Do I Need A Licence To Breed My Dog?

It's very important to understand if you may or may not need a licence to breed your dog as the consequences can be devastating.

You definitely do need a licence...

• If you are going to breed as a business and advertise dogs for sale;

  OR

• If you are going to breed 3 or more litters in any 12 month period and sell any of the puppies

You can apply for a licence through your local council who will arrange an inspection of your premises. In order to be approved for the licence there are certain criteria you need to meet...

These include showing that the dogs are:

• kept in suitable accommodation

• provided with adequate food, drink and bedding

• exercised regularly

• transported in safe and comfortable conditions

• protected in case of an emergency, like a fire

• protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

You will also need to:

• keep any records ready for inspection, for example a register of your dogs and all puppies

• display the licence number in any advertising

• display the licence clearly on the premises

How Long Does the Dog Breeding Licence Last?

Once approved your licence will be valid for 1, 2 or 3 years. Your council will decide the cost and length of your licence.

You must renew your licence before it expires to continue breeding dogs.

You can find your local council's information here. Once on their website search for Animal Licences.