× Licensing of Activities Involving Animals

From 1st October 2018 the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 came into effect.

If in a 12 month period their dogs give birth to 3 litters or more , regardless of whether they are in the business of breeding and selling dogs.

, regardless of whether they are in the business of breeding and selling dogs. Anyone “in the business” of breeding and selling dogs needs to be licensed regardless of the number of litters they have in a 12 month period. *

An animal activities license is required for anyone who keeps a breeding establishment (Including private dwellings) for dogs which meets the following conditions :

Selling Animals as Pets

An animal activities license may be required for someone who is “in the business” of selling animals as pets. This includes all commercial selling of pet animals, including pet shops and businesses selling animals over the internet. This can be any types of pets, from cats, rabbits, rodents and other pets. *

* The decision as to whether you are classed as “in the business” of breeding and selling dogs, or selling animals as pets is decided by your local council and the requirements vary between each local council authority. Many local authorities apply a business test which they will use to determine whether an individual requires a license.

Finding a Local Councils Requirements

You can use the Find Your Local Council website page to check what the requirements are within your local authority as well as the contact details needed to discuss anything further with them.

Third Party Sales

Please note that Pets4Homes do not allow anyone to advertise kittens or puppies bred by third parties. All Puppies or kittens advertised MUST have been bred by yourself, unless you are rehoming an older pet that you can no longer keep.

Reporting an Advertiser

If you believe this advertiser should be licensed and they have stated they are not, then please report them directly to their local council via their website, who are responsible for licensing and should be able to investigate the advertiser and liase with ourselves.