Licensing and Registration

Under the Animal Welfare Act

Guidelines for Dealers, Exhibitors, Transporters, and Researchers
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, 

and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from 

discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity 

(including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/ 

parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or 

reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted 

or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing 

deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program 

information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should 

contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and 

TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, 

program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination 

Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination 

Complaint (www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usdacustomer) and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the 

letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint 

form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail:

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 

Program Aid No. 1117 

Issued April 1992 

Slightly revised April 2004 

Revised May 2018 

Slightly revised June, July, and September 2018, February 2019, and February 2023
I | Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act

Table of Contents 

 

Page

Introduction 1 

Regulated Businesses 4

Pet wholesalers 4 

Pet breeders 4 

Pet retailers 4 

Laboratory animal dealers 4 

Laboratory animal breeders 4 

Animal brokers 4 

Private shelters and rescues 5 

Auction operators 5 

Exotic animal dealers 5 

Hoofstock dealers 5 

Wild animal dealers 5 

Suppliers of specimens 6 

 

Exempt Businesses 6

Retail pet stores 6 

Working dog dealers 6 

Direct sales 7 

Hobby dealers 7 

Hoofstock dealers 7 

Animal shelters 7 

Trade-day sales sponsors 8 

Boarding kennels 8 

Dealers in a non-regulated species 8 

Regulated Transportation Registrants 8

Carriers 8 

Intermediate handlers 8 

Exempt Transportation Registrants 9

Transporters of non-regulated species 9
II | Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act

Regulated Animal Exhibitors 9

Zoological parks 9 

Marine mammal shows 9 

Animal performances and interactions 9 

Carnivals 10 

Promotional exhibits 10 

Animal-fighting ventures 10

Exempt Animal Exhibitors 10

Private collections 10 

Hobby exhibitors 10 

Amusement parks 11 

Domesticated farm animal exhibits 11 

Booking agents 11 

Purebred dog and cat shows 11 

Horse shows 11 

Rodeos 12 

Animal preserves and hunts 12 

Shows of non-regulated animals 12

Falconry 12

Regulated Research Facilities 12

State-owned and local government facilities 13 

Private research facilities 13 

Manufacturers of vaccines, drugs, and other medicine 13 

Teaching institutions 13 

Diagnostic laboratories 14

Exempt Research Institutions 14

Federal facilities 14 

School laboratories 14 

Agricultural research institutions 14 

Institutions using only biologic specimens 14 

Institutions conducting only field studies 14 

Institutions using only non-regulated animals 14 
 Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act | 1

INTRODUCTION

Ensuring the humane treatment of animals is good business, good for 

animals, and is required by law under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). 

Passed by Congress in 1966, the law seeks to ensure the humane treatment 

of many animals not raised for food, fiber, feathers, or eggs. It also 

prohibits animal-fighting ventures and the importation of under-aged, 

ill, or unvaccinated dogs intended for resale in the United States.

Many businesses that buy or sell warm-blooded animals, exhibit them 

to the public, transport them commercially, or use these animals for 

research, teaching, testing, or experiments, must be licensed and/or 

registered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Normal farm-type

operations that raise, buy, or sell animals only for food, fur, and fiber, and 

businesses that use only fish and other cold-blooded animals are exempt 

by law. Rabbit, mink, chinchilla, and ratite businesses are exempt from 

regulation if they are intended only for food, fiber, feathers, or eggs.

If any rabbits, mink, or chinchillas, are designated for use in the pet, exhibit, 

or laboratory-animal trade, the business is regulated, unless exempt from 

the licensing requirements. If any ratites are designated for use in the 

pet or exhibitor trade, the business is regulated. Certain other types of 

businesses are specifically excluded by law or exempt by regulation. 

Exempt businesses are not required to be licensed or registered.

This document lists the major types of regulated and exempt businesses, 

but it does not cover all cases. If in doubt about your status, use the 

Licensing and Registration Assistant on the Animal Care website (efile. 

aphis.usda.gov/LRAssistant/s/), or call or write the USDA, Animal and 

Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Animal Care (AC) office (see page 15). 

AC personnel will address your questions and help you obtain a copy of the 

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 9, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, which gives 

the legal requirements for businesses regulated by the Animal Welfare Act.

If you are an owner or the person in charge of a regulated business, the

law requires you to be licensed or registered with USDA. Failure to 

become licensed or registered is a violation of the Animal Welfare Act. 

Based on the information you supply, APHIS determines whether your 

business should be licensed, registered, or both. Licensing involves a 

standardized fee; registration is free. The owner, operator, manager, or 

Institutional Official has responsibility for knowing about licensing or 

registration requirements.
2 | Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act

REGISTRATION: To obtain USDA APHIS Animal Care registration, go 

to our website (www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalwelfare/ 

SA_Regulated_Businesses) and complete the registration online, or 

complete APHIS form 7011A and submit the completed application to 

the Animal Care office. Upon receipt of the completed application, a 

registration certificate will be issued. There is no fee for registration.

LICENSURE: To obtain a USDA APHIS Animal Care license, go to 

our website (www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalwelfare/

SA_Regulated_Businesses) and complete the license application online, 

or complete APHIS form 7003A and submit the completed application 

to the Animal Care office. A three-year non-refundable license fee for all 

licensees (Class A, B, C) is $120. A renewal license is needed whenever 

your 3-year license expires.

A NEW LICENSE (PRIOR TO EXPIRATION) IS NEEDED WHEN:

• You increase your total animals on hand at any time above the authorized 

number for your license. Licenses are authorized in increments of 50 

animals on hand at any single point in time during licensure. While there 

is a maximum number of total animals that are authorized on the license, 

there is no approval/authorization needed for the number of animals in 

individual categories.

• You change ownership, location, or type of activity

• You want to acquire and use an animal type from the list below that you 

are not currently authorized on your license to use: 

• Exotic and wild felids (including but not limited to lions, tigers, leopards, 

cheetahs, jaguars, cougars, lynx, servals, bobcats and caracals, and any 

hybrid cross therof)

• Hyenas and/or wild/exotic canids (including but not limited to wolves, 

coyotes, foxes, and jackals)

• Bears

• Megaherbivores (including but not limited to elephants, rhinoceros, 

hippopotamuses, giraffes)

• Group 5 nonhuman primates (baboons and non-brachiating species 

larger than 33 pounds)

• Group 6 nonhuman primates (great apes over 55 pounds and 

brachiating species)

Any change to a license described above be submitted to Animal 

Care, in writing, 90 days prior to the change taking place.
 Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act | 3

After applying for a license, you will be contacted to start the pre-license 

process. You must be fully compliant in order to pass a pre-license 

inspection and receive a license. You can receive up to 3 pre-license 

inspections within a period not to exceed 60 days from the day of the 

first pre-license inspection to correct any deficiencies. If you do not pass 

inspection within the 60-day period, you must wait at least 6 months 

before reapplying for a license. Current and new licensees can appeal the 

third pre-license inspection to Animal Care’s Deputy Administrator if they 

do not pass inspection and if the appeal is submitted within 7 days of 

receiving the third pre-license inspection report. If the appeal is denied, it 

can be submitted for legal review provided that the applicant held a valid 

license when he or she submitted the license application, and, provided 

that the Animal Care Deputy Administrator received the license application 

90 days before the valid license expired. Appeals for current licensees will 

be expedited for review. Licensees can continue to participate in regulated 

activities until the Deputy Administrator issues a decision on the appeal.

New applicants cannot conduct any regulated activity until they have a 

valid license. If you operate a regulated business without a license, you 

may be subject to penalties and other sanctions, after notice and an 

opportunity for a hearing.

Maintaining a USDA APHIS AC License or Registration

The same standards of animal care apply to all licensed and registered 

businesses, and USDA inspectors make periodic unannounced visits 

to all locations where animals are held to see that regulations and 

standards are followed.

The Animal Welfare Act Regulations and Standards cover humane 

handling, housing, space, feeding and watering, sanitation, ventilation, 

shelter from extremes of weather, adequate veterinary care, separation 

of incompatible animals, transportation, and handling in transit.
4 | Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act

REGULATED BUSINESSES

When first contacting USDA, indicate the species you possess and use 

for covered purposes the type of business you are in, and/or the type 

of business to which you sell animals. You must be licensed according 

to what type of activity is your predominant business. For instance, 

you cannot be licensed as an exhibitor if the majority of your business 

is selling animals. If your business falls under any of the categories of 

“dealers” listed below, you must be licensed by USDA.

Pet Wholesalers—Anyone buying, selling, transferring, or trading pets in 

commerce in wholesale channels (e.g., to another dealer or retailer) must 

be licensed. Some small-scale wholesalers may qualify for an exemption 

(see “Hobby Dealers”).

Pet Breeders—Anyone breeding pets for covered sales must be licensed 

unless they fall under an exemption. You must be licensed if you 

wholesale dogs as breeding stock to other breeders. Some small-scale 

breeders can qualify for an exemption (see “Hobby Dealers”).

Pet Retailers—Anyone selling pets sight unseen to buyers at retail must 

be licensed. However, if the buyer, seller, and animals are all together at 

the same time, this qualifies for an exemption (see “Retail Pet Stores”).

Laboratory Animal Dealers—Anyone buying AND selling, or trading 

laboratory animals (including genetically engineered or cloned animals), 

either directly to research institutions or through other dealers, must be 

licensed (except for “Hobby Dealers”). Due to Congressional direction, a 

Class B dealer’s license cannot be used to sell live dogs or cats acquired 

from random sources for use in research, experimentation, teaching, or 

testing. This licensing requirement includes research institutions (except 

State or Federal facilities) that sell or trade surplus animals to others.

Laboratory Animal Breeders—Anyone breeding and selling regulated 

animals for laboratory-animal trade must be licensed (except for “Hobby 

Dealers”).

Animal Brokers Who Do Not Take Possession of the Animals—Anyone 

who resales or negotiates the purchase or sale of regulated animals must 

be licensed unless they fall under one of the exemptions. If you are a 
 Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act | 5

broker who does not take possession or control of the animal, you may 

not be subject to certain regulations imposed on dealers who handle 

animals, but you still need the same type of license.

Private Shelters and Rescues—Animal shelters operated by humane 

societies, non-profit organizations, and other private groups, entities, or 

individuals are treated the same as any other dealer. If the private shelter 

or group charges adoption fees or receives other monetary or in-kind 

compensation for their animals, then a license is needed, unless an 

exemption applies.

Auction Operators—Anyone who operates an auction at which regulated

animals are being sold for a covered purpose, must be licensed regardless 

of whether the proceeds go to charity. Anyone consigning regulated 

animals to the auction must also be licensed as a dealer unless an 

exemption applies.

Non-native (Exotic) Animal Dealers—Anyone buying, selling, or trading 

animals that are non-native to the United States for research, teaching, 

testing, experimentation, or exhibition purposes, or as a pet, must be 

licensed, unless they fall under one of the exemptions. You also must 

be licensed if you sell domestically bred non-native animals for such 

regulated purposes.

Hoofstock Dealers—For anyone selling hoofstock, if the majority of 

sales of domesticated farm hoofstock (sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, llamas) 

are for regulated purposes, and more than 10 of those animals are 

sold for regulated purposes in a calendar year, then the seller must be 

licensed. Also, anyone selling more than 10 wild hoofstock (such as deer, 

bison, or elk) for regulated purposes in a calendar year, or one or more 

exotic animals (such as a zebra, hippopotami, ibex, camel, giraffe, or 

similar species), must be licensed.

Wild Animal Dealers—A business or individual selling wild animals for 

regulated purposes must be licensed, unless one of the exemptions 

applies. “Wild animal” means any animal which is now or historically 

has been found in the wild, or in the wild state, within the boundaries 

of the United States, its territories, or possessions. This term includes, 

but is not limited to, animals such as deer, skunk, raccoon, mink, coyote, 

fox, and wolf. If you sell any wild or exotic animals, you are not eligible 

to claim exemption as a retail pet store. If you do not fall under another 
6 | Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act

exemption, you must comply with standards of care for all regulated 

animals—not just wild or exotic animals.

Suppliers of Specimens—Anyone who sells dead animals that are 

regulated or who sells the blood, serum, or parts of these animals for 

regulated purposes (such as for research) must be licensed, unless you 

acquire the dead animal or parts from another licensed dealer for resale. 

This includes anyone that acquires a live animal and subsequently 

euthanizes the animal to sell for a regulated purpose. Anyone acquiring a 

dead dog or cat (or parts) from unlicensed sources and sells them for

regulated purposes must be licensed. A license is not required for sales of 

pregnant mare urine; sales of animals that were dead when purchased; 

and sales of dogs or cats that were already dead when purchased from a 

USDA licensed dealer, municipal, county, or state pound/shelter.

EXEMPT BUSINESSES

Retail Pet Stores—Anyone whose entire business consists of selling, 

adopting, or transferring certain pet-type animals (such as dogs, cats, 

rabbits, pet birds, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, and domesticated 

ferrets) to pet owners in person, at a place where the seller, buyer, 

and animal are physically present, is exempt. However, if as part of 

your business you exhibit animals, you are not considered a retail pet 

store and should be licensed as an exhibitor. For example, you are not 

considered a retail pet store if you take animals outside the store for 

teaching or promotion, if you set up a petting display, sell wild or exotic 

animals, or sell regulated animals to other retailers, research institutions, 

exhibitors, or other animal dealers. You need to be licensed as an 

exhibitor if you display a wild/exotic animal that is not offered for sale 

inside the store.

Exemptions for retail pet stores are on an all-or-nothing basis. If you 

qualify for an exemption, none of your business is regulated or inspected. 

If you do not qualify as a retail pet store and do not qualify for any other 

exemption, you are a dealer, and all regulated animals are inspected.

Working Dog Dealers—A retail outlet that sells dogs for hunting, 

breeding, and security is excluded from requiring licensure. However, 

wholesale sales of these dogs requires a license.
 Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act | 7

Direct Sales—Anyone who only sells domestic pets directly to pet 

owners in person, at a place where the seller, buyer, and animal are all 

physically present is exempt, regardless of sales volume.

Hobby Dealers—Small-scale breeders and other dealers with gross sales 

under $500 per year are exempt, as long as these sales do not include wild 

or exotic animals, dogs, or cats. If you own no more than four (4) breeding 

female pet animals, “exotic companion mammals,” and/or domesticated 

farm-type animals, and sell only their offspring, which were born and 

raised on your premises for pets or exhibition, you are exempt. “Exotic 

companion mammals” are small, non-dangerous exotic or wild mammals, 

such as sugar gliders, hedgehogs, degus, spiny mice, prairie dogs, flying 

squirrels, and jerboas. You are exempt if you sell fewer than 25 dogs 

and/or cats each year, which were born and raised on your premises, for 

research, teaching, or testing purposes or to any research facility. These 

exemptions do not extend to anyone acting in concert with others where 

they collectively maintain a total of more than four breeding females (in 

case of pet or exhibition sales) or produce and sell more than 25 dogs and/ 

or cats (in the case of research).

Small-scale breeders who sell 200 or fewer small pet birds and/or 8 or 

fewer large pet birds that were born and raised on their premises for pets 

or exhibition, and who are not otherwise required to obtain a license, are

exempt. Small pet birds are defined as being 250 grams or less as determined

 by the average adult weight of the species. Large pet birds are more than 

250 grams average adult weight. This exemption does not apply to any 

person residing in a household that collectively sells more than 200 pet birds.

Hoofstock Dealers—Anyone selling hoofstock to game ranches or private 

collectors solely for breeding or agricultural purposes (such as to improve 

food and fiber) does not need a license. In addition, anyone who sells less 

than 50 percent of their domesticated farm hoofstock (sheep, cattle, goats, 

pigs, and llamas), or 10 or fewer domesticated farm hoofstock or wild 

hoofstock (such as deer, bison, or elk), for regulated purposes in a calendar 

year does not need to obtain a license. However, anyone selling one or 

more exotic hoofstock (such as zebra, hippopotami, ibex, camel, giraffe, or 

similar animal) must be licensed if they meet the definition of dealer.

Animal Shelters—Animal shelters that are under the jurisdiction of a 

State, county, or local government are exempt. The exemption covers only 

the shelter’s own activities. You must have a dealer’s license if you obtain 
8 | Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act

animals from shelters for resale or acquire them on contract for resale. The 

AWA places some restrictions on shelters, such as a specific holding period 

for animals before they may be sold to a dealer.

Trade-Day Sales Sponsors—Anyone arranging occasions for people to 

make private sales or trades of animals is exempt. The exemption holds 

only if the sponsor does not act as intermediary in the transaction. The 

buyers, sellers, and traders at trade-day sales, however, must be licensed 

if they meet the definition of a dealer.

Boarding Kennels—Anyone housing animals for others is exempt, 

except for intermediate handlers and holding facilities.

Dealers in a Nonregulated Species—There is an exemption for 

anyone handling only those animals not included under federal law 

or regulations (see Introduction). Examples of businesses not needing 

licensing or registration include those that handle only fish, reptiles, and 

amphibians.

REGULATED TRANSPORTATION REGISTRANTS

Carriers—Anyone transporting regulated animals for hire (e.g., as a 

common carrier or by contract or agreement) must be registered as 

a carrier. This includes airlines, railroads, motor carriers, shipping 

lines, and other enterprises, as well as anyone hired to transport 

animals to and from pet stores, veterinarian offices, etc., such as a pet 

taxi. As a carrier, all your facilities where animals are kept or held are 

regulated, including terminals and freight storage. You are responsible 

for enforcing all restrictions on animals that can be legally shipped by 

your customers. You also are responsible for proper crating, whether 

the shipper or receiver is a private pet owner, a business, an institution, 

or a government agency. Pets transported by their owners as carry-on 

baggage are not regulated.

Intermediate Handlers—Anyone taking custody of regulated animals in 

connection with transporting them on public carriers must be registered 

as an intermediate handler. This requirement covers boarding kennels 

that take responsibility for shipping animals or receiving them after or 

during shipment, as well as quarantine facilities, pet/flight nannies, 

freight forwarders and freight handlers.
 Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act | 9

EXEMPT TRANSPORTATION REGISTRANTS

Transporters of Nonregulated Species—There is an exemption for 

anyone transporting only animals not included under Federal law or 

regulations (see Introduction). Examples of carriers not needing licensing 

or registration are those restricting their services to unregulated wild 

animals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.

REGULATED ANIMAL EXHIBITORS

If you have animals on display to the public (including television, movies, 

internet, social media) or conduct performances featuring animals, you 

must become licensed as an exhibitor, unless you fall under one of the 

exemptions.

Zoological Parks—Animal exhibits open to the public, regardless of 

compensation, must be licensed whether they are owned by states, 

counties, or other local governments; corporations; foundations; or private 

individuals. Zoos operated by agencies of the federal government are 

not licensed, but the animals in these zoos are inspected and are subject 

to these same AWA regulations and standards of animal care. Petting 

zoos with regulated animals must be licensed and are subject to AWA 

regulations. Some exhibitors may qualify for an exemption (see below).

Marine Mammal Shows—Exhibits, shows, and acts with marine 

mammals must be licensed. This includes public aquariums, amusement 

parks, and zoos. However, exhibits in which free-living marine mammals 

are viewed in their unconfined native habitats are exempt; examples are 

coastal seal rookeries or commercial whale sightseeing tours. Marine 

mammals include polar bears, sea otters, whales, porpoises, dolphins, 

manatees, dugongs, seals, sea lions, walruses, and other sea mammals 

that have fins or flippers. Marine mammals are protected by a separate 

set of standards for care and handling.

Animal Performances and Interactions—Any owner exhibiting 

regulated animals performing tricks or shows or interacting with the 

public and receiving compensation in any venue must be licensed, unless 

one of the exemptions applies. This includes each person owning animals 

performing in circuses, marine mammal shows, amusement parks, 

carnivals, independent animal acts, television shows, movies, internet 
10 | Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act

broadcasts, or educational exhibits. All animals must receive the same 

quality of housing and other care, regardless of whether the animal is 

currently performing.

Carnivals—Concessionaires who exhibit regulated animals must be 

licensed as exhibitors unless they fall under one of the exemptions. If live 

regulated animals are given as prizes, you must be licensed as a dealer 

unless you fall under an exemption. Carnivals cannot be included in the 

exemption of an agricultural show, such as a fair with a midway.

Promotional Exhibits—Anyone who uses regulated animals to promote 

or advertise goods and services must be licensed, unless one of the 

exemptions applies. You must be licensed even if you do promotions 

with only a single animal. You also must be licensed if you use animals to 

promote photographs or photography, except for photography of

free-living animals in their unconfined native habitats, unless there is an 

exemption that applies.

Animal-Fighting Ventures—Assembled dogfights, bear or raccoon 

baiting, and similar animal-fighting ventures are prohibited by the 

Animal Welfare Act, with stiff penalties for convicted sponsors and

promoters. Cockfights are only allowed in U.S. territories and possessions 

that have no law against them, and only if the birds were not knowingly 

acquired in interstate or foreign commerce for cockfighting purposes. 

Animal-fighting ventures cannot be licensed or registered under the AWA.

EXEMPT ANIMAL EXHIBITORS

Private Collections—Anyone who collects animals but does not exhibit

them to the public is exempt. In most cases, private donors are 

considered the public.

Hobby Exhibitors—Anyone who maintains eight or fewer pet animals, 

“exotic companion mammals,” and/or domesticated farm-type animals 

for exhibition is exempt from licensing. “Exotic companion mammals” 

are small, non-dangerous exotic or wild mammals, such as sugar 

gliders, hedgehogs, degus, spiny mice, prairie dogs, flying squirrels, 

and jerboas. This exemption does not apply to anyone acting in 

concert with others where they collectively maintain more than eight 

of these animals or anyone exhibiting other types of animals. Anyone 

who maintains four or fewer raptors for exhibition is exempt from 
 Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act | 11

licensing. This exemption does not apply to anyone acting in concert 

with others where they collectively maintain more than four raptors for 

exhibition.

Amusement Parks—Amusement parks not owning animals are 

exempt. A person owning animals that are exhibited or perform in an 

amusement park must be licensed as an exhibitor and must comply 

with AWA requirements for facilities, conditions, and situations where 

animals are exhibited, unless one of the other exemptions applies.

Domesticated Farm Animal Exhibits—Anyone who arranges and 

takes part in showing only domesticated farm-type animals at 

agricultural shows, fairs, and exhibits is exempt (e.g., petting zoos 

with cows, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, llamas, and alpacas, exhibits of 

only racing pigs, bird fancier shows, pigeon races, etc.). Also exempt 

are exhibitions of art portraying traditional farming and agricultural 

settings (such as nativity scenes with a camel and domesticated farmtype animals displayed in a barn, and traditional agricultural displays 

of working animals, such as reindeer pulling a sled or working on a 

farm). However, anyone exhibiting other regulated animals along with 

domesticated farm-type animals for nonagricultural purposes (e.g., 

camel rides at carnivals) must be licensed.

Booking Agents—Licensed Acts: Anyone booking or arranging animal 

acts without owning any animals is exempt. However, as an agent you 

should realize that the exhibitors you book must comply with AWA 

requirements for facilities, conditions, and situations where animals 

are exhibited. 

Unlicensed Acts (foreign): If foreign circuses, acts, or shows enter the 

United States to exhibit, their U.S. agent is required to be licensed and 

be responsible for the show.

Purebred Dog and Cat Shows—Sponsors and participants at purebred 

dog or cat shows, are exempt.

Horse Shows—Trainers, owners, riders, and sponsors of horse shows 

are not regulated under the Animal Welfare Act. APHIS does regulate 

them, however, under the Horse Protection Act, which forbids the 

inhumane practice of making a horse sore to enhance its performance. 
12 | Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act

Rodeos—Competitive events (such as bull riding or barrel racing) 

featuring only farm animals and horses are exempt from both the 

Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. Circus-type acts 

performed at rodeos must be licensed unless an exemption applies.

Animal Preserves and Hunts—Game and hunting preserves and events 

that keep animals in the wild state are exempt. However, if you maintain 

special exhibits for compensation or promotional activities, you must be 

licensed as an exhibitor. If you sell animals to exhibits, research, or the 

pet trade, you must be licensed as a dealer.

Shows of Nonregulated Animals—Anyone with exhibits limited to 

species of animals not covered by law or regulated is exempt. Typical 

examples would be reptile houses, anyone who exhibits horses, 

donkeys, mules etc., and aquariums without regulated animals.

Falconry—Birds used in falconry or used to promote falconry are exempt.

REGULATED RESEARCH FACILITIES

Institutions using any regulated live animals for research, testing, 

teaching, or experimentation must register with the USDA APHIS AC as 

a “research facility.” If the institution is part of a larger organization, the 

parent organization must acquire the registration. Research facilities 

should make sure their institution is legally registered and all AWA 

regulations and standards are followed.

Included under research, testing, teaching, or experimentation are:

• Laboratory investigations into animal propagation and control; 

However, note that wildlife management activities are not regulated.

• Manufacture of or testing biologics for other types of animals or 

for humans, including biologics produced or tested for possible 

multispecies use (e.g., multispecies rabies vaccines).

• Development of models for human subjects or other types of animals 

(e.g., using calves to develop an artificial human heart).

• Training of human or veterinary medical personnel in medical 

methods and procedures (e.g., surgery, diagnostic techniques, 

anesthesia, and analgesia).

• Production of antibodies or antisera in regulated animals for other 

types of animals. 
 Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act | 13

• Production of genetically engineered animals for regulated purposes;

• Production or study of laboratory tests—including pregnancy tests, 

allergy tests, and other diagnostic procedures.

• Quality-control studies—such as studies on the safety, effectiveness, 

durability, or other quality tests of commercial products.

• College instruction—whether for research, or education for the 

improvement of medical treatment techniques and methods.

Registration is required to ensure that laboratory animals are provided 

with care and humane treatment meeting AWA regulations and 

standards. The AWA regulations require the use of appropriate painrelieving drugs unless scientifically justified to withhold. Registered 

research facilities and all agencies of the federal government using 

animals in research must submit an annual report stating how many 

regulated animals were housed or used in research.

State-Owned and Local Government Facilities—Public research 

institutions administered and/or funded by a state or local government 

must be registered. State-run or locally run institutions do not have to be 

licensed as dealers even if they sell or trade regulated animals, but they 

must be licensed as exhibitors if they exhibit animals.

Private Research Facilities—Private research or testing institutions 

must be registered as research facilities. If private institutions sell, 

exhibit, or trade regulated animals to others, the institutions must be 

licensed as animal dealers or exhibitors.

Manufacturers of vaccines, drugs, and other medicines—

Manufacturers of vaccines, drugs, and other medicines must be registered 

as research facilities if they do research, development, or quality-control 

tests on regulated animals. Institutions must be registered under the 

Animal Welfare Act even if they have other USDA establishment licenses to 

produce biologics under the Virus–Serum–Toxin Act.

Teaching Institutions—Facilities involved in using live animals for 

teaching purposes above the secondary-school level must be registered 

under the Animal Welfare Act—for example, college or university medical 

schools, veterinary schools, biology departments, etc. However, note 

that wildlife management activities are not regulated.
14 | Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act

Diagnostic Laboratories—All diagnostic laboratories using live animals 

must be registered.

EXEMPT RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

Federal Facilities—Agencies of the federal government that do research 

are not required to register with USDA APHIS AC and are not inspected by 

Animal Care, but each federal agency is responsible for complying with 

all AWA regulations and standards of animal care and for submitting an 

annual report to USDA on the use of regulated laboratory animals.

School Laboratories—Elementary and secondary schools are exempt 

from registration.

Agricultural Research Institutions—Research institutions that perform 

work involving food, fiber, or agriculture and that use horses and 

domestic farm animals, including rabbits, are exempt by regulation and 

do not have to be registered. Such activities include but are not limited 

to improving animal nutrition, breeding, management, production 

efficiency, or improving the quality of food or fiber. Also, exempt are

horses used to produce pregnant mare urine. However, if such institutions

are also doing non-agricultural research, they need to be registered.

Institutions Using Only Biologic Specimens—If only dead biologic 

specimens are obtained, i.e., no live animals are used, an institution 

is exempt.

Institutions Conducting Only Field Studies—A research institution is 

exempt from registration if it conducts only studies on free-living wild 

animals in their natural habitat. However, this term excludes any study 

that involves an invasive procedure, harms, or materially alters the 

behavior of an animal under study.

Institutions Using Only Nonregulated Animals—A research institution 

is exempt if it uses only laboratory animals exempted by law or regulation. 

Examples are reptiles, fish, amphibians, birds bred for use in research, as 

well as rats of the genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus, bred for use 

in research. Wild species of birds, rats, and mice are regulated.
 Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act | 15

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you need more information about the Animal Welfare Act or your 

responsibilities in animal care under this legislation, please contact the 

Animal Care office. 

Email: animalcare@usda.gov

Website: www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-welfare 

Licensing and Registration Assistant: 

efile.aphis.usda.gov/LRAssistant/s/

USDA, APHIS, AC

2150 Centre Avenue, Building B, Mailstop 3W11 

Fort Collins, CO 80526

Telephone: (970) 494–7478

Fax: (970) 494–7461