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.
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.
Licensed breeders must display certain information in their puppy adverts, enabling buyers to verify their status:
Licensed breeders are required to provide you with comprehensive information and support for your new pup’s welfare:
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:
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.
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.