Changes to breeder identification numbers from 1 December 2025
The NSW Government requires anyone who breeds dogs in NSW to obtain a breeder identification number (BIN). While a BIN is compulsory for all dog breeders, it is not required for individuals breeding cats.
Anyone who is responsible for a dog that becomes pregnant must have a breeder identification number (BIN) with active dog breeder eligibility, even if the pregnancy was accidental. You are considered a breeder if your dog or cat is pregnant or has had a litter, regardless of whether the pregnancy was planned or accidental.
Why do I need a breeder identification number?
New laws have come into effect to strengthen puppy and dog welfare across the state by implementing a range of measures to ban puppy farming.
These laws include strengthened advertising requirements for dog breeders to include both the dog’s microchip number and a breeder identification number when advertising the sale or transfer of puppies born after 1 December 2025.
Vets and authorised identifiers must also be able to record a BIN and mother’s microchip number when microchipping litters for breeders to ensure the accuracy of the Pet Registry.
To assist members of the public when buying dogs, they can use a BIN to verify a breeder’s eligibility using the NSW Pet Registry Buyer Search.
Dog breeder eligibility class
From 1 December 2025, all breeder identification numbers (BINs) will include two eligibility classes: dog breeder and cat breeder.
- BINs issued after this date will have both classes activated.
- Existing BINs will not be cancelled or reissued. They will be updated with:
- Active cat breeder eligibility
- Inactive dog breeder eligibility
- If you are a dog breeder with an existing BIN, you must activate dog breeder eligibility to continue breeding after 1 December 2025.
Apply for a BIN or activate dog breeder eligibility on your existing BIN by logging in or creating an account on the NSW Pet Registry.
Who needs a breeder identification number?
If you are a dog breeder
- All persons breeding dogs must obtain a mandatory BIN to increase industry transparency and help people buy a puppy from an ethical breeder.
- NSW animal welfare laws require you to include both your BIN and the dog’s microchip number when you advertise that you are selling, or giving away, a puppy.
- You must use your BIN in all advertisements. You cannot use a recognised breeder organisation membership number instead.
If you are a cat breeder
- BINs are not mandatory for cat breeders. However, if you manage your litters online through the NSW Pet Registry, you will be issued a BIN.
If your dog has an accidental, or one-off, litter
- You must apply for a BIN even if the pregnancy was accidental or a one-off.
- If your dog becomes pregnant accidentally, the person in charge of the dog must apply for a BIN:
- within 14 days after becoming aware of the pregnancy, or
- 7 days after the dog gives birth.
- You must include both your BIN and the dog’s microchip number before selling or transferring the dog.
Rehoming organisations
If a designated rehoming organisation intentionally breeds dogs for profit, they are required to apply for a BIN.
A rehoming organisation number (RON) can be used in the following situations:
- When a pregnant dog enters the organisation’s custody
- If a dog that has been seized or surrendered and is in the organisation’s custody becomes pregnant by accident
Enquiries regarding BIN applications for rehoming organisations should be directed to [email protected]
Apply for a breeder identification number
- Log in or create an account on the NSW Pet Registry using your MyServiceNSW login details.
- Follow the prompts to apply for a breeder identification number (BIN). You must acknowledge and agree to follow the laws and standards for breeding cats and dogs in NSW.
- From 1 December 2025, BINs will be issued with active dog and cat breeder eligibility.
Don’t have a MyServiceNSW account? Create one online. You will be asked to provide two forms of identification.
Activate dog breeder eligibility on an existing BIN
Breeder identification numbers issued prior to 1 December will be updated with an inactive dog breeder eligibility. Breeding-related tasks for dogs will be restricted in the NSW Pet Registry until the dog breeder eligibility is activated.
- Log into the NSW Pet Registry on or after 1 December.
- Follow the prompt to activate your dog breeder eligibility.
- Read and accept the NSW breeding laws and standards, and update your details.
- Submit the form to complete activation.
After you submit, your BIN will show active dog breeder eligibility and your account will be unrestricted for all breeder tasks.
- Create a NSW Pet Registry account using your MyServiceNSW login details.
- Enter your existing BIN (if known). You will keep the same BIN.
- If you do not enter your existing BIN, you will be issued a new one.
- Read and accept the NSW breeding laws and standards, and update your details.
- Submit the form to complete activation.
- Your BIN will be issued with active dog and cat breeder eligibility.
Don’t have a MyServiceNSW account? Create one online. You will be asked to provide two forms of identification.
If you are unable to create a NSW Pet Registry account online:
- Download an application form
- Present the completed form at your local council office, along with two forms of identification.
- A council officer must check your identification and complete the verification section of the form.
- Email the completed form to the Office of Local Government at [email protected]
Applications won’t be reviewed until after 1 December 2025.
The Office of Local Government will review your application within 20 business days and notify you of the outcome via email. Incomplete applications may result in processing delays.