Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash
In an attempt to combat the influx of dogs in city shelters, Philadelphia City Council passed a temporary three-year ban on unlicensed breeders, commonly referred to as backyard breeders, on Feb. 19, 2026. The law now goes to Mayor Cherelle Parker to sign.
Originally introduced by Philadelphia City Councilwoman Cindy Bass on Nov. 13, 2025, Bill 250989 will temporarily ban the sale and adoption of puppies seven months or younger. The bill is largely due to ACCT Philadelphia’s intake data, which “demonstrates that indiscriminate or unregulated breeding is a primary driver of shelter crowding and dog relinquishment, compounding the strain on the City’s ability to provide humane care,” according to the bill.
Those who break the law will face a fine of up to $1,000 for each violation for the first offense and a maximum of $2,000 per violation for subsequent offenses.
However, the law has several exemptions. Breeders in Philadelphia with a current Pennsylvania kennel license and nonprofit rescues and animal shelters are not subject to the temporary ban.
Bill 250989 also requires individuals, who put down a deposit or buy a puppy in Philadelphia, to ask for the breeder’s kennel license number or EIN number. Buyers should keep that number for a minimum of one-year “to be produced upon lawful request.”
While advocates believe the temporary ban will help with the increasing population of dogs in city shelters, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is urging members to contact the mayor and ask her to veto the bill.
The AKC asserts the ban is not a viable solution to stopping overcrowding in Philadelphia shelters, citing similar legislation enacted in Los Angeles. It could also have adverse consequences on breeders who, under the law, would be required to have a kennel license. “It is unclear how this would apply within current Philadelphia zoning laws,” the AKC said in a news release on Feb. 20, 2026.
Read Bill 250989 for full details.
