Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old before they can legally leave their mother and be sold or transported to a new home. Transporting younger puppies is illegal and can harm their development.

Yes, if the journey is over 65km or carried out as a business, the transporter must hold a valid animal transporter authorisation (Type 1 or Type 2) and follow UK animal welfare regulations.

Yes — breeders can arrange delivery, but the puppy must be:

• • Bred by the seller (under Lucy’s Law)
  • At least 8 weeks old
  • Properly microchipped and healthy

Third-party sellers are not allowed to sell puppies under 6 months old unless they bred them.

Yes, it is the breeder’s legal responsibility to ensure the puppy is microchipped before sale or transfer, and the breeder’s details must be registered on the database.

Puppies should travel in secure, well-ventilated crates that allow them to stand, turn and lie down comfortably. Vehicles must be suitable for animal transport and meet welfare standards to prevent stress or injury.

Yes, but longer journeys require:

• • A Type 2 transporter licence (for journeys over 8 hours)
  • Proper rest stops, hydration, and monitoring
  • A written animal transport certificate detailing the journey

These rules ensure puppies travel safely and legally.

Lucy’s Law is a UK animal welfare law introduced in April 2020 that bans the commercial sale of puppies and kittens through third-party sellers such as pet shops or dealers. Instead, anyone buying a puppy must deal directly with the breeder or adopt from a recognised rescue centre. The law was brought in to tackle puppy farming and improve animal welfare. It also requires breeders to show puppies with their mother in their place of birth, giving buyers clear visibility of the environment the puppy has been raised in. Lucy’s Law is named after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescued from a puppy farm, whose poor treatment helped highlight the need for stricter rules on how puppies are bred and sold. In simple terms, Lucy’s Law ensures puppies are sourced responsibly, helps prevent illegal breeding practices, and protects both the animal and the buyer.

A puppy contract is a written agreement between the breeder and the buyer that sets out the terms of the sale and the responsibilities of both parties. It helps protect the puppy’s welfare while giving both sides clarity and peace of mind. Typically, a puppy contract will include key details such as the puppy’s date of birth, breed, vaccination status, microchip information, and any health checks or treatments carried out. It may also outline whether the puppy is being sold as a pet or for breeding, along with any endorsements or breeding restrictions. Many breeders also include welfare-focused terms, such as a commitment that the buyer will provide proper care, not rehome the dog without contacting the breeder first, and return the puppy to the breeder if circumstances change. Some contracts also include guidance on diet, exercise, and ongoing care to help the puppy settle into its new home. In simple terms, a puppy contract is there to protect the puppy, support responsible ownership, and ensure both breeder and buyer are clear on what’s expected from the start.