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Home Resident Environmental problems Dog Issues Dog Breeding Establishment

Dog Breeding Establishment


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This page provides information to members of the public on dog breeding establishments in Conwy County.7

For businesses requiring advice on the dog breeding licence process or to apply for a licence, please visit our business page.



Do all breeders need to be licensed? 

No. The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs)(Wales) Regulations 2014 explains when a activity of dog breeding requires a licence. This includes a person keeping 3 or more breeding bitches and breeds 3 or more litters a year, advertises 3 or more litters a year, supplies puppies born from 3 or more litters or advertises a business of breeding or selling puppies.

If a breeder does not meet this criteria, a licence is not required from the Local Authority to operate.

What standards do licensed breeders need to meet?

All licensed breeders are required to meet the requirements of The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs)(Wales) Regulations 2014 and our licence conditions for dog breeding establishments, before being issued a licence. 

List of licensed breeders

A list of current licensed breeders can be found on our public register.

Making a complaint 

If you are concerned about the practices or conditions at a licenced dog breeder, or you have information to suggest a breeder is operating without a licence (and they meet the above criteria), you can contact us by emailing licensing@conwy.gov.uk or by calling  01492 575222. 

We are unable to investigate animal welfare concerns in non-licensable dog breeder premises. You should report this to the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line.

For consumer advice (e.g. unfair trading), you can visit our Trading Standards page

Advice on buying a dog/puppy

DEFRA has produced a guide which details the considerations on buying a new pet and a step by step guide to buying a dog. 

Information is also available on the RSPCA and Dogs Trust Website.

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