Guides › Pets, Vets and Pet Insurance › Buying a Puppy or Kitten Safely: Lucy's Law
Buying a Puppy or Kitten Safely: Lucy's Law
Since 6 April 2020 in England, it has been unlawful for third-party sellers such as pet shops and dealers to sell puppies or kittens under six months old. You should buy direct from the breeder or adopt from a rescue centre. See the animal with its mother, never buy one under 8 weeks, and get its health records before you pay.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Lucy's Law
GOV.UK
Lucy's Law makes sales of puppies and kittens under six months old by third-party sellers unlawful. Anyone wanting a new puppy or kitten must buy direct from a breeder, or consider adopting from a rescue centre. It came into force on 6 April 2020 in England. Unlicensed sellers can get an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison. source
Before You Pay
Government Advice
Research the seller and search their name online; many litters of different breeds is a warning sign, as is the same phone number in lots of adverts. Never buy a puppy or kitten under 8 weeks old. Get vaccination, flea and worm treatment and microchip records. Make sure the mother is present and interacting with the young. Be wary of "rescue" animals with high prices, pressure to pay quickly, and meetings in car parks or motorway services. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 8 weeksMinimum age to buyNever younger
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Visit the breeder's home and see the mother.
Step 2 of 5
Ask for health, vaccination and microchip records.
Step 3 of 5
Search the seller's name and phone number online.
Step 4 of 5
Pay by card, not bank transfer, where you can.
Step 5 of 5
Report suspected illegal sellers to your council.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Local Council
Licenses breeders and deals with illegal sellers.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice; can pass cases to Trading Standards.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Rules in Scotland and Wales are set separately.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/government/news/lucys-law-spells-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-puppy-farming Checked 13 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue Checked 8 October 2026