Dog Bill of Sale (England & Wales)
(England and Wales)
Date: [Sale Date]
1. PARTIES
This Dog Bill of Sale is made between [Seller Name] ([Seller Type]), of [Seller Address], [Seller City], [Seller County], [Seller Postcode] (the "Seller") and [Buyer Name], of [Buyer Address], [Buyer City], [Buyer County], [Buyer Postcode] (the "Buyer"). Breeder Licence Number (if applicable): [Licence Number].
2. DESCRIPTION OF DOG
The Seller agrees to sell and the Buyer agrees to purchase the following dog (the "Dog"):
Name: [Dog Name]
Breed: [Breed]
Sex: [Dog Gender]
Date of Birth: [Date of Birth]
Colour and Markings: [Colour and Markings]
Age at Date of Sale: [Age at Sale]
3. MICROCHIP
Microchip Number: [Microchip Number]
Microchip Database: [Microchip Database]
Microchip Transfer: [Microchip Transfer]
The Seller confirms that the Dog has been microchipped in accordance with The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 and that the microchip number stated above matches the chip implanted in the Dog. The Buyer acknowledges their obligation to update the microchip database with their own contact details within 3 working days of acquiring the Dog. Failure to register as the new keeper may result in a fixed penalty of £500.
4. HEALTH AND VETERINARY RECORDS
Vaccination Status: [Vaccination Status]
Veterinary Practice: [Vet Practice]
Known Health Conditions / Veterinary History: [Health Conditions]
Worming and Flea Treatment: [Worming / Flea Treatment]
Documents provided to Buyer: [Documents Provided]
The Seller has disclosed all known health conditions, veterinary history, and hereditary test results. The Buyer is encouraged to register the Dog with a veterinary practice and arrange a health check promptly following the date of handover.
5. ANIMAL WELFARE ACT 2006 AND BUYER'S DUTY OF CARE
From the date of handover, the Buyer assumes full responsibility for the Dog's welfare under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England and Wales). Under section 9 of the Act, the Buyer, as the Dog's owner, must take all reasonable steps to ensure the Dog's five welfare needs are met: (a) a suitable environment; (b) a suitable diet; (c) the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns; (d) appropriate housing with or apart from other animals; and (e) protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 increased the maximum penalty for animal cruelty in England and Wales to five years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
6. LUCY'S LAW COMPLIANCE
Lucy's Law compliance: [Lucys Law Compliance]
The Seller confirms that this sale is compliant with The Welfare of Animals Act (Dogs and Cats) Order 2019 (Lucy's Law), in force in England from 6 April 2020. The Seller confirms they are the breeder of the Dog (or that Lucy's Law does not apply to this transaction as the Dog is 6 months or older or the transaction is conducted by an authorised rescue organisation). The Seller has not used a third-party dealer, pet shop, or commercial middleman to arrange or complete this sale.
7. DANGEROUS DOGS ACT 1991 COMPLIANCE
Prohibited type status: [Not Prohibited Type]. Certificate of Exemption Number (if applicable): [COE Number]
The Seller confirms that the Dog is not a prohibited type under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, as amended. Prohibited types include: Pit Bull Terrier type, Japanese Tosa type, Dogo Argentino type, Fila Brasileiro type, and XL Bully type (prohibited in England and Wales from 1 February 2024). Where the Dog is an exempted dog, the Seller confirms that the Dog is entered on the Index of Exempted Dogs and that a valid Certificate of Exemption has been provided to the Buyer.
8. PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT
In consideration of the payment of £[Sale Price] (pounds sterling), less any deposit of £[Deposit] previously paid, the Seller sells and transfers all right, title, and interest in the Dog to the Buyer. Payment is made by [Payment Method]. Ownership and responsibility for the Dog shall pass to the Buyer upon receipt of full payment and physical handover of the Dog.
9. HANDOVER
Date of Handover: [Handover Date]. Location: [Handover Location]. Risk of loss or harm to the Dog passes to the Buyer upon physical handover of the Dog to the Buyer or Buyer's agent.
10. SELLER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Seller represents and warrants to the Buyer that: (a) the Seller is the lawful owner of the Dog and has full right and authority to sell and transfer the Dog; (b) the Dog is free from all charges, liens, and third-party claims; (c) all information provided about the Dog — including breed, date of birth, health history, vaccination status, microchip number, and Kennel Club registration status — is accurate and true to the best of the Seller's knowledge; (d) all known health conditions, hereditary conditions, and veterinary history have been disclosed; (e) the Dog has been bred, reared, and sold in compliance with all applicable animal welfare legislation, including the Animal Welfare Act 2006, The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, and Lucy's Law 2020; and (f) the Seller has not made any material misrepresentation in connection with this sale.
The Misrepresentation Act 1967 applies to this transaction. Any false statement of material fact made by the Seller that induced the Buyer to enter into this agreement — whether fraudulent, negligent, or innocent — may give the Buyer the right to rescind this agreement and / or claim damages.
11. SALE OF GOODS ACT 1979 AND CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT 2015
Dogs are 'goods' for the purposes of the Sale of Goods Act 1979. The Seller's implied warranty of title (section 12) applies and cannot be excluded. Where the Seller is a business and the Buyer is a consumer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies and the Buyer's statutory rights to goods of satisfactory quality, fitness for purpose, and goods as described cannot be excluded.
12. THIRD PARTIES
No term of this Bill of Sale is intended to confer a benefit on, or be enforceable by, any person who is not a party to it pursuant to the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Bill of Sale constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties relating to the sale of the Dog and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, warranties, and understandings. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
14. GOVERNING LAW
This Bill of Sale shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The Parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Dog Bill of Sale on the date first written above.
SELLER / BREEDER
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Seller Address], [Seller City], [Seller County], [Seller Postcode]
BUYER
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Buyer Address], [Buyer City], [Buyer County], [Buyer Postcode]
Seller
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Buyer
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Dog Bill of Sale (England & Wales)?
A Dog Bill of Sale in the United Kingdom transfers ownership of the item from seller to buyer and records the price, description, and condition of what is sold, under the framework of the Sale of Goods Act 1979.
Dogs are classified as personal property (chattels) under English law and as 'goods' for the purposes of the Sale of Goods Act 1979. The implied statutory terms of the Act — including the seller's warranty of title (section 12), correspondence with description (section 13), satisfactory quality (section 14(2)), and fitness for purpose (section 14(3)) — apply to dog sales. Where the seller is a business and the buyer is a consumer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies and strengthens the buyer's protections.
The regulatory framework for dog sales in England is significantly more complex than that for other personal property. The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 make microchipping compulsory for all dogs before they reach 8 weeks of age. Every dog must have a 15-digit ISO microchip registered on a Government-approved database, and when ownership changes, the new keeper must update the database within 3 working days. Failure to microchip or to update the database may result in a fixed penalty of £500.
Lucy's Law — formally The Welfare of Animals Act (Dogs and Cats) Order 2019, in force in England from 6 April 2020 — prohibits third-party sales of puppies and kittens. A puppy under 6 months of age may only be sold or given away by the person who bred it, directly to the buyer, at the place where the puppy was born and reared. Pet shops, commercial dealers, and other intermediaries are legally prohibited from selling or gifting puppies.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits the breeding, selling, transferring, and possession of dogs of certain prohibited types — the Pit Bull Terrier type, Japanese Tosa type, Dogo Argentino type, Fila Brasileiro type, and (from February 2024) the XL Bully type. Selling or transferring a prohibited type is a criminal offence unless the dog is an exempted dog on the Index of Exempted Dogs.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 imposes a positive duty of care on every person responsible for an animal. From the date of handover, the buyer assumes full responsibility for the dog's welfare, including providing suitable housing, diet, exercise, social contact, and veterinary care. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 increased the maximum penalty for serious animal cruelty in England and Wales to five years' imprisonment.
When Do You Need a Dog Bill of Sale (England & Wales)?
A Dog Bill of Sale is appropriate whenever a dog changes hands in England and Wales, whether through a sale, a re-homing arrangement, or a gift, and regardless of whether the dog is a puppy or an adult animal.
Puppy purchases from breeders are the most common and legally complex use case. When buying a puppy in England, Lucy's Law 2020 requires the sale to be made directly from the breeder to the buyer at the place of birth. A bill of sale documenting the breeder's details, the microchip number, vaccination and health records, Kennel Club registration details, and the Lucy's Law compliance statement provides complete written evidence that the purchase was made from the legitimate breeder in compliance with the law.
Adult dog re-homing from private individuals — where an owner is unable to continue caring for their dog — benefits from a bill of sale even if no money changes hands. A written record of the transfer, including the microchip number, creates a clear chain of ownership and documents the new keeper's assumption of responsibility under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The bill of sale supports any microchip database transfer and confirms the new keeper's details.
Rescue and rehoming organisation adoptions — where a registered charity or Council-approved rehoming centre places a dog with a new owner — typically involve an adoption agreement provided by the organisation. However, a bill of sale or adoption certificate recording the microchip number, the dog's health status, and any behavioural conditions recorded by the organisation provides the new owner with a complete transaction record.
Pedigree and show dog purchases — involving KC-registered dogs with documented pedigrees and health test results — require additional documentation in the bill of sale, including the Kennel Club registration number and registered name, any KC endorsements (such as 'Progeny Not Eligible for Registration'), and BVA/KC health test results for the parents.
High-value dog purchases — working dogs, gun dogs, and police K9 breed puppies from registered breeders — justify particular care in documentation because of the significant sums involved (often £2,000 to £5,000 or more for well-bred working lines) and the importance of accurate health disclosure.
What to Include in Your Dog Bill of Sale (England & Wales)
A thorough Dog Bill of Sale for England and Wales must address both the commercial terms of the sale and the extensive regulatory obligations imposed by English animal welfare law.
Party identification and seller type: Identify both parties by full legal name and address with UK postcode. Identify the seller's type — private breeder, licensed breeder, rescue organisation, or private re-homer — as this affects which regulations apply and the buyer's statutory rights. Licensed breeders must record their local authority Dog Breeding Licence number.
Dog identity: Record the dog's pet name, breed (or crossbreed description), sex, date of birth, and coat colour and markings. For pedigree dogs, the KC registered name should match the KC registration certificate exactly.
Microchip number and database: The 15-digit ISO microchip number is the primary identifier for any dog in England and must be verified by scanning at the point of sale. Record the Government-approved database on which the chip is registered and confirm the arrangements for transferring the registration to the buyer's name within 3 working days.
Lucy's Law compliance statement: Confirm whether the seller is the breeder selling directly, the transaction involves an adult dog (to which Lucy's Law does not apply), or the transaction is conducted by an authorised rescue organisation. This confirmation is essential for puppy sales in England.
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 confirmation: Record the seller's confirmation that the dog is not a prohibited type under section 1 of the Act. Where the dog is an exempted dog, record the Certificate of Exemption number.
Kennel Club registration details: If the dog is KC-registered, record the registration number, registered name, and any endorsements. Note who will complete the KC registration transfer.
Health and veterinary records: Record vaccination status (with vet's name and practice), any known health conditions and hereditary test results (BVA/KC hip scores, elbow grades, eye tests, or relevant DNA tests), worming and flea treatment history, and the list of documents provided to the buyer at handover.
Animal Welfare Act 2006 acknowledgement: The buyer should acknowledge their duty of care obligations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, including the five welfare needs.
Purchase price, deposit, and payment method in GBP: Record the total price, any deposit deducted, and the payment method. Bank transfer is strongly recommended.
Handover date and location: Record the date and place of handover — for puppies, this must be at or after 8 weeks of age and at the breeder's premises under Lucy's Law.
Seller's representations: The seller's written confirmations of title, accurate description, full health disclosure, and regulatory compliance are the heart of the bill of sale's protective function.
Additional compliance elements for a Dog Bill of Sale (England & Wales) used in United Kingdom include: Under UK law, the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 govern personal data in this document. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects individuals in consumer transactions. Section 62 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 addresses unfair terms. The County Court and High Court of Justice have jurisdiction over personal disputes under the Senior Courts Act 1981 and the County Courts Act 1984. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) enforces data protection. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for United Kingdom-compliant documentation.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Dog Bill of Sale (England & Wales) (United Kingdom) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/uk/personal/bills-of-sale/dog-bill-of-sale-england-wales
"Dog Bill of Sale (England & Wales) (United Kingdom)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/uk/personal/bills-of-sale/dog-bill-of-sale-england-wales.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Dog Bill of Sale (England & Wales) (United Kingdom)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/uk/personal/bills-of-sale/dog-bill-of-sale-england-wales}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Sale of Goods Act 1979}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Lucy's Law refers to The Welfare of Animals Act (Dogs and Cats) Order 2019, which came into force in England on 6 April 2020. Named after Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who was abused in a puppy farm, the law prohibits pet shops, commercial dealers, and other third parties from selling or giving away puppies or kittens under 6 months of age. Under Lucy's Law, puppies may only be sold or given away directly by the person who bred them — the puppy's breeder — or by a Council-licensed rescue or rehoming organisation. The purpose of the law is to close down puppy and kitten farms by cutting off their commercial distribution networks. If you are buying a puppy in England, you should only deal directly with the breeder at their home, and you should see the puppy with its mother. A bill of sale should confirm that the seller is the breeder and that the transaction is a direct breeder-to-buyer sale. Buying a puppy through a third party, a pet shop, or a commercial dealer is not only potentially illegal — it also supports puppy farming.
Yes. Under The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, all dogs in England must be microchipped and registered on a Government-approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old. The microchip is a small radio-frequency identification (RFID) device, approximately the size of a grain of rice, implanted subcutaneously in the scruff of the dog's neck. The chip carries a unique 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 number that can be scanned by a universal microchip reader. When a dog changes ownership, the new keeper must update the microchip database with their own details within 3 working days of acquiring the dog. Failure to have a dog microchipped or to update the database with the new owner's details can result in a fixed penalty of £500. Government-approved microchip databases in England include Petlog (operated by The Kennel Club), MicrochipCentral, Animal Tracker, and PETtrac. At the point of sale, the buyer should request proof that the microchip number in the bill of sale matches the chip implanted in the dog, either by having the chip scanned with a universal reader or by checking the microchip registration certificate.
Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits the breeding from, selling, transferring, abandoning, or allowing to stray of dogs of four originally prohibited types: Pit Bull Terrier type, Japanese Tosa type, Dogo Argentino type, and Fila Brasileiro type. In England and Wales, the government added the XL Bully to the list of prohibited types with effect from 1 February 2024 under the Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (England and Wales) Order 2023. Possessing a prohibited type is a criminal offence unless the dog has been placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs (IED) following a court application. An exempted dog may be kept by its registered owner but must be neutered, microchipped, insured (third-party liability), and kept on a lead and muzzled in public. An exempted dog may be sold or given to another registered owner, provided the transfer is made to a person who will also obtain an exemption. Sellers of dogs should confirm in the bill of sale that the dog is not of a prohibited type and is not the subject of any prohibition or exemption under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 applies throughout England and Wales and imposes a positive duty of care on any person who owns or is responsible for an animal. Under section 9 of the Act, the owner must take all reasonable steps to confirm their dog's five welfare needs are met: a suitable environment (housing appropriate to the dog's size, breed, and social needs); a suitable diet (nutritionally appropriate food and fresh water); the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns (opportunity to play, exercise, and socialise); appropriate company (dogs are social animals and generally should not be left alone for extended periods); and protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease (access to veterinary care and preventive treatment). The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 increased the maximum custodial sentence for the most serious animal cruelty offences in England and Wales from 6 months to 5 years' imprisonment, with an unlimited fine. Local councils also enforce dog control orders and public space protection orders (PSPOs) that impose additional requirements such as dog-on-lead areas and waste collection obligations.
When purchasing a puppy from a breeder in England, you should receive the following documentation at or before the handover: the puppy's microchip registration certificate or documentation confirming the chip number and the database on which it is registered; a vaccination card signed by a RCVS-registered vet confirming any vaccinations given; a veterinary health check certificate issued after a vet has examined the puppy; a Kennel Club registration certificate if the puppy is KC-registered; a pedigree certificate (a family tree showing the puppy's lineage) for pedigree breeds; any BVA/KC health test certificates for parent dogs (hip and elbow scores, eye tests, or DNA test results relevant to the breed); a puppy pack with information on diet, socialisation, house training, and ongoing healthcare needs; the breeder's local authority breeding licence number if they hold one; and this signed Bill of Sale recording all of the above. The seller's Kennel Club registration and the KC Assured Breeder scheme membership (if applicable) provide additional assurance that the breeder meets minimum welfare and health-testing standards.
To avoid purchasing a puppy farmed dog in England, the following checks are strongly recommended. First, always see the puppy with its mother in the breeder's home or at the place where the litter was born — never agree to a neutral meeting point. Second, verify the breeder is the genuine owner of the mother and that the mother is present and in good health. Third, look for a litter registration or KC registration certificate, and contact The Kennel Club to verify the breeder's registration. Fourth, check that the breeder holds a local authority Dog Breeding Licence if they produce three or more litters per year. Fifth, confirm the puppy is at least 8 weeks old before agreeing to take it home — earlier collection is unlawful under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Sixth, obtain a complete and signed Bill of Sale confirming the breeder's details, the microchip number, vaccination status, and Lucy's Law compliance statement. Seventh, consult the Government's Animal Welfare Action Plan or Dogs Trust's Puppy Contract resources for additional guidance.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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