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Help us stop the illegal puppy trade

Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, puppy sales have increased, along with the cost of buying a puppy. People are spending more time at home, so owning a dog seems easier and more attractive. Sadly, this has led to more illegal breeders, or puppy dealers, operating puppy farms.

People who breed and sell dogs as a business must have a license with us. We make sure that they meet certain standards and have checks in place. This is to keep the animals properly looked after and free from preventable disease, distress and suffering.

How you can help

You can help us by:

  • knowing what to look out for when buying a dog
  • checking if a breeder has a license before buying from them
  • reporting any concerns you have about a breeder or advert

Apply for a licence to breed dogs

You need a licence if you breed 3 or more litters of puppies a year or make more than £1,000 per litter.

Report a concern about a breeder

Report concerns about a dog breeder, the welfare of the dogs they're breeding or suspicious adverts selling dogs.

Check if a breeder is licensed

You can search for breeders in Dorset using a name, address or postcode to make sure you're buying from a licensed breeder.

Make sure you're buying a healthy, happy puppy and find out how to spot a puppy farm

Get a puppy buying checklist and read about things to consider before buying a puppy

The government's Petfished Campaign includes a step by step guide on buying or adopting a pet

Read about the illegal trade, puppy farms, and what Four Paws is doing to help put a stop to it

Get a free legally binding contract of sale

Show that you are a responsible breeder