What are the laws about puppy breeding and what should I do if I’m concerned about the breeder?
In the United Kingdom breeders need to have a license if they breed 3 or more litters in a year (or 5 if they are in Scotland). The laws apply to where the breeder is based. Here’s our handy guide to what the laws mean in all four countries of the United Kingdom:
Anyone can use The Puppy Contract - whether it’s for a one off litter, or one bred by a licenced breeder. As such it has been designed to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying a puppy, to ensure you’re happy and comfortable with where you’re getting your puppy from. If you are concerned by any of the information provided in the Contract, either ask your proposed vet for their opinion or be prepared to walk away from the purchase.
England
In October 2018 the government in England introduced a new law about breeding and selling puppies. It’s designed to help protect the welfare of puppies and their parents.
The rules apply to anyone who is:
- breeding three or more litters of puppies in any 12-month period (unless they don’t sell any of the puppies)
- breeding dogs and advertising a business of selling dogs.
If they’re doing either of these things they must have a licence from their local authority and they must display their licence number in any adverts for puppies. If you’re buying a puppy, always make sure you see the breeder’s licence number. If they meet the criteria but they don’t have a licence, walk away. If you’re not sure if they need a licence you can find their local council to check with them here.
The law includes conditions that the breeders have to meet, and they cover how the health, behaviour and welfare of the puppies and their parents are protected, including:
- Breeders can only sell puppies they have bred themselves, and only from the place the puppy was bred and reared.
- Puppies must be 8 weeks old before they can be sold or leave their mum.
- Puppies must be seen with their biological mum.
- Breeders must be able to show they have used a ‘socialisation and habituation’ plan, which means they’ll have been gradually and positively introduced to a range of people and different household experiences and noises so that they’ll be happy and confident in their new homes.
Breeders will be given a star rating, so always choose a breeder who meets the ‘higher standards’ which help makes sure they are selling happy, healthy puppies. In order to achieve a higher standard, breeders must use a puppy contract when they sell their puppies.
If you are concerned that you may have come across a puppy farm or puppy dealer - please contact your local trading standards or report it to the RSPCA or the police. .
Wales
In Wales, under The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014 a breeder will need a licence to breed dogs if they keep 3 or more breeding bitches on their premises and:
- breed on those premises 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period;
- advertise for sale from those premises a puppy or puppies born from 3 or more litters of puppies for sale in any 12 month period;
- supply from those premises a puppy or puppies born from 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period; or
- advertise a business of breeding or selling puppies from those premises.
If you’re buying a puppy, always make sure you see the breeder’s licence number. If they meet the criteria but they don’t have a licence, walk away. If you’re not sure if they need a licence you can find their local council to check with them here.
If you are concerned that you may have come across a puppy farm - please contact your local trading standards or report it to the RSPCA.
Scotland
In Scotland there are several laws under which puppy breeding falls. If the breeder does any of the following they will require a license:
- Breeding and selling of five or more litters in a year.
- Advertising a business breeding and selling dogs
- Selling dogs commercially, such as in a pet shop
- Selling puppies under the age of 12 weeks (even if they are not the breeder).
However a license is not needed if:
- The puppy is being sold from an animal sanctuary or rehoming centre
- The puppy is an offspring of a dog they are keeping as a pet
- No more than 2 puppies are being sold in any 12 month period
- They are already a licensed breeder, a pet shop license holder or an animal sanctuary or rehoming centre.
If you’re buying a puppy, always make sure you see the breeder’s licence number. If they meet the criteria but they don’t have a licence, walk away. If you’re not sure if they need a licence you can find their local council to check with them here.
If you are concerned that you may have come across a puppy farm - please contact your local trading standards.
Northern Ireland
As part of the Welfare of Animals (Dog breeding establishments and miscellaneous amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 anyone who owns three or more breeding bitches or intends to breed more than three litters of puppies a year for sale must apply for a dog breeding establishment licence.
A breeding establishment is defined as one or more premises, within the same area, operated by the same person and from which that person keeps three or more breeding bitches, and
- breeds three or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period
- advertises three or more litters of puppies for sale in any 12 month period
- supplies three or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period, or
- advertises a business of breeding or selling of puppies.
If you’re buying a puppy, always make sure you see the breeder’s licence number. If they meet the criteria but they don’t have a licence, walk away. If you’re not sure if they need a licence you can find their local council to check with them here.
If you are concerned that you may have come across an unlicensed breeding establishment or breeder - please contact the dog wardens team for your local council to report it.
For more advice on buying a puppy in Northern Ireland and your responsibilities as a dog owner please see the NI Direct website.
Buying from outside of the United Kingdom
If you are considering buying a puppy from outside of the United Kingdom you need to ensure that the puppy is:
- At least 15 weeks old
- Has been microchipped (and ensure those details are updated on systems here in the UK).
- Has been vaccinated against rabies
- Has been treated for tapeworm
- Has a pet passport or veterinary certificate confirming the puppy was vaccinated against rabies at the right age and has been treated for tapeworm.
Puppies who have been bred in another country have travelled a long way to get to where you’re buying them from which can be very scary for them and puts them at risk of diseases. You also can’t see their mum or the place where they were born and reared.