A breeding establishment is defined as any premises where the business of breeding of dogs for sale is carried on. A person will be presumed to be carrying on a business where, during any 12 month period, three or more litters are born at the premises and one puppy or more is sold. A decision as to whether a breeder with bitches producing fewer than three litters a year needs to be licensed will depend on whether the breeder concerned is carrying on a business: this can only be determined by the local authority on the facts of each case. 

Each premises will be risk rated at inspection and will be given a star rating from 1 to 5, which will also determine whether the premises is granted a licence for 1, 2 or 3 years. An explanation of the star rating procedure can be viewed by clicking on the document at the side of this page.

To make an application, complete the online form (see link at the side of the page - you can register with our website or use the "Guest" button, which does not require you to sign in).

Please note that an application for a licence renewal must be received more than 10 weeks before the current licence expires. Failure to do so may result in the licence not being renewed in time and, thus a period where the business can not operate.

Please contact us on 01962 848097 (or email eh@winchester.gov.uk) if you have any queries.

The fees for Dog Breeders for 2024/25 (as revised in accordance with the Regulations) are £313. Your first inspection will require a vet and the cost of this will be recharged to the applicant.

Note that, should the licensee apply for a reinspection, this must be done in writing, setting out the work that has been completed and the reasons for the reinspection. The full fee is payable for a reinspection.

Methods of Payment

 

When you have finished filling in the form, you will be taken to a payment screen to pay your licence application fee so have your card details ready. Payment must be made at the same time as you complete the form.

Note: If you have trouble paying for your licence application, please contact us on 01962 848097

You are still responsible for the veterinary fees for your first licensing inspection. We will invoice you for this cost separately after the inspection.

For subsequent inspections, a vet is not usually needed unless the inspecting officers considers the presence of a vet necessary. We would invoice you for this cost separately after the inspection.

Note that, should the licensee apply for a reinspection, this must be done in writing, setting out the work that has been completed and the reasons for the reinspection. The full fee is payable for a reinspection.

 

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 came into force on 1st October 2018. You must comply with all of the minimum standards in the guidance below to achieve a licence and as well as a physical inspection of the premises, evidence of all relevant paperwork and qualifications will need to be seen at your inspection;

Dog Breeding

You are also advised to read the Canine And Feline Sector Group Guidance on Dog Conformation and the Dog Breeding Reform Group's Code Of Practice On Dog Breeding before starting your business.

Click on the blue writing and it will link you to the appropriate website

Appointed veterinary surgeons and practitioners, appropriately qualified local authority officers, or other competent persons authorised by the local authority may inspect licensed premises and any animals at such premises at any reasonable time. Note that, if a veterinary surgeon or practitioner is required to attend an inspection, these charges will be passed on to the applicant in addition to the Council's licence fees.

There will normally only be one inspection for each licence granted but further inspections may be made to check that licence conditions have been complied with, if a complaint is received about the premises, or if there is any concern about the condition of the premises, or the welfare of an animal at the premises.

Unlicensed premises may also be inspected in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Please contact us on 01962 848097 (or email eh@winchester.gov.uk) if you have any queries.

A licence will be refused;

• If the applicant is under 18.
• If the applicant has been disqualified from holding an animal licence or keeping an animal, or has had a licence revoked under scetion 15 of the Regulations.
• If conditions of the licence are not met.

The applicant may appeal to a First tier Tribunal if the Council refuses to grant or renew a licence

A licence may be varied, suspended or revoked by the Council for the following reasons;

• the licence conditions are not being complied with
• there has been a breach of the Regulations
• the information supplied by the licensee is false or misleading, or
• it is necessary to protect the welfare of an animal.

Any significant change to the premises may require a variation to your licence. The licensee may request a variation or the Council can impose one. This will involve a small charge. Please contact us on eh@winchester.gov.uk if you think a variation may be needed.

The licensee may appeal to a First tier Tribunal if the Council has varied, suspended or revoked a licence.

 

There is a list of those licensed to breed dogs in the District on the right hand side of the page. The list is usually updated twice a year.

Remember that adverts posted by licensed breeders must include their licence number and the name of the Council they are licensed by. If they claim to be licensed by Winchester City Council, check with us before buying a puppy.

There is a 2020 Government campaign called "Petfished" which warns of the pitfalls of buying through online sources. We advise that you look at it before buying There is a link here

The associated education campaign run by The Dogs Trust is called "Dogfished", which gives good advice about buying a puppy. There is a link here

Got a New Dog?

You are by no means alone. The demand for dogs and puppies was very high during lockdown so we know that there are a lot of new canine residents out there. I hope your new pet has settled in as a welcome addition to the family.

What Will Your Dog Make of the "New New Normal"?!

Remember that your new dog, especially if he was a puppy when he joined your household, will be accustomed to the lifestyle that you were living when you got him, which may have been during lockdown. He will expect you to be at home for the majority of the time and may not even be used to being left alone at all. So, if the family routine is going to change with people going back to work, college or school, what will this mean for the dog?

Have You Heard Of Separation Anxiety? 

Dogs like company, especially if they are used to someone being around all the time. Not all dogs will experience separation anxiety but they are most likely to do so if they are suddenly left alone and are not used to it: it can be a very traumatic experience for them. During a bad case of separation anxiety, a dog may destroy doors, furniture, carpets, flooring; he is also likely to bark, howl and cry for long periods which will cause a lot of distress to the neighbours as well as the dog. As with a lot of things, the prevention is better and easier than the cure.

Can I prepare for this?

Fortunately, there is a lot of help out there but there is no quick, easy overnight fix. Preparing your dog for being left alone is a gradual process so you need to start as soon as possible. Here are a few examples of websites that provide help and information;

The Blue Cross https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/home-alone-separation-anxiety-dogs

The Dogs Trust https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/training/what-to-do-if-your-dog-is-anxious-when-theyre-left-alone

The RSPCA https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/kind

If you think you need the help of a dog trainer or behaviourist, you can search for local members on the following websites;

Association of Pet Dog Trainers www.apdt.co.uk

Association Of Pet Behaviour Councillors www.apbc.org.uk

As of 6th April 2020, it will be illegal for a pet shop or other licensed pet seller to sell puppies or kittens.

Licensed breeders of puppies may only sell them from their own premises.