Dog breeding

Last Updated: 7 May 2024

Businesses require a dog breeding licence to breed dogs and advertise their puppies for sale.

For more information on the legislation that came into force on the 1 October 2018, consult the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities on Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

Defra guidance on dog breeding

If you would like to apply for a licence to breed dogs you should fill in the animal welfare application form (DOC 76KB / 7 pages).

The application form should be returned to the Licensing Team, along with any supporting documentation and the relevant fee:

Existing fees (2024/25):

new application fee: £263.00 (plus vet fees)
renewal application fee: £251.00 (plus vet fees)
variation licence: £36.00, plus inspection & (risk assessment fee, if applicable at £48.00 per hour)
re-evaluation of rating: £136.00
variation of licence – new licensing activity/addition of home boarding host: £36.00 (for each additional licensing activity/additional host) plus inspection & risk assessment fee at £48.00 per hour

Existing licence holders will be forwarded the relevant application forms approximately one month prior to the renewal date.

To apply for a variation to a licence or re-evaluation of the star rating, contact the Licensing team.