On 24th January 2025, the final stage of the Welfare of Dogs Bill was debated and passed in the Scottish Parliament. This will bring in significant changes, and breeders need to take note.
The Government plans to establish a mandatory code of practice for acquiring and transferring dogs. This includes sales, giveaways, or any long-term arrangements like fostering. Once this code has been written and communicated, all our Scottish members will be invited to a workshop to help bring their practices up to date.
What will a code practice look like?
Well, there is certainly good template to observe, a code of practice for dog owners was introduced in 2010 but this seesm to have been brushed under carpet with very little mention of it during most buyers journey through pet selling platforms.
The Digital PawPrint software will be updated to guide you in becoming compliant with the new code of practice.
Obligations for dog breeders
So far, we have established the following:
- Breeders will be required to meet buyers before the sale or trabsfer of a dog at any age.
- A sale or transfer of a puppy cannot be completed before they are 8 weeks old
- Buyers must (if practical) see the puppy with its biological mother before the purchase. (There are a few exeptions to this)
- Certificates for the sale or transfer of a dog
- Breeder will be acountable for educating the buyer on the breed and commitment.
- Increased enforcement & Compliance
What is a certificate for Dog Transfers?
Both the breeder and the buyer must complete and sign a certificate confirming consideration of key welfare requirements (e.g., age, suitability, and health checks). The buyer must keep this certificate throughout the dog’s ownership and present it to authorities if required. Whether the Scottish Government bring in a digital services is yet to be known.
However, our responsible members can rest assured that certificates will be available in the Digital PawPrint.
Educating your buyer
As a breeder, you are encouraged to inform buyers about:
- Suitability of Breed/Type: Whether the dog matches their living conditions and household dynamics.
- Cost of Ownership: This includes food, veterinary care, insurance, and other expenses.
- Lifelong Commitment: Buyers must commit to the dog’s welfare for its entire life.
Along with this, it’s presumed there will be a awareness campaign informing the general public about breeders status and the requirement of a licence, so being licensed in Scotland could be advantage.
How will this affect England & Wales
Both Defra and the Welsh Parliament have been reviewing licensing for breeding practices, and it would not be surprising if they are closely watching how this bill is perceived. There are some good aspects to this bill, but, as always, it’s about how effectively they are enforced.
As a support network for licensed breeders, we already know that the current requirements are not being enforced, with breeders either not fully understanding their policies or being unable to demonstrate them. Luckily for our members, they have our team on hand to support them. They also have access to our software, which helps them comply with current regulations.
One element that both England and Wales may consider is the enforcement of Transfer Certificates.
Practical Steps for Compliance
- Update & document your processes, ensure all puppies are microchipped, buyers meet the mother, and transactions comply with age restrictions.
- Educate Buyers, discuss lifelong care, breed suitability, and expenses with prospective owners Use the Digital PawPrint to develop a Puppy Pack that contains all the vital information.
- Stay Informed, regularly check for updates to the code of practice or related regulations. Sign up to our newsletter
The code of practice referenced in the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Act is a legally mandated guide that sets out good practices for the acquisition, transfer, and welfare of dogs. It aims to promote responsible dog ownership and breeding practices.
