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Buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights
In England, puppies and kittens under six months old can only be sold by the person who bred them or by a rescue centre (Lucy's Law, since 6 April 2020). A pet bought from a business is "goods" under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, so it must be of satisfactory quality and as described, which includes its health.
General information for the UK, checked on 2026-09-23. It is not legal or veterinary advice. For your own situation, speak to a solicitor, your local council or a vet.
Lucy's Law
Pet shops and dealers can no longer sell puppies or kittens under six months old in England. Licensed breeders must show the young animal with its mother at the place it was born. Wales introduced a similar ban in 2021. Anyone breeding three or more litters a year, or breeding as a business, needs a licence from the council.
Checks before you buy
- See the puppy or kitten with its mother, at home, more than once if possible
- Check it is microchipped and registered (puppies by 8 weeks; kittens by 20 weeks in England)
- Ask about health tests on the parents, vaccinations, worming and flea treatment
- Be wary of sellers who offer to meet you somewhere else, rush you, or won't show the mother
- Never pay a deposit for an animal you have not seen
Your consumer rights
If you buy from a breeder or seller acting as a business, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies. If the animal is ill or has a condition it had when you bought it, you may be entitled to a refund, or to a price reduction or compensation for vet bills. See the 30-day right to reject. Buying from a private individual gives you much narrower rights: see buying from a private seller.
Adopting
Rescue centres assess animals, and usually vaccinate, neuter and microchip them before rehoming.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lucy's Law?
Since 6 April 2020, puppies and kittens under six months old in England can only be sold by their breeder or a rescue centre, not by pet shops or dealers.
What are my rights if my new puppy is ill?
If you bought from a business, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies. If the illness was present when you bought the puppy, you may be entitled to a refund, a price reduction or compensation for vet bills.
Do dog breeders need a licence?
In England, anyone breeding three or more litters a year, or breeding dogs as a business, needs a licence from their local council.
Should a puppy be microchipped before I buy it?
Yes. In England, Scotland and Wales, puppies must be microchipped by eight weeks old and before they go to a new home.
Sources
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: Lucy's Law
- Consumer Rights Act 2015 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Be Consumer Wise: The 30-day right to reject
- Be Consumer Wise: Buying from a private seller
Related guides
- Microchipping law for dogs and cats in the UK
- Dogs: care, health, law and costs
- Cats: care, health, law and costs
- Pet theft: the Pet Abduction Act 2024 explained
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Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.