USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has published a new Federal Register notice and a Request For Information (RFI) that could ultimately impact federally licensed dog breeders under the Animal Welfare Act.
While this action does not yet create new regulatory requirements, it signals that the agency is evaluating whether to revise existing federal standards under the Animal Welfare Act concerning breeding female dogs, exercise, and socialization.
Because this is the first step in what could become a formal rulemaking, it is important that our members understand exactly what has been published, what is being considered, and how to engage during this public comment period.
Below is a factual breakdown of the notice and instructions on how you can submit comments before the March 19, 2026 deadline.
Standards for the Care of Breeding Female Dogs and Exercise and Socialization of Dogs
Docket No. APHIS–2025–1000
Comments Due: March 19, 2026
On February 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a Request for Information (RFI) in the Federal Register regarding potential updates to federal standards governing dog breeders licensed under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
This action is not a final rule and not a proposed rule with regulatory text. It is a pre-rulemaking step in which APHIS is seeking scientific data, research, and stakeholder input to determine whether changes to current dog husbandry standards are warranted.
APHIS states that the existing dog care standards in 9 CFR Part 3 were substantially revised in 1991, with additional veterinary care requirements updated in 2020. The agency is now evaluating whether new scientific information, evolving state standards, or industry developments justify further revisions.
While the notice does not propose specific regulatory language, it signals that APHIS is considering whether to strengthen or expand requirements related to:
- Care of breeding female dogs
- Exercise requirements
- Socialization standards
What USDA Is Exploring
Although this RFI does not impose new requirements, the agency is requesting data that could inform future regulations in areas such as:
Care of Breeding Female Dogs:
APHIS is asking for information on:
- Whether breeding females require care beyond general dog standards.
- Nutritional requirements during pregnancy and lactation.
- Health impacts related to breeding age.
- Effects of litter frequency and number of litters.
- Differences in impacts based on breed size.
- Heritable defects and the costs and benefits of genetic testing.
Exercise Requirements:
APHIS is seeking input on:
- Appropriate types, duration, and frequency of exercise.
- Exercise needs based on age, breed, and health status.
- Effects of limited exercise on physical and behavioral health.
Socialization Standards:
APHIS is requesting research on:
- Human interaction needs in breeding facilities.
- Socialization with compatible dogs.
- Health and behavioral impacts of singly housed dogs.
- Welfare implications of various housing models.
Important Clarifications:
- This notice does not amend the Animal Welfare Act.
- It does not establish new enforceable requirements.
- It does not adopt or mandate any voluntary certification program.
- It does not set breeding limits, litter caps, rest intervals, or age restrictions at this time.
However, the data collected through this RFI could serve as the foundation for a future Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which would include specific regulatory language and requirements.
Why This Matters
If APHIS proceeds to formal rulemaking, potential future regulatory impacts could include:
- Federally defined breeding age limits.
- Required rest periods between litters.
- Caps on number of litters.
- Mandatory genetic screening standards.
- Federally defined exercise schedules.
- Prescribed socialization protocols.
- Expanded recordkeeping or inspection criteria.
At this stage, these are areas under consideration only.
Not adopted policy.
How to Submit Comments:
The comment period closes on March 19, 2026.
To submit comments:
- Go to www.regulations.gov or this link: HERE
- The Reference Number for this RFI: APHIS–2025–1000
- Click on the docket titled Standards for the Care of Breeding Female Dogs and Exercise and Socialization of Dogs
- Click the “Comment” button
- Upload or type your comments and submit
Comments may also be submitted by mail to the APHIS Docket Clerk (address listed in the Federal Register notice), but electronic submission is recommended.
Because this is a Request for Information, APHIS has specifically asked for:
- Scientific studies
- Data-driven analysis
- Economic impact information
- Practical operational insight
- Peer-reviewed research
Stakeholders (That’s YOU, dog breeders!) who provide detailed, factual, and evidence-based comments will have the strongest impact.
