Licensed dog breeders in the UK face significant paperwork requirements to comply with regulations set by DEFRA and local authorities. For many breeders, this can be a time-consuming process, as records must be updated daily to demonstrate compliance with animal welfare standards. This paperwork is similar to the checks required in food establishments, where freezer temperatures and hot food logs must be recorded to meet health and safety regulations. In dog breeding, maintaining daily logs and establishing a routine is equally crucial to ensure the welfare of the animals.
1. What Does the Paperwork Require?
First and foremost, there is paperwork mandated by DEFRA guidelines, and additional documentation that may be required by local authorities.
DEFRA Requirements:
DEFRA’s Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 demands that breeders maintain detailed records and implement a series of written procedures, including:
- Training Policies: Continuous professional development for all staff, or for the breeder if they work alone, is mandatory. Even without additional staff, breeders must log their training activities.
- Diet and Health Plans: A comprehensive healthcare plan that includes vaccination schedules, parasite control, and body condition scoring must be in place.
- Socialisation and Enrichment Programs: Written programs are required to ensure puppies are properly socialised, and all dogs receive appropriate environmental enrichment.
- Emergency Procedures: A detailed emergency plan must cover scenarios such as fire, extreme weather, and equipment failures.
Local Authority Checks:
Our members have noticed discrepancies between different local authorities in terms of the specific records they require. While it is perfectly within the rights of councils or welfare officers to request additional records, this can sometimes cause confusion. These additional requirements often aim to address any concerns welfare officers may have about the operation of the breeding business and the welfare of the animals.
The Future is Electronic Record Keeping for Dog Breeders
Whether the breeding industry is ready or not, digitalisation is on the horizon. Research from DEFRA indicates that many councils are preparing for a digital future. The move towards electronic record keeping is inevitable, and it offers a more efficient way for breeders to manage their documentation and stay compliant.
At My Licensed Breeder, we are at the forefront of this shift with our Digital Paw Print dog breeding software, available free to all our members. This tool not only simplifies daily compliance checks but also integrates directly with local authorities, reducing the need for physical paperwork storage.
Key Features of Digital Paw Print:
- Daily Compliance Prompts: Receive daily reminders for tasks like health monitoring and socialisation logs.
- Automated Record Keeping: Store and manage all required documents digitally, easing the paperwork burden.
- Microchip Record Updates: The software will prompt you to update microchip records, ensuring that all data is current and accurate before transferring ownership.
- Digital Puppy Packs: Seamlessly transfer a digital puppy pack to new owners, containing all relevant information, including health records, microchip details, and care instructions.
- AI-Assisted Contract & Policy Creation: Generate compliant puppy contracts that cover everything from vaccination records to buyer responsibilities. Get help on creating policies for your business.
- Direct Authority Integration: Seamlessly submit required documents to local authorities, minimising the need for physical storage.
Free Dog Breeding Record Keeping Packs
To help breeders manage their paperwork, many councils offer free templates that can be filled in and submitted. These templates ensure that you meet the specific requirements of your local authority, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
We’ve compiled a directory of free paperwork templates from various councils, so you can easily find the ones that work best for your breeding business:
- Preston Council Breeding Paperwork
- Conwy County Council Dog Breeding Paperwork
- Puppy Solication Plan – Torfaen Council
- Enrichment plan – Torfaen Council
- RSPCA Puppy Information Pack
As the UK breeding industry moves towards a digital future, staying ahead of regulatory requirements is more important than ever. By utilising tools free record keeping tools such as the Digital Paw Print, you can streamline your operations, reduce your paperwork load, and focus on what truly matters—the health and welfare of your dogs.
