Dog breeding

Information on licensing requirements for breeding dogs if selling puppies for over £1,000 annually or breeding 3 or more litters a year. Read the guidance before applying.

If you sell puppies and earn more than £1,000 a year (net), you will need a dog breeding licence regardless of whether you’re a hobby breeder, show home, or breeding a family pet. This is known as the business test.

On your first application, a Council officer and a vet will carry out an inspection. This visit will incur a charge. Future inspections may not require a vet unless there are welfare concerns.

Before applying, consider the following:

  • Can you keep all puppies if they do not sell?
  • Do you have the financial means to cover emergency vet care (e.g. C-sections, cleft palates, hernias)?
  • Have you researched your breed thoroughly?
  • Has your dog been tested for hereditary conditions?
  • Do you understand what a coefficient of inbreeding (COI) is?

For advice or to discuss your circumstances, contact the animal licensing officer at: food.team@colchester.gov.uk