About The Puppy Contract

The Puppy Contract was developed by the Animal Welfare Foundation and the RSPCA and is now owned and managed by the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF).

In response to growing concerns about welfare in dog breeding, the Dog Breeding Stakeholder Group was formed in 2008. Comprising the Animal Welfare Foundation, RSPCA, APGAW, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, DEFRA, Dogs Trust, The Kennel Club and the PDSA, the group sought to look at ways they could work together to address issues relating to dog breeding - and from that The Puppy Contract came into being.

The Puppy Contract has been designed as a tool to encourage the responsible breeding and buying of puppies - ensuring buyers have all of the information they need to make an informed decision when buying a puppy and allowing responsible breeders to set themselves apart by demonstrating the care and attention they have put into breeding puppies with the best chance of being happy and healthy.

The principles that underpin The Puppy Contract are:

• Every dog should be born with the best possible chance of living a healthy and happy life.
• All those who breed dogs should prioritise health, welfare and temperament over appearance to protect the welfare of both the parents and offspring.
• All those who benefit from dogs have a collective responsibility to work together to protect dog welfare.
• Both the buyer and breeder have an obligation to protect the welfare of the animals in their care.

The Puppy Contract is free to use by anyone who is breeding puppies - whether a one off litter or licensed  breeders.