Anyone breeding pets for sale with three or more breeding females may do so only in a breeding facility that meets the prescribed conditions and is entered in the register of the administrative body responsible for veterinary affairs. This is set by the Animal Welfare Law. Animals for sale must come from registered premises or registered keepers, and selling pets to anyone under 16 is prohibited without the consent of a parent or guardian. A keeper who did not control breeding and cannot or will not care for the offspring bears the costs of their care.
This guide brings together the rules for selling puppies and kittens in one place.
When does breeding become commercial?
| Situation | What applies |
| breeding for sale with three or more breeding females | only in a breeding facility that meets conditions for premises, equipment and animal welfare |
| registering the facility | the veterinary administrative body checks the conditions and keeps the register of breeding facilities |
| dog training | only in premises that meet the prescribed conditions, entered in the same register |
| a litter at home | the keeper must control breeding and care for the offspring |
- Detailed conditions for breeding facilities and how the register is kept are set by the Ministry.
What applies to pet shops?
- Sales take place in premises that meet veterinary and sanitary conditions and animal welfare conditions.
- The administrative body keeps a register of premises selling pets.
- The premises employ a person trained in caring for animals.
- The seller issues written instructions on keeping the animal and keeps records of buyers.
- A pet is not sold to a buyer under 16 without the consent of a parent or guardian.
Where must animals for sale come from?
- Animals for sale must come from registered premises or registered keepers.
- A buyer can therefore ask where the animal comes from and request details of the registered premises or keeper.
What if a litter was not planned?
| Keeper's obligation | Detail |
| controlling breeding | the keeper must ensure the pet's breeding is controlled |
| caring for the young | the keeper cares for the offspring of the litter |
| costs | if unwilling or unable to care for offspring from uncontrolled breeding, the keeper bears the costs of their care |
| lost animal | a missing pet is reported to the shelter for abandoned animals |
You can post a listing for a pet or pet equipment with the guide to free classifieds and tips on how to write a listing that sells. The rules on microchipping, rabies and dogs in public places are in the guide to dogs, and the travel passport in the guide to travelling with a dog or cat.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need registration to sell puppies? If you breed pets for sale with three or more breeding females, breeding is allowed only in a registered breeding facility. Animals for sale must come from registered premises or registered keepers.
Who keeps the register of breeding facilities? The administrative body responsible for veterinary affairs, which also checks whether the premises meet the conditions.
May a puppy be sold to a minor? A pet may not be sold to anyone under 16 without the consent of a parent or guardian.
What must a pet shop give the buyer? Written instructions on how to keep the animal, and it keeps records of buyers.
What if my dog has an unplanned litter? The keeper cares for the offspring, and if unwilling or unable to, bears the costs of their care.
Which law governs the sale of pets? The Animal Welfare Law (Official Gazette 14/2008, as amended), Articles 22 to 24.
Sources
The rules are set by the Animal Welfare Law (Official Gazette 14/2008, with the 2011 amendments that changed the fines), Articles 22 to 25. Information checked on 29 September 2026. Fijaka is a classifieds platform; this text is not legal advice.