Giving away or selling a litter of puppies: the legal requirements

Pattes-Kit
Pattes-kit Icon representing the flag French

Hello,

Has your dog had a litter and you're planning on rehoming or selling the puppies? Here is what you need to do legally before they head off to their new homes:

  • Every puppy must be microchipped before they leave you and registered in your name first. Ownership is then transferred to the new owner through an approved microchip database.

  • They must be at least eight weeks old and go to their new home with a vet's health check or vaccination record, even if they are being given away for free.

  • The person adopting the puppy should sign a 'puppy contract' or a care agreement. You should provide them with all the necessary care information at least seven days before they collect the puppy.

  • You must provide them with a transfer of ownership document and an information pack about the animal: their diet, specific needs, and routine.

If you are selling the puppies, you may need a breeding licence from your local council, even for a single litter that isn't Kennel Club registered.

Legal references: The Animal Welfare Act 2006, The Microchipping of Dogs Regulations, and the latest GOV.UK guidelines on dog breeding.

Céline 😉

Translated from French
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    • ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
    Expert verified
    Hello, I’m a vet student, thanks for such a useful and well-summarised reminder! These obligations apply to both sales and rehoming for free: microchipping, a minimum age of eight weeks and a vet health certificate issued within the last three months. The commitment certificate must be issued by an authorised person and then signed at least seven days before the adoption takes place. Just a small clarification: it’s up to the person rehoming the animal to notify the microchip database of the change of ownership within eight days. And if selling a litter that isn't registered with the Kennel Club, obtaining an official breeder’s licence or business registration number is indeed mandatory. Best regards, Romane
    Translated from French

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