Animal Licensing Wales - Animal Licensing Wales

Helpful information for buyers

Who is required to have a licence when selling animals as pets?

A licensable activity is defined in the legislation as:
Selling animals as pets (or with a view to their being later resold as pets) in the course of a business including keeping animals in the course of a business with a view to their being sold or resold.

Business test
The regulations specify two example business tests to be considered when determining whether an activity should be determined as commercial. The Local Authority must consider whether the operator
• makes any sale by, or otherwise carries on, the activity with a view to making a profit
or
• earns any commission or fee from the activity

Who is required to have a dog breeding licence?

A person who keeps on a premises 3 or more breeding bitches and

• breeds on those premises 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12-month period
• advertises for sale from those premises a puppy or puppies born from 3 or more litters of puppies for sale in any 12-month period
• supplies from those premises a puppy or puppies born from 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12-month period
or
• advertises a business of breeding or selling puppies from those premises

Your cancellation rights

Cancelling goods or services

Are you a consumer who has:
• agreed to buy a pet animal, but changed your mind or are unable to go ahead with the contract?
• been asked to pay a cancellation charge to the business, but want to challenge the amount?
• lost your deposit or advance payments, and want to get them back from the business?

Consumer law may help you
Do not just accept that the business can keep your deposit and advance payments or ask you to pay a cancellation charge if you cancel the contract. The business can only do this if the contract term is fair.

A cancellation charge is not fair just because it is in the contract you signed – it needs to be reasonable.

Sometimes you are entitled to a full or partial refund but you cannot always expect all of your money back if you change your mind.

Businesses can keep your deposit or advance payments, or ask you to pay a cancellation charge, only in certain circumstances.

If you cancel the contract, the business is generally only entitled to keep or receive an amount sufficient to cover their actual losses that directly result from your cancellation (eg costs already incurred or loss of profit).

Businesses must take reasonable steps to reduce their losses (eg by reselling the goods or services).

Non-refundable deposits should only be a small percentage of the total price.

Cancellation charges must be a genuine estimate of the business’ direct loss.

Contact the business
If you have concerns, firstly ask the business to explain how they calculated the amount they are keeping or charging you for cancelling the contract.

For information or advice
Contact the Citizens Advice consumer service (03454 040506) for advice on what you can do.

These materials are not a substitute for legal advice and should not be relied on as such.

What makes a good advert?

As a buyer you need to assess the adverts before you buy a puppy and always be mindful of your consumer protection rights.

This should also apply on social media.

• A licensed breeder will display their licence number and the local authority they are registered with
• Licensed breeders as a business cannot ask for a non-refundable deposit
• Include contact details via phone or email
• A clear photo of the Dam with puppies and more information including the name, age and any health testing
• Puppies should be able to be seen with Dam and Sire (if appropriate)
• Sire’s information including a picture, name, age and any health testing
• An overview of the breed requirements, exercise level, grooming and type of home they would suit
• When the puppies will be ready and what age that will be (8 weeks)
• Details of vaccination, worming, flea treatment and microchipping (microchipping is a legal requirement)
• Puppy packs and what they will include, a feeding schedule for transition onto new food, blanket with mother’s scent etc
• A puppy sales contract and continued socialisation plan
• Information about the breeder and their experience
• Information on socialisation methods, eg puppy culture
• All sales should take place at the premises • State whether the puppies are kept in a kennel or in the home
• Kennel Club and/or Kennel Club Assured Breeders Scheme registration means they are assessed and approved by the Kennel Club

What to look for when buying a puppy

Here are some important factors to consider before making that all-important purchase:

• Research the breeder and ask lots of questions before you visit
• A licensed breeder must have their licence on display
• Ask if the puppy has been regularly wormed since birth
• Ensure that the puppy has been microchipped (this is a legal requirement)
• Ensure that the puppy will be at least 8 weeks old before they leave
• Always meet the puppy’s mum and ask her age (must be a minimum of 1 year old)
• When visiting the puppy look for interaction with mother and littermates
• Ask what food the puppy has been weaned onto and ensure the breeder provides enough of the puppy’s food to continue the same diet for a few days after going home
• Never feel pressured into making a purchase – if it doesn’t look right or feel right then it probably isn’t right!

If you do decide to buy, always arrange a veterinary health check within 48 hours of purchase.

The importance of microchipping your dog

What is a microchip?
A microchip is a small electronic chip, around the size of a grain of rice, which is implanted under the dog's skin. It is a simple procedure done by your vet and does not hurt the dog.

How does a microchip work?
A dog microchip has a unique code which when scanned with a special reader can be matched to the owner's details on the provider’s database.

Why is a microchip so important?
Dog microchipping gives you the best chance of being reunited with your dog if they go missing.

What's the law around microchipping?
From the 6th April 2016, all dogs in England, Wales and Scotland are required by law to be microchipped and wear a collar with an ID tag.

How do I keep my details up to date?
It is very important that you keep your contact details up to date for your dog’s microchip to remain compliant. Check with your provider for more details.

Remember … if your dog is lost or stolen you are 20 times more likely to be reunited if it is microchipped and the details are up to date.

WARNING about unauthorised and fake pet microchip registry

Animal Licensing Wales would like to warn breeders and consumers to check that they are dealing with a legitimate and authorised microchip company when they search for them online.

We are aware that fake websites are set up which look like the genuine company when they are not and could lead to you losing money. Also, other websites are known to state that they will register the microchip for you for a fee and it is not done.

To find and check the list of pet databases authorised by the UK Government go to this link.

For consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

The public and businesses are encouraged to join Friends Against Scams and Businesses Against Scams respectively. These initiatives aim to protect and prevent people and businesses from becoming scam victims by empowering them to take a stand against scams.