InformationRunning a dog breeding business

Overview

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018

  • You may need a licence if you breed dogs and advertise them for sale

  • You will be considered to be running a business if in any 12 month period you earn more than £1000 from selling puppies and you advertise them for sale

Please contact us if you are unsure if you will need to apply for a licence, email environmentalhealth@eastdevon.gov.uk

Restrictions

You won't be given a licence if you’ve committed any animal health or welfare offences, or if you’ve been banned from:

  • running a riding establishment

  • running a pet shop

  • keeping animals, including in a boarding kennel or cattery

Applications and renewals

Please see applications/renewals

Inspections

Before you get a licence your premises will be inspected by an officer.

Consumer complaints

We would always advise that in the event of a quality or service complaint you write to the trader first.  If that is not successful, you could contact Consumer Direct who will give you advice. 

Public register

Animal License activities and Establishments

When this content has been updated

Last updated 28 July 2026