08/29/2026
August 28, 2026
Proposed updates to Palm Beach County’s Animal Care and Control Ordinance and fee schedule would expand breeder regulations; add new rules for hobby breeders, exhibitors, and people who own unaltered dogs or cats; and increase the cost of a hobby breeder permit by 166.7%. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned that these changes could unfairly affect responsible purebred dog breeders and owners. Palm Beach County residents are strongly encouraged to review the proposal; and using the talking points below, respectfully ask county officials to address these concerns before adopting any revisions to these ordinances. (Scroll down for talking points and contact information.)
WHAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE WOULD DO & TALKING POINTS
AKC supports reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of dogs and do not restrict the rights of responsible breeders and owners who meet their responsibilities. No one argues that the county must enforce applicable care standards to prevent harmful conditions and regulate demonstrable risks. However, some of the drafted ordinance changes would go far beyond those animal control goals.
Breeding permits for owning intact dogs and cats, not only for breeding them: The ordinance would not allow people to keep unspayed or unneutered dogs over six months old and unspayed or unneutered cats over four months old together unless they first obtain a county breeding permit, regardless of whether they intend to breed their animals. (An exception may apply if the animal is registered with a county-recognized national or international organization and the owner provides written certification that the animal is being used, trained, or considered for dog shows, sporting competitions, or similar events.)
TALKING POINT: Maintaining sexually intact dogs is not indicative of an intent to breed. In fact, doing so reflects a growing body of veterinary science literature that shows that the best time for spaying or neutering a dog is based on breed or phenotype, not at a generally-applicable age imposed for animal control’s convenience. Breeding without the permit could also result in being labeled an “illegal breeder,” which carries serious penalties. A more equitable and easier to enforce solution would be continuing to rely on the county’s unaltered dog licenses to identify their owners and locations, while limiting the hobby breeder permit requirement to those who intend to breed their animals or those whose animals have bred and who apply for the permit prior to the birth of a litter.
Creates a new “illegal breeder” category, imposes excessive consequences: Anyone who breeds an animal or uses one for stud services without the required permit would be classified as an illegal breeder and would be barred from getting a hobby breeder permit for one year. Illegal breeders would also be required to spay or neuter their animals within 30 days of receiving notice that they are not in compliance.
For responsible breeders who did not know about the permit requirement, those who accidentally failed to meet it, and those who could not afford the permit, this would effectively end responsible breeding programs and eliminate valuable bloodlines or genetic diversity.
TALKING POINT: These penalties are arguably unconstitutionally excessive for a violation that has nothing to do with animal care. Permanently altering an animal for the rest of its life as a sanction for a paperwork violation by its owner fails to take into consideration cutting-edge veterinary science about optimal spay/neuter age into consideration and effectively eliminates them from being part of responsible breeding programs. Instead of imposing draconian consequences on the animals themselves, the county should be helping residents to follow the law by providing an opportunity to correct the paperwork issue and continue breeding in compliance with applicable animal care laws.
One hobby breeder permit per property: The proposal would allow only one hobby breeder permit for each parcel of land. However, Palm Beach County already requires every person who breeds or offers an animal for stud to obtain their own permit.
TALKING POINT: Limiting availability of the hobby breeder permit to one per property could affect adult family members, roommates, co-owners, and breeders who keep a dog under a co-ownership agreement. It could also prevent one person in a household from owning a stud dog while another owns a female dog. In effect, the rule would effectively limit lawful breeding based on a person’s home address. Instead, the county should focus on enforcement of its dog licensing requirements, possession limits, and care-related laws.
Annual inspections of hobby breeders: The proposal would require the county to inspect hobby breeders’ properties once a year, at minimum. Currently, inspections are allowed when an animal care violation is suspected of being conducted. The ordinance revisions would require an inspection of a hobby breeder’s premises when they apply for a new permit and as part of their annual permit renewal.
TALKING POINT: Requiring annual inspections as part of a permitting process takes crucial resources away from enforcing animal care laws. Additionally, inspections of home-based hobby breeders raise the risk of privacy violations.
PALM BEACH COUNTY RESIDENTS, TAKE ACTION TODAY!
Concerned Palm Beach County residents are encouraged to contact County Commissioners and share concerns regarding the unintended consequences and unfair impacts the proposed ordinance will have.
Encourage policymakers to reject the addition of the term illegal breeder and remove the forced sterilization provision.
Request clarification regarding the proposed one permit per parcel of land provision.
Request that the hobby breeder permit fee increase be reevaluated, as is it the only fee specifically mentioned to being increased at this time.
Mayor Sara Baxter, Dist. 6 – 561-355-2206, [email protected]
Vice Mayor Marci Woodward, Dist. 4 – 561-355-2204, [email protected]
Commissioner Maria G. Marino, Dist. 1— 561-355-2201, [email protected]
Commissioner Gregg K. Weiss, Dist. 2 — 561-355-2202, [email protected]
Commissioner Joel G. Flores, Dist. 3 — 561-355-2203, [email protected]
Commissioner Maria Sachs, Dist. 5 — 561-355-2205, [email protected]
Commissioner Bobby Powell, Jr., Dist. 7 — 561-355-2207, [email protected]
NEXT STEPS AND FOR MORE INFORMATION
Palm Beach County officials are still reviewing the proposed ordinance. Local all-breed and breed clubs, responsible breeders, veterinarians, and residents should stay involved and work with county leaders to support animal welfare without placing unnecessary burdens on responsible breeders and pet owners.
A preliminary hearing on the animal ordinance will be held on September 1, 2026. County commissioners are expected to allow a final hearing and vote to be held in mid-September.
Proposed updates to Palm Beach County’s Animal Care and Control Ordinance and fee schedule would expand breeder regulations; add new rules for hobby breeders, exhibitors, and people who own unaltered dogs or cats; and increase the cost of a hobby breeder permit by 166.7%. The American Kennel Club ...
