Last updated 2025-03-21
TL;DR
Arkansas has no state-level cattery license. You need a federal USDA Class A dealer license only if you sell kittens to pet stores, brokers, or sight unseen (online). The USDA application fee is $300, and annual license fees start at $30 based on gross sales. Local city or county business permits often apply. Plan on 2 to 3 months for the USDA process.
Do you need a license for a cattery in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas does not require a state-issued cattery license for cat breeders. The state’s commercial kennel licensing law applies only to dogs. A 2011 act defines a kennel as a place where “four (4) or more dogs are kept, bred, or boarded for a fee”; cats are never mentioned [1].
That does not mean you can operate with no paperwork. Most breeders selling kittens across state lines, to pet stores, or via the internet must hold a federal USDA license. And many Arkansas cities and counties demand a general business license or home occupation permit, even for a one-person home cattery.
So the real question is whether your sales model triggers the federal animal welfare rules. If you sell every kitten directly to a new home, face to face, with no intermediary, you are likely exempt from USDA licensing. If you ship a kitten, sell to a broker, or supply a pet shop, you need the USDA license before you sell a single animal.
When does a federal USDA license apply to an Arkansas cattery?
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requires a Class A license for any person who breeds and sells domestic cats to a dealer, an exhibitor, a research facility, a pet store, or a member of the public “sight unseen” [2][3]. Sight unseen includes sales through websites, social media platforms, and phone or mail orders where the buyer never sees the kitten in person before paying.
If you only sell kittens face to face at your home or a cat show, you are exempt. No specific number of breeding cats triggers the requirement. A breeder with two intact females who ships kittens across state lines needs a license the same as a 50-cat operation doing the same thing.
The application process is federal, so it works identically whether you are in Little Rock, Fayetteville, or Eureka Springs. You apply to USDA APHIS, pay the fee, and pass a pre-license inspection before you receive your certificate.
What local permits do you need in Arkansas for a cattery?
Local requirements vary town by town. Most Arkansas municipalities require a business license for any ongoing commercial activity, including home-based breeding. For example, the City of Little Rock charges a $12.50 annual fee for a home occupation permit, plus a one-time $50 business license application fee [6]. Other cities range from $15 to $100.
If you operate under a cattery name different from your legal name, you should register a fictitious business name (doing business as, or DBA) with the Arkansas Secretary of State. The DBA filing costs $25 online and $50 by mail, and it is not a license but it lets you open a business bank account and accept payments under your cattery name [7].
Some unincorporated county areas may have no licensing requirement at all. But many counties impose a privilege license or similar business tax. Always check with your county clerk before you launch. This step adds a week or two to setup, but it is far cheaper than a citation.
How much does a cattery license cost in Arkansas? A full breakdown
Total cost depends mostly on whether you need the USDA license. Here is the range for a new cattery:
- USDA application fee: $300 (nonrefundable) if your sales model requires a license [3].
- USDA annual license fee: $30 to $25,000 based on your gross sales from regulated animals; most small catteries fall in the $30 to $225 range [4].
- Local city/county business license: usually $15 to $100 per year.
- Arkansas DBA registration: $25 (optional but smart).
- Facility upgrades to pass inspection: highly variable.
If you sell only face to face and stay below any local animal limits, your first-year licensing cost might be zero dollars in state fees, plus the $25 DBA. If you need the USDA license, expect around $330 to $400 in the first year, plus facility costs.
[CatteryPath’s Arkansas Cattery Kit ($149, one time) bundles the application forms, step-by-step instructions, and permit checklists so you do not miss anything.]
USDA annual license fee schedule (Class A, breeder)
The annual fee is based on 50% of your total gross revenue from regulated animal sales in the preceding calendar year. The table below shows the fees for 2023 to 2024 [4].
| Sales range | Annual license fee |
|---|---|
| $0, $500 | $30 |
| $501, $2,000 | $60 |
| $2,001, $5,000 | $120 |
| $5,001, $7,500 | $225 |
| $7,501, $10,000 | $350 |
| $10,001, $15,000 | $500 |
| $15,001, $20,000 | $675 |
| $20,001, $25,000 | $850 |
| $25,001, $30,000 | $1,050 |
| $30,001, $35,000 | $1,250 |
For sales above $35,000, the fee climbs to $25,000 at the highest tier. Most small catteries operate in the $2,001, $7,500 range, so a $120 to $225 annual fee is typical.
How long does it take to get a cattery license in Arkansas?
USDA APHIS aims to process an initial license application within 60 days of receiving a complete application and inspection report [5]. In practice, the full timeline from application to license in hand is 2 to 3 months.
The steps add up. You submit the application online or by mail along with the $300 fee. APHIS then assigns an inspector who contacts you to schedule a pre-license inspection, usually within a few weeks. After a successful inspection, APHIS issues your license and an invoice for the first year’s annual fee.
Local permits can run in parallel. A Little Rock home occupation permit often processes in a week. A DBA filing with the Secretary of State takes about 5 business days online. Plan for a total timeline of about 90 days if you handle everything concurrently.
Step by step: applying for a cattery license (USDA + local)
1. Decide if you must hold a USDA license. If you sell sight unseen, to a pet store, or to a broker, continue. If all sales are face to face, skip to local permits. 2. Complete the USDA online Application for License (APHIS Form 7003A) at the APHIS website. Pay the $300 application fee by credit card, check, or money order [5]. 3. Prepare your facility for the pre-license inspection. You need proper housing, sanitation, ventilation, a written program of veterinary care, and secure containment. 4. When the inspector visits, walk them through your operation. The inspector checks for compliance with the Animal Welfare Act standards. Common failures: inadequate record-keeping, insufficient space, no veterinary plan. 5. If you pass, APHIS mails your Class A license certificate and a bill for the annual fee. Pay that fee within 30 days to keep your license active. 6. Concurrently, call your city or county clerk, ask about a business license for a home-based cattery, and fill out the short form. File a DBA with the Arkansas Secretary of State if using a trade name.
For a more granular walkthrough, see our how to start a cattery in Arkansas guide.
Ongoing requirements after you are licensed
A USDA license is not a one-and-done. APHIS sends an annual invoice for the license fee, based on the previous year’s gross sales. You must pay by the anniversary date to avoid suspension [4].
APHIS conducts unannounced inspections, usually once a year or more often if violations appear. The inspector reviews animal housing, veterinary records, acquisition and disposition records, and your program of veterinary care. You must keep records for all kittens born and sold, including buyer contact details, for at least one year after disposition.
Local permits typically renew annually with a small fee. Failure to renew can lead to a cease-and-desist letter. If you move your cattery to a different county, you will likely need new local permits.
What if you do not need a USDA license? Other rules to follow
Exempt breeders still face a few practical constraints. Arkansas animal cruelty statutes (A.C.A. § 5-62-101 et seq.) prohibit neglect, abandonment, and inadequate care, enforced by local law enforcement. No license is required, but a complaint can prompt a welfare check.
Zoning laws matter more than a state license. Many residential zones cap the number of adult cats you can keep, often at four to six before a special use permit or kennel license is required. Check your county unified development code. For example, some counties in the Northwest Arkansas region define more than five intact female cats as a commercial kennel, even for dogs only, but the zoning can still limit all animals.
Even without a license, good practice includes:
- A signed contract and health guarantee for every kitten.
- Spay/neuter agreements for pet homes.
- Written veterinary care plan.
These steps keep you out of disputes far more effectively than any government paperwork.
Arkansas cattery license vs. nearby states: quick comparison
Arkansas sits in a group of states that lean entirely on the federal USDA system. Alabama, Arizona, and Colorado also have no standalone cattery license see our [Alabama license and Arizona license guides]. California, by contrast, requires a local business license and a separate state-level animal facility permit in many counties, making it much more expensive and paperwork-heavy; you can compare in our California license article.
If you move into Arkansas from a state with heavy regulation, you will find the licensing load much lighter. The trade-off is that federal USDA oversight still applies as soon as you sell across state lines, so the paperwork does not vanish entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license for a cattery in Arkansas?
No state cattery license exists. Federal USDA Class A license is required only if you sell kittens sight unseen, to pet stores, or to brokers. Direct, face-to-face sales to homes are exempt.
How much does a cattery license cost in Arkansas?
The USDA application fee is $300. Annual license fees range from $30 to $25,000 depending on gross sales; most small catteries pay $120, $225. Local city business licenses add $15, $100. A DBA registration with the state costs $25 online.
How long does it take to get a cattery license in Arkansas?
USDA processing typically takes 60 to 90 days from application to license issuance. Local permits process in a week or two, so you can handle them concurrently. Plan on about 3 months total.
Is a home inspection required for a cattery in Arkansas?
If you need a USDA license, a pre-license inspection of your facility is mandatory. An APHIS inspector visits to verify compliance with housing, sanitation, and record-keeping standards before issuing a license.
Can I run a cattery without a license in Arkansas?
Yes, if you sell all kittens face to face and never ship or sell to a pet store. Local zoning limits on animal numbers still apply, and some cities require a home-based business license.
What is the penalty for running an unlicensed cattery?
Operating a USDA-required cattery without a license can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2149). Local citations for lack of a business license can add fines and an order to cease operations.
Do I need a state veterinary inspection for my Arkansas cattery?
No. The USDA inspector handles compliance checks. You must have a written program of veterinary care established with a licensed veterinarian, but the state does not conduct separate facility inspections.
How many cats can I have before needing a license in Arkansas?
Federal law does not set a numeric threshold; licensing depends on how you sell. However, city or county zoning often caps the number of adult cats (commonly 4 to 6) before a special use permit or kennel classification kicks in. Check local ordinances.
Is a cattery license the same as a kennel license in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas issues commercial kennel licenses only for dog operations. The Ark. Code Ann. § 20-19-201 defines a kennel as a place for dogs. Cat breeders are not covered by that state statute.
Where can I get the USDA application forms?
You can apply online through the USDA APHIS eFile system or download APHIS Form 7003A from the APHIS Animal Welfare Licensing and Registration page. The site includes a detailed checklist for pre-license preparation.
Does CatteryPath have an Arkansas cattery kit?
Yes. The CatteryPath $149 one-time USDA + State Cattery Kit includes filling instructions for APHIS Form 7003A, a local permit checklist, record-keeping logs, and a facility compliance walkthrough tailored to Arkansas. Many new breeders use it to skip the guesswork.
Sources
- Arkansas Code § 20-19-201: Arkansas Commercial Kennel Licensing Act defines kennel only for dogs; no cattery equivalent exists.
- USDA APHIS Animal Welfare Act Licensing and Registration: Class A license required for breeders selling animals sight unseen or to regulated entities.
- 9 CFR § 2.1(d) Application for license: Each applicant must submit an application fee of $300.
- 9 CFR § 2.6 Annual license fees: Annual license fee schedule for Class A dealers, $30 to $25,000 based on gross sales.
- USDA APHIS How to Apply for a License: Application processing timeline and pre-license inspection requirements.
- City of Little Rock Business License: Home occupation permit fee: $12.50/year; application fee $50.
- Arkansas Secretary of State Business Services: DBA registration fee: $25 online, $50 by mail.