Do I Need A License to Breed Pets In The UK
Licensing overview for England (summary)
Do I Need a Licence to Breed Pets in the UK?
In England, you may need a licence to breed dogs and/or to sell animals as pets, depending on activity and scale. Below is a plain-English guide with links to the official GOV.UK pages.
- ✓ Dog breeding licence needed if you breed 3+ litters in any 12 months or you breed dogs and advertise a business of selling dogs.
- ✓ Selling animals as pets licence needed if you sell animals (e.g., kittens) in the course of a business.
- ✓ Lucy’s Law: puppies and kittens (under 6 months) must be sold directly by the breeder or a rescue—no third-party dealers.
- ✓ Hobby sales: a small number of offspring you bred yourself may not need a licence, but repeated/large-scale sales can mean you’re a business.
Always check with your local council—they license and can confirm your exact position.
When a dog breeding licence is required
You need a dog breeding licence if you:
- Breed 3 or more litters in any 12-month period (and sell any of the puppies), or
- Breed dogs and advertise a business of selling dogs (even if fewer than 3 litters).
Selling animals as pets (kittens and others)
If you sell animals as pets as a commercial business, you need a Selling Animals as Pets licence. This commonly applies to kittens if you are operating as a business selling them.
There is no fixed litter threshold for cats—the key issue is whether you’re operating as a business.
Lucy’s Law: third-party sales ban
In England, puppies and kittens under 6 months can only be sold directly by the breeder or an approved rehoming/rescue centre. Third-party sales (e.g., pet shops/dealers) are banned.
Hobby vs business: the “business test”
You do not need a licence to sell a small number of offspring of pets you’ve bred yourself (a hobby). But if you do this often or with many animals, or aim to make profit, you may be classed as a business and need a licence.
How to apply & who to contact
- ✓ Contact your local council to check if you need a licence and to apply.
- ✓ Prepare to meet welfare and record-keeping standards for inspection.
- ✓ Licences are typically valid for 1–3 years (set by your council).
Official legal links (GOV.UK) — click to enter
- Dog breeding licence (England) — apply/check
- Selling animals as pets licence (England)
- Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018
- Lucy’s Law information
Note: Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland—check your nation’s guidance or ask your local council.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Always verify with your local council or GOV.UK.
