Animal Welfare Act 2018: Buying a Puppy from a Licensed Breeder

The Animal Welfare Act (2006) remains the key legislation in the UK for protecting animal welfare, including dogs. Under this umbrella law, specific requirements and regulations aim to ensure animals, especially puppies, are bred and sold responsibly.

Since 1st October 2018, new rules under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 have made it mandatory for anyone breeding or selling puppies for profit to hold a licence if they meet certain criteria. These regulations help safeguard puppy welfare by requiring breeders to meet minimum standards and allowing local authorities to monitor breeding businesses.

Choosing a responsible breeder who complies with these licensing rules significantly reduces the risk of purchasing unhealthy puppies or inadvertently supporting unethical breeding practices. This guide explains how prospective puppy buyers can identify licensed breeders, check their legitimacy, and understand their obligations.

Who Needs a Licence to Breed and Sell Puppies?

In England, anyone breeding three or more litters of puppies within a 12-month period must have a breeding licence. Puppies for sale from such breeders should come with this assurance.

Moreover, individuals who breed fewer than three litters but advertise or sell puppies commercially may also need a licence if considered to be running a business, though local authorities may apply this on a case-by-case basis.

It’s important to note that those who breed dogs but do not sell any puppies are generally exempt from licensing requirements, provided they can demonstrate this evidence.

Identifying a Licensed Breeder Through Their Advertising

Licensed breeders must display certain information in their puppy adverts, enabling buyers to verify their status:

• Clear breeder or seller licence number.
• Name of the local authority issuing the licence.
• Photograph clearly showing the exact puppy for sale.
• Age of the puppy.
• Country where the puppy is currently located.
• Country of origin of the puppy.

What to Expect When Buying From a Licensed Puppy Breeder

Licensed breeders are required to provide you with comprehensive information and support for your new pup’s welfare:

• Any accessories sold with the puppy must be appropriate and safe.
• Clear guidance on feeding, handling, housing, and veterinary care.
• Reference materials on puppy care should be made available.
• Breeder or staff must be trained to give accurate advice.
• Disclosure of the puppy’s origin, age, gender, and veterinary history.
• Puppies must not be sold before eight weeks old, as this protects their development and health.
• Puppies must be microchipped before sale.
• Puppies should be viewed with their mother to ensure welfare standards.
• The sale must be completed at the breeder’s licensed premises to reduce risk of illicit transactions.

Where to Report Concerns About a Breeder or Advert

If you suspect a breeder or seller is operating without a required licence or in breach of licensing conditions, you should take action to protect animal welfare:

• Report unlicensed breeders to the local authority’s licensing department.
• Alert the local authority if a licensed breeder breaks licence terms.
• If an advert lacks required licence details or seems suspicious, report it to the platform hosting the advert for prompt investigation.

At Pets4Homes, we facilitate easy reporting of concerns directly on adverts with a “report advert” link, ensuring swift action is taken when necessary. Any puppy adverts from licensed breeders include licence details to assist buyers in verifying breeder credentials and reporting issues.

Additional Tips for Responsible Puppy Buying

• Always visit breeders in person to see where the puppies are raised and ensure good conditions.
• Ask about the health screening of parent dogs and the puppy’s veterinary records.
• Consider adopting a dog from a rescue centre where many loving animals await a home.
• Be wary of unusually low prices or sellers reluctant to share key information.

In summary, by understanding the licensing requirements and knowing what to look for, you can make informed choices when buying a puppy. Ensuring your new family member comes from a caring, licensed breeder helps secure a happy, healthy life for your dog from the very start.