Illinois Licensed Dog Breeder Locations
The Geography of Illinois’ Dog Breeding Industry
The state licensing data for Illinois tells a compelling story. From FY2020 through FY2024, Douglas and Moultrie Counties have consistently topped the list of Illinois counties with the highest concentrations of state-licensed dog breeders. These rural areas are home to Arthur and Arcola, communities with significant Amish populations.
Why Douglas and Moultrie?
The amount of licensed dog breeders in the Douglas and Moultrie counties tells a story that is consistent with the data from Ohio and Indiana.
Many of the kennels in these areas are operated by Amish families who have turned to dog breeding as a supplement to farming.
These welfare conditions reflect a business model that treats dogs as products. While not every kennel is the same, the systemic issues tied to mass production of puppies are well-documented by regulators, inspectors, and animal welfare experts.
