Ind. Code ch. 15-21-1

in effect

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-1 Repealed

As added by P.L.111-2009, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.1-2010, SEC.66. Repealed by P.L.4-2024, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-1.5 Application

Sec. 1.5. This article does not apply to a: (1) hobby breeder; (2) person who breeds at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the person's dogs as sport dogs for hunting purposes; or (3) person who breeds at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the person's dogs as service dogs or as dogs for use by the police or the armed forces. As added by P.L.4-2024, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-2 Definitions

Sec. 2. The definitions in this chapter apply throughout this article. As added by P.L.111-2009, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.4-2024, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-2.3 "Animal care facility"

Sec. 2.3. "Animal care facility" has the meaning set forth in IC 6-9-39-1. As added by P.L.4-2024, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-2.5 "Animal rescue operation"

Sec. 2.5. "Animal rescue operation" means a person or organization that: (1) accepts during one (1) year: (A) more than twelve (12) dogs; or (B) more than: (i) nine (9) dogs; and (ii) three (3) unweaned litters of puppies; that are available for adoption as pets or as companion animals in permanent adoptive homes and that are maintained in a private residential dwelling; or (2) uses a system of private residential dwellings as foster homes for dogs. The term does not include a person or organization that breeds dogs. As added by P.L.4-2024, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-3 "Board"

Sec. 3. "Board" refers to the Indiana state board of animal health established by IC 15-17-3-1. As added by P.L.111-2009, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-3.5 "Canine care certified program"

Sec. 3.5. "Canine care certified program" refers to the certificate program administered by Purdue University that establishes standards for canine: (1) nutrition; (2) veterinary care; (3) housing; (4) handling; and (5) exercise. As added by P.L.4-2024, SEC.7.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-4 "Commercial dog breeder"

Sec. 4. "Commercial dog breeder" means a person who: (1) maintains more than nineteen (19) unaltered female dogs that are at least twelve (12) months of age; and (2) engages in the sale of dogs, resulting from the breeding of dogs, to: (A) a dog broker; (B) a pet store; or (C) the general public. As added by P.L.111-2009, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.4-2024, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-5 "Commercial dog broker"

Sec. 5. "Commercial dog broker" means a person: (1) who is a Class "B" licensee under 9 CFR 1.1; or (2) who sells at least five hundred (500) dogs in a calendar year. As added by P.L.111-2009, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.4-2024, SEC.9.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-5.3 "Hobby breeder"

Sec. 5.3. "Hobby breeder" means a person who maintains fewer than twenty (20) unaltered female dogs that are at least twelve (12) months of age. As added by P.L.4-2024, SEC.10.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-6 "Person"

Sec. 6. "Person" means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other business entity. As added by P.L.111-2009, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-6.5 "Retail pet store"

Sec. 6.5. (a) "Retail pet store" means a commercial enterprise that sells dogs from a place of business at which the seller, buyer, and dog are physically present so the buyer may observe the dog before purchasing or taking custody of that dog after purchase. (b) The term excludes the following: (1) Commercial dog breeders registered under IC 15-21-3-1. (2) Hobby breeders. (3) Persons who breed at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the person's dogs as sport dogs for hunting purposes. (4) Persons who breed at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the person's dogs as service dogs or as dogs for use by the police or the armed forces. As added by P.L.4-2024, SEC.11.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-6.7 "Unit"

Sec. 6.7. "Unit" refers to a county, municipality, or township. As added by P.L.4-2024, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 15-21-1-7 "Veterinarian"

Sec. 7. "Veterinarian" means an individual licensed as a veterinarian under IC 25-38.1. As added by P.L.111-2009, SEC.4.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/15Fetched: 10/17/2026