, c. A-11.2) | No licence No provincial breeder licence identified | PIPEDA (federal) |
| Newfoundland and Labrador NL |
| Animal Health and Protection Act (SNL 2010, c. A-9.1) | No licence No provincial breeder licence or registry | PIPEDA (federal) |
| Yukon YT |
| Animal Protection and Control Act (in force April 5, 2024) | Permit required Permits for animal businesses (from April 5, 2025) | PIPEDA (federal) |
| Northwest Territories NT |
| Dog Act (RSNWT 1988, c. D-7) | No licence No territorial breeder licence or registry | PIPEDA (federal) |
| Nunavut NU |
| Dog Act (RSNWT (Nu) 1988, c. D-7) | No licence No territorial breeder licence or registry | PIPEDA (federal) |
Last reviewed September 27, 2026. Summary for orientation only, not legal advice. Each statute links to its official source.
Where nobody licenses breeders
PawTrace’s graded badge is the only neutral, checkable standard a buyer can ask for.
Ontario
Records kept in the shape the PUPS Act expects.
Quebec
MAPAQ permit is a verifiable data point; French passports; Law 25 compliant.
BC and Alberta
Provincial PIPA rules govern breeder and buyer data; PIPEDA elsewhere.
Provincial and territorial law
What the law says where you live
Dog breeding and sale rules for all 13 provinces and territories, with links to the official statutes, regulations and regulators. Last reviewed .
Ontario ON
No licence- Breeder licensing
- No provincial breeder licence or registry
- Who enforces it
- Animal Welfare Services, Ministry of the Solicitor General — 1-833-9-ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625)
- Privacy law
- PIPEDA (federal)
- The PUPS Act received Royal Assent on June 6, 2024 and makes operating a puppy mill an offence under the PAWS Act.
- Puppy-mill practices include breeding a female dog under 12 months old, breeding her more than three times in two years, breeding related dogs (parent–offspring or siblings), and separating puppies from their mother before 56 days unless a veterinarian advises it in writing.
- Minimum fines: $10,000, or $25,000 where a dog dies. Each prohibited practice is a separate offence.
- Standards of care for all animals: O. Reg. 444/19. Regulations on sale, transfer and record-keeping under the PUPS Act had not been adopted as of late 2025.
Official sources: PAWS Act, 2019 (e-Laws) · O. Reg. 444/19 — Standards of Care · Bill 159, PUPS Act, 2024 (Legislative Assembly of Ontario)
Quebec QC
Permit required- Main statute
- Animal Welfare and Safety Act (CQLR, c. B-3.1)
- Breeder licensing
- MAPAQ permit to own or keep 15 or more cats or dogs
- Who enforces it
- MAPAQ — 1 844 ANIMAUX (1 844 264-6289)
- A permit from the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation (MAPAQ) is required to own or keep 15 or more cats or dogs. Kittens and puppies under six months born on site don't count toward the 15.
- Category 1 covers 15–49 animals, Category 2 covers 50 or more. The permit is renewed every year and a copy must be displayed at every premises where animals are kept.
- Care, breeding and weaning standards are set by the Regulation respecting the welfare and safety of domestic companion animals and equines.
- Under the Act to promote the protection of persons by establishing a framework concerning dogs (CQLR, c. P-38.002), dogs must be registered with the local municipality. Many municipalities add their own limits.
Official sources: Animal Welfare and Safety Act (LégisQuébec) · Permits for cats, dogs and equines (Québec.ca) · Act concerning dogs, c. P-38.002 (LégisQuébec)
British Columbia BC
No licence- Breeder licensing
- No provincial breeder licence or registry
- Who enforces it
- BC SPCA Animal Helpline — 1-855-622-7722
- The Animal Care Codes of Practice Regulation (B.C. Reg. 34/2019, in force June 1, 2019) makes the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association's Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations the 'generally accepted practice' for commercial dog breeders.
- The Code covers housing, sanitation, food and water, veterinary care, socialization, record-keeping and transport.
- The BC SPCA enforces the Act. Some municipalities regulate kennels and the number of dogs per household.
Official sources: Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (BC Laws) · Animal Care Codes of Practice Regulation, B.C. Reg. 34/2019
Alberta AB
No licence- Main statute
- Animal Protection Act (RSA 2000, c. A-41)
- Breeder licensing
- No provincial breeder licence or registry
- Who enforces it
- Alberta SPCA — albertaspca.org
- The Animal Protection Regulation (Alta. Reg. 203/2005) recognizes codes of practice, including the CVMA kennel code, as generally accepted practices for dogs in kennel operations.
- Enforcement is by peace officers of the Alberta SPCA, humane societies and police.
- Calgary, Edmonton and other municipalities license dogs and may limit the number kept or require a kennel permit.
Official sources: Animal Protection Act (CanLII)
Manitoba MB
Licence required- Main statute
- The Animal Care Act (C.C.S.M. c. A84)
- Breeder licensing
- Licence regime in the Act for breeding premises and kennels
- Who enforces it
- Manitoba Agriculture, Animal Care Line — 204-945-8000
- Privacy law
- PIPEDA (federal)
- The Act requires a licence for 'companion animal breeding premises' (more than the prescribed number of fertile females) and for kennels keeping more than seven companion animals for a fee.
- The Animal Care Regulation (M.R. 126/98) sets standards for licensed premises, including construction, hygiene, food and water, disease control and record-keeping.
- Manitoba paused issuing breeder licences in 2012–13. Check the current status with the Chief Veterinary Office before relying on a licence number.
- Winnipeg requires an intact-pet licence and a breeding permit for each breeding female.
Official sources: The Animal Care Act (Manitoba Laws) · Animal Care Regulation, M.R. 126/98 (PDF) · City of Winnipeg breeding permit
Saskatchewan SK
No licence- Breeder licensing
- No provincial breeder licence or registry
- Who enforces it
- Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan — apss.ca
- Privacy law
- PIPEDA (federal)
- The Animal Protection Regulations, 2018 set out standards of care and recognize codes of practice as reasonable and generally accepted practices.
- Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan (APSS) enforces the Act outside Regina and Saskatoon, where the local humane societies do.
- Municipal bylaws may require kennel licences or cap the number of dogs.
Official sources: The Animal Protection Act, 2018 (CanLII)
Nova Scotia NS
No licence- Main statute
- Animal Protection Act (SNS 2008, c. 33)
- Breeder licensing
- No provincial breeder licence or registry
- Who enforces it
- Nova Scotia SPCA — spcans.ca
- Privacy law
- PIPEDA (federal)
- The Animal Protection Regulations include standards of care for dogs (shelter, tethering, food, water, veterinary care).
- The Nova Scotia SPCA enforces the Act across the province.
- Halifax and other municipalities license dogs and regulate kennels through bylaws.
Official sources: Animal Protection Act (CanLII)
New Brunswick NB
Licence required- Breeder licensing
- Annual Pet Establishment licence required for anyone who breeds and sells dogs
- Who enforces it
- New Brunswick SPCA — (506) 458-8208
- Privacy law
- PIPEDA (federal)
- Under the Pet Establishment Regulation (N.B. Reg. 2010-74), anyone who breeds and sells dogs must hold a kennel licence, issued after an NB SPCA inspection and renewed every year.
- The licence number must appear in every advertisement for puppies. Selling without a licence is an offence.
- Licensed kennels must meet the CVMA Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations (3rd edition, 2018).
- Anyone selling a dog or cat must give the buyer a veterinary certificate of health.
Official sources: Pet Establishment Licence (Government of New Brunswick) · Pet Establishment Regulation, N.B. Reg. 2010-74 (CanLII) · NB SPCA — Pet establishment licensing
Prince Edward Island PE
No licence- Main statute
- Animal Welfare Act (RSPEI 1988, c. A-11.2)
- Breeder licensing
- No provincial breeder licence identified
- Who enforces it
- PEI Department of Agriculture, animal welfare inspectors
- Privacy law
- PIPEDA (federal)
- The Act and its regulations set out standards of care and are enforced by provincial animal welfare inspectors.
- Charlottetown, Summerside and other municipalities license dogs through bylaws.
- PawTrace is confirming whether any provincial kennel or breeder permit applies; this entry will be updated.
Official sources: Animal Welfare Act (CanLII)
Newfoundland and Labrador NL
No licence- Breeder licensing
- No provincial breeder licence or registry
- Who enforces it
- Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture — animal health
- Privacy law
- PIPEDA (federal)
- The Animal Protection Standards Regulations set minimum standards of care for dogs.
- Enforcement is by provincial animal protection officers, the RNC and the RCMP.
- St. John's and other municipalities license dogs and limit numbers through bylaws.
Official sources: Animal Health and Protection Act (CanLII)
Yukon YT
Permit required- Breeder licensing
- Permits for animal businesses (from April 5, 2025)
- Who enforces it
- Animal Health Unit, Department of Environment — 867-667-5600
- Privacy law
- PIPEDA (federal)
- The Act replaced the Dog Act, the Animal Protection Act and the Pounds Act on April 5, 2024, and sets standards of care and control for owners.
- Businesses that handle or house animals, such as pet stores, boarding facilities and rescues, need a $50 permit and can be inspected. Permit requirements took effect April 5, 2025.
- Cosmetic surgeries such as ear cropping and debarking are prohibited.
- Tickets range from $100 to $500. Serious offences go to court.
Official sources: Learn about the Animal Protection and Control Act (Yukon.ca) · Act and regulations come into effect (Yukon.ca news)
Northwest Territories NT
No licence- Main statute
- Dog Act (RSNWT 1988, c. D-7)
- Breeder licensing
- No territorial breeder licence or registry
- Who enforces it
- Community governments and RCMP
- Privacy law
- PIPEDA (federal)
- The Dog Act mainly deals with control of dogs, plus basic welfare provisions. The Northwest Territories has no general animal-protection statute.
- The Criminal Code's animal-cruelty offences apply everywhere in Canada.
- Community governments (for example Yellowknife) license dogs through bylaws.
Official sources: Dog Act (CanLII)
Nunavut NU
No licence- Main statute
- Dog Act (RSNWT (Nu) 1988, c. D-7)
- Breeder licensing
- No territorial breeder licence or registry
- Who enforces it
- Hamlet or city office and RCMP
- Privacy law
- PIPEDA (federal)
- Nunavut kept the Northwest Territories Dog Act at division in 1999. It mainly deals with control of dogs.
- The Criminal Code's animal-cruelty offences apply.
- Hamlets and the City of Iqaluit regulate dogs through bylaws.
Official sources: Dog Act (CanLII)
Federal law that applies everywhere
- Criminal Code, ss. 444–447 (animal cruelty) — Makes it an offence to cause unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal, or to fail to provide adequate food, water, shelter and care. Applies in every province and territory.
- Health of Animals Act — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) sets import rules for dogs. Stricter rules apply to 'commercial' dogs imported for resale, breeding or adoption.
- Animal Pedigree Act — Only incorporated breed associations, such as the Canadian Kennel Club, can register purebred dogs. It is an offence to sell a dog as 'purebred' or 'registered' if it isn't.
- Competition Act — Bans false or misleading claims when selling, including claims about a puppy's health, origin or pedigree.
- Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) — Governs how businesses collect and use personal information, except where BC, Alberta or Quebec private-sector law applies instead.
- Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) — Requires consent before sending commercial email, and an unsubscribe link in every message.
National standards
- CVMA — A Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations (3rd ed., 2018) — The national standard for kennel care. BC and New Brunswick write it into law, and other provinces recognize it.
- Canadian Kennel Club — The breed registry incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act.
This guide summarizes the law for orientation. It is not legal advice. Municipal bylaws often add rules, such as dog licences, limits on the number of dogs, and kennel permits. Spotted a change? Tell us.
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