Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-17-103: Sale or transportation of dogs or cats to research facilities by dealers without license prohibited

(a) It is unlawful for any dealer to sell or offer to sell or transport or offer for transportation to any research facility any dog or cat, or to buy, sell, offer to buy or sell, transport or offer for transportation in commerce any dog or cat, unless the dealer has a currently valid license from the commissioner and has complied with the rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner pursuant to this part.

(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.