Registered kennel breeding program on your own land

Families, show handlers, sport and working-dog owners, and sometimes other breeders looking for quality breeding stock.

Puppy sales at a set price, with higher prices for show or working prospects, plus occasional stud fees or adult dog placements.

• Experience with dog breeding and whelping
• Animal care and kennel management
• Basic bookkeeping and contracts
• Building a reputation through shows, trials or referrals

• Many counties and some states require a kennel or breeder license and inspections, so check what applies to you
• Check whether USDA licensing under the Animal Welfare Act applies if you sell puppies sight unseen, for example online or through third parties
• Check sales tax registration and rules for animal sales in your state
• Get commercial liability insurance and consider workers' compensation once you hire help
• Noise complaints from neighbors and local nuisance rules
• Daily care of many dogs is demanding, and vet and feed costs continue even when litters don't sell

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the runs, whelping rooms and exercise areas you build, the number of breeding dogs, and whether you already have suitable land.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many litters you raise, the breeds and the price of your puppies. Vet and feed costs continue even when litters don't sell.

Many counties and some states require a kennel or breeder license and inspections, so check what applies to you. Also check whether USDA licensing under the Animal Welfare Act applies to sight-unseen sales, plus local noise and nuisance rules.