After the first survey, our members were unanimous that the main issue was how unlicensed breeders are allowed to sell puppies on major sales platforms, clearly making a profit.
Understanding the Costs of Ethical Dog Breeding
Our Licensed Breeder members help us understand the true cost of ethically breeding dogs through regular surveys. This allows us to assess profit margins and determine if unlicensed breeders are likely making a profit.
Dog breeding in the UK entails significant responsibilities, both financial and ethical. Licensed breeders are regulated, ensuring each puppy is well cared for. In contrast, it is challenging to verify that unlicensed breeders maintain the same high standards of care.
This article explores the typical expenses for both licensed and unlicensed breeders, the average cost of a puppy, and the potential profits involved. It also questions whether puppy-selling websites are ensuring ethical breeding practices, given that it’s clear that there are adverts from unlicensed breeders selling puppies for large sums.
Costs for Licensed Breeders
Licensed breeders in the UK must adhere to strict regulations designed to ensure the health and welfare of breeding dogs and their puppies. These regulations come with associated costs that do not include stud fees, adaptations to properties, and fees for commercial premises:
- Licensing Fees: £100 to £750
- Health and Genetic Testing:
- Fit to Breed Assessment: £50 to £150 per dog
- DNA Tests and Health Screening: £100 to £400 per test
- Veterinary Care:
- Routine Check-ups: £50 to £100 per visit
- Emergency and Specialised Care: £300 to £800 or more
- Microchipping and Vaccinations:
- Microchipping: £10 to £20 per puppy
- Vaccinations: £30 to £60 per round
- Feeding: £50 to £100 per month per dog
- Housing and Maintenance: £20 to £50 per month per dog
- Miscellaneous Costs:
- Registration Fees: £15 to £30 per puppy
- Advertising: £50 to £100
- Paperwork, Software, and Accounting: £30 to £100 per month
- Staff: £1,500 to £3,000 per month
- Membership Fees: £10 per month
Estimated Total Cost for a Single Litter (5 Puppies): £5,620
Costs for Unlicensed Breeders Operating Correctly
While unlicensed breeders do not pay licensing fees, they must still meet health and welfare standards to breed responsibly:
- Health and Genetic Testing: £150 to £550 per dog
- Veterinary Care: £50 to £800 per visit
- Microchipping and Vaccinations: £50 to £120 per puppy
- Feeding: £50 to £100 per month per dog
- Housing and Maintenance: £20 to £50 per month per dog
- Miscellaneous Costs: £15 to £30 per puppy, £50 to £100 for advertising
Estimated Total Cost for a Single Litter (5 Puppies): £1,800
Costs for Unlicensed Breeders Not Operating Correctly
Unlicensed breeders who cut corners to reduce costs often neglect necessary health and welfare standards:
- Health and Genetic Testing: Minimal or non-existent, potentially saving £150 to £550 per dog
- Veterinary Care: Limited to emergencies, saving £150 to £400
- Microchipping and Vaccinations: May not be provided, saving £50 to £120 per puppy
- Feeding: Cheaper food options, £20 to £50 per month per dog
- Housing and Maintenance: Poor conditions and minimal maintenance, £10 to £20 per month per dog
- Miscellaneous Costs: No registration fees or formal advertising, £0 to £50
Estimated Total Cost for a Single Litter (5 Puppies): £500 to £1,000
Average Cost of a Puppy in the UK
As of 2023, the average cost of a puppy in the UK ranges from £1,500 to £2,000, depending on the breed and location. Unlicensed breeders who do not operate correctly often undercut licensed breeders by selling puppies for £600 to £900.
Potential Profit for Breeders
Once again, these figures are not exact and mearly just to indicate potential costs breeders have, their are multipe factors that can increase or decrease expenses and profits.
- Licensed Breeder:
- Revenue: £1,500 to £2,000 per puppy x 5 puppies = £7,500 to £10,000
- Expenses: £5,620
- Profit: £1,880 to £4,380
- Unlicensed Breeder Operating Correctly:
- Revenue: £1,500 to £2,000 per puppy x 5 puppies = £7,500 to £10,000
- Expenses: £1,800
- Profit: £5,700 to £8,200
- Unlicensed Breeder Not Operating Correctly:
- Revenue: £600 to £900 per puppy x 5 puppies = £3,000 to £4,500
- Expenses: £500 to £1,000
- Profit: £2,000 to £4,000
Why have we included staffing costs in Licensed Breeders figures.
This is simple, the inclusion of staffing costs for licensed breeders is meant to reflect the additional responsibilities that come with operating a breeding establishment at a larger scale, which may require hiring staff to maintain high standards of care.
This is particularly relevant for those breeders whose operations grow beyond what a single person can manage effectively.
Licensed breeders who operate on a larger scale may be required by regulation to hire staff to ensure that all welfare and operational standards are met consistently.
This is not a requirement for unlicensed breeders because they typically operate on a smaller scale.
However, if an unlicensed breeder were to expand to a size where staffing becomes necessary, it would likely push them into the category of a commercial operation, at which point they should be licensed according to the regulations.
Lobbying for Regulation
To promote ethical breeding and ensure the welfare of dogs, we propose that the national government implements a minimum fee that unlicensed breeders can ask for a puppy unless they can prove their costs exceed this figure. This measure will help curb the profitability of unethical breeding practices and ensure all breeders adhere to high standards of animal care.
Is capping sales a form of market control?
Price capping in the context of dog breeding isn’t about controlling the market or restricting a breeder’s ability to operate. Instead, it serves as a mechanism to encourage breeders to become licensed and uphold high standards of animal welfare.
This approach parallels regulations in other industries, such as taxi services, restaurants, and fast food establishments, where licensing ensures that the business is fit for purpose and that customer safety is prioritised.
Licensing in dog breeding should be seen in the same light—not as a restriction but as a commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and the welfare of the animals involved.
By setting a minimum price for puppies, breeders are encouraged to align their practices with recognised standards, ensuring that all operations, whether large or small, meet the necessary requirements for the health and safety of both the animals and the customers.
