Laws to outlaw so-called puppy and kitten farms have unanimously passed the ACT Legislative Assembly.

Such farms typically involve intensive breeding of animals for the pet market, often repeatedly impregnating female animals to maximise the number of young they produce.

The new laws passed on Tuesday ban that and also require breeders to be inspected and licensed, helping those looking for a pet make more informed choices.

Territory and Municipal Services Minister Shane Rattenbury, who introduced the bill, said the legislation criminalises the intensive breeding of female dogs and cats and introduces penalties of up to $15,000 for an individual and $75,000 for a corporation.

"New offences include recklessly allowing a dog or cat to breed contrary to a breeding standard, which will be declared following advice from the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee," he said.

"Breeding standards will cover areas such as frequency of breeding litters and ages at which breeders are permitted to commence breeding female cats and dogs."

The legislation will also establish a licensing scheme for breeders, to allow for the inspection of breeders' premises to ensure animal welfare standards are maintained.

The scheme will require breeders to display their breeding licence number in advertisements for animals they have bred.

"This will be an important aspect for those wishing to purchase a puppy or kitten," Mr Rattenbury said.

"They will see the licence number and be assured that they are purchasing their pet from a reputable breeder who has met specific standards in the breeding of that animal."