Dog Breeding Map of the UK & Ireland
Thinking about getting a puppy? Not sure how to check if someone is licensed to breed dogs? Or just curious about dog breeding in your area? Our map is for you.
Use our unique Dog Breeding Map of the UK & Ireland to find out about dog breeding in your area:
- How many dog breeding businesses does your council licence?
- What’s their size?
- Does your council publish a licensed dog breeder register?
Find out answers to these questions and more by searching or clicking on the pins below.
Information in this map is correct as of January 2025.
If you spot any errors, please contact us at info@naturewatch.org.
Want to learn more about dog breeding across the whole of the UK and Ireland? Check out our report below, which summarises findings from across the nations.
Explore this section
Frequently asked questions
I’m thinking about getting a puppy - how will the dog breeding map help me?
The Dog Breeding Map of the UK & Ireland exists to make dog breeding more transparent. We know that as a puppy buyer, you’re bombarded with lots of advice, and navigating a system where some breeders are licensed and some aren’t can be really confusing.
The map won’t give you all the answers, but it will tell you about licensed breeding in your area (or the area you’re thinking about buying a puppy from). Crucially, it’ll help you find out how to double check if someone is licensed. It’ll also tell you how many licensed breeders are near you. If there are none, that might be a bit of a red flag if you’re thinking about buying from someone who is advertising and selling puppies regularly. Finally, it’ll tell you about the sort of size of any licensed breeding businesses in your area.
As an animal welfare charity, we’d always encourage anyone who is thinking about getting a puppy or dog to try their local rescue centre first. Giving a dog a second chance is so rewarding and many rescues have puppies and adult dogs who are looking for loving homes. Find your local rescue centre on the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes website.
Why are some dog breeders licensed and not others?
Each country in the UK has slightly different rules when it comes to dog breeding and, in general, a licence is only required if a breeder reaches a certain threshold. This is either based on the number of litters produced in a year, the number of female dogs kept for breeding and/or the level of commercial activity. The Republic of Ireland also has its own rules. Some exemptions also exist and these vary across nations. It’s important to note that breeders should obtain a licence before they reach the relevant threshold for a licence, and not afterwards.
A brief summary of the rules across the UK and Ireland is provided below:
In England, a person requires a dog breeding licence if they breed 3 or more litters in a twelve month period and/or are breeding dogs and advertising a business of selling dogs.
In Wales, a person requires a dog breeding licence if they keep three or more breeding bitches and:
- breed three or more litters of puppies in a twelve month period, or
- supply or advertise for sale puppies.
People who are breeding dogs below this threshold require a pet selling licence if they are selling puppies and/or dogs in the course of a business.
In Scotland, a person requires a dog breeding licence if they breed three or more litters of puppies in a twelve month period.
In Northern Ireland, a person requires a dog breeding licence if they keep three or more breeding bitches and:
- breed, advertise or supply three or more litters of puppies in a twelve-month period, or
- advertise for sale puppies.
In the Republic of Ireland, a person requires a dog breeding establishment licence if they keep six or more female dogs who are over six months of age and capable of being used for breeding. A person who breeds dogs below this threshold should register with the Department of Agriculture as a Seller of Pets if they sell or supply six or more puppies and/or dogs in a year.
How do I check if someone is licensed?
Checking if someone is licensed or not can be a minefield. Local authorities are responsible for issuing dog breeding licences in the UK and Ireland, and an increasing number of councils are publishing registers of licensed breeders. However, not all of them do. On our map, for each council you’ll either find a link to their dog breeder register or contact information to help you make enquiries.
Why do some breeders have star ratings and what do they mean?
In England, licensed breeders are given star ratings when they’re inspected by the local authority. Similar to the food hygiene rating system, a higher star rating indicates the business is operating to higher standards. Businesses that have lower star ratings are inspected more frequently.
Licensed breeders in England have to display their licence, which includes their star rating. So if you’re buying a puppy from a breeder in England, always ask 1. if they’re licensed, 2. what their star rating is and 3. to see a copy of the licence if it’s not already on display.
England is the only country in the UK and Ireland to use the star-rating system. Check out Paws on the Doors, which is building a directory of licensed animal businesses in England and their star-ratings.
What should I do if I think someone is breeding dogs illegally?
If you think someone is breeding dogs without a licence in the UK, you can report your concerns to your local authority (find your local council here) or to our investigators here. Unfortunately, we cannot investigate reports of illegal dog breeding that occurs outside of the UK.
If you’re concerned about an urgent animal welfare issue, please contact the RSPCA (England & Wales), SSPCA (Scotland), local council (Northern Ireland) or Department of Agriculture (Ireland).
