When Niki was working in our video store, we had to be licensed with the USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). Â It seemed like a waste of money as the inspector drove for hours several times to inspect a backyard pet. It only cost me $35 per year for the service. Â They left a booklet with me and after reviewing it, I will simplify part of the long descriptions of who must be licensed and who is exempt. Â This is in regards to the recent PAWS legislation.
If you are a breeder selling at the wholesale level, you must be licensed. Â If you are a breeder selling to other breeders you MAY have to be licensed. Â If you are a retailer selling to the public and this includes all chain stores as well as small retailers then you are exempt. Â Now wouldnt it make more sense just to require retailers to purchase from licensed breeders only? Â If puppy mills did not have a market to sell their products then they would cease to exist. Â I have always been puzzled that there is no legislation governing animal retailers while wholesalers are different. Â This makes no sense and PAWS makes no sense.
Peggy