IaPBA News & Announcements
IaPBA Update Regarding Recent USDA Announcement(February 18, 2026) The Iowa Pet Breeders Association (IaPBA) is aware of today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Health and Human Services, regarding increased coordination and enforcement activity under the Animal Welfare Act. We recognize that announcements of this nature can create uncertainty and concern among licensed breeders—particularly those who work diligently every day to remain compliant and provide appropriate care for their dogs. IaPBA understands those concerns and takes them seriously. IaPBA is actively engaged in communication with USDA and other stakeholders to ensure that the perspectives of responsible, licensed breeders are understood and represented. Our focus remains on advocating for clarity, consistency, and fairness in the application of existing standards, and on reinforcing the distinction between responsible operations and those that repeatedly fail to meet basic requirements. Iowa breeders operate within a comprehensive regulatory environment that includes both federal and state oversight. Navigating that system requires clear expectations and predictable processes, and IaPBA’s role is to help breeders understand regulatory developments while serving as a constructive voice in ongoing discussions. In response to USDA’s Request for Information, IaPBA is meeting with partner organizations, industry leaders, and other associations to discuss the announcement, review the request for public comment, and evaluate how best to engage in the process. These discussions are intended to ensure breeder perspectives are coordinated, well-informed, and effectively communicated. As additional information becomes available, IaPBA will provide further updates and guidance to members. Breeders with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to the association. IaPBA remains committed to being a steady, informed resource for Iowa breeders and to engaging directly with regulators and partners to support responsible breeding practices and workable oversight.  11-23-25 The following letter has been mailed to every licensed breeder in Iowa Dear Iowa Licensed Breeder, We are the Iowa Pet Breeders Association (IaPBA) — dedicated to the advancement of professional companion animal breeders through education, collaboration, and representation. Whether or not you are a member, the IaPBA represents all licensed Iowa dog breeders before lawmakers, industry professionals, and the public. When we meet with legislators, we look beyond our membership base to consider how proposed changes will affect every licensed breeder in Iowa. The best way for us to represent your interests accurately is for you to join and become a member. Your membership not only strengthens our collective voice — it also connects you to a wealth of resources designed to help breeders succeed and stay informed. The IaPBA hosts an annual three-day conference featuring expert speakers and vendors covering every aspect of dog breeding — from kennel management and animal care to marketing, genetics, and compliance. We also provide mentorship for new or expanding kennels, helping breeders build operations that meet both state and federal standards. Our members receive regular updates on current and proposed laws, inspection practices, and enforcement changes. Regardless of personal opinions about regulation, staying informed is essential —because following the laws and regulations is not optional. As more breeders sell directly to consumers, visibility and trust have never been more important. The IaPBA website currently appears as the top search result for “Iowa dog breeders.” As technology continues to shape how families find their next puppy, the IaPBA website plays an increasingly important role in building trust and visibility for licensed Iowa breeders. Because it ranks first in search results, it’s often the public’s first impression of Iowa’s entire breeding community. When your kennel appears in our directory, buyers can locate you easily, verify your membership, and feel confident that they’re working with a responsible, inspected breeder — not a scammer. If you’re wondering how we got your name and address — every licensed breeder in Iowa, whether you hold a state license with four dogs or a USDA-licensed commercial facility, is listed publicly on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and USDA websites. That information is available to anyone, and we use it solely to contact licensed breeders with industry updates, resources, and opportunities to connect. The IaPBA is committed to bringing maximum value to our members — advancing ethical breeding, understanding the hurdles of this industry, and offering practical resources to overcome them. We invite you to stand with us in representing the professional breeders who make Iowa’s reputation strong. Sincerely, IaPBA Board Of Directors Iowa Pet Breeders Association Click here to Join or Click here Contact a Board Member/Learn About us.
10-23-2025 USDA Government Shutdown — Possible Impact on Licensing and Inspections With the current federal government shutdown, many USDA offices — including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) — are operating with limited staff and reduced capacity. This may result in delays in inspections, including routine, re-license, and pre-license inspections, which could create a backlog once normal operations resume. Courtesy visits may also be affected during this time. Other possible impacts include: Temporary pause in inspection activity during the shutdown period Delays in processing license applications and re-licenses Slower shipment of official forms, such as the APHIS 7006 (Record of Acquisition) Reduced access to compliance information and support services Breeders with upcoming inspections or pending license actions should plan for possible delays, keep detailed records of any communication with USDA, and save copies of all forms and correspondence for reference. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to an IaPBA board member for assistance. To help members stay prepared, you can download and print a copy of the APHIS Form 7006 in case shipments from USDA are delayed: Download APHIS Form 7006 (PDF) IaPBA will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as more information becomes available. |