It is illegal to sell puppies commercially if not a breeder. About 28 states require puppies be at least 8 weeks old before sale. Some states require seller age verification. Federal Animal Welfare Act regulates some sellers. New UK law bans sales of kittens and puppies under 6 months unless by breeder or rehoming center. State laws on minimum puppy age vary from 8-12 weeks. Sellers must have breeder license and business license to advertise puppies. Inbred puppy selling not illegal but ethics require disclosure. Legal overseas puppy buying not recommended due to varying breeding standards. UK law requires puppies be 8 weeks old before sale, 12 weeks in Scotland. Sellers must be licensed. Puppies must be seen with biological mom. Toy breeds very small. Texas requires licensing and 8 week minimum age. Can buy direct from breeder or consider adoption from rescue center. Selling animals as pets in public illegal.
Legal Status in Texas
Texas law requires dogs be leashed in public areas. Unleashed dogs on private property without permission may incur penalties. The Animal Welfare Act prohibits transporting puppies under 8 weeks old for sale. Commercial breeders in Texas are not required to be licensed. Texas requires all breeders be licensed to sell puppies. Sellers must provide buyers a written contract.
Pet Sales in the US
US has banned the sale of dogs and cats in 400 cities. Many young animals come from "puppy mills." Texas is cracking down on the sale of puppies and kittens at pet stores. Texas regulates dog and cat breeding. Breeders must have a license if breeding over 10 female dogs or cats for sale, or selling over 20 animals per year.
Call for Action in Texas
Please help show Texas lawmakers that we don’t support pet stores selling puppies and kittens from puppy mills. Pet stores should only host pets from rescues and shelters, for no more than 3 days. This would give the animals a break to go to a loving home. Please stand up for puppies who have no voice.
An estimated 2 million puppies sold annually in the US come from puppy mills, while 2-3 million are euthanized in shelters each year. Commercially bred dogs often suffer illnesses unknown to consumers. Texas must enforce a minimum standard so new pet owners know their pet was raised and treated with care.
Identifying Puppy Mills
Two red flags of a puppy mill breeder: selling puppies cheaply and not offering papers. About 15 states make it illegal to sell an underage puppy. Penalties vary. Popular ethical sites to find puppies for sale include Adopt-a-Pet.com and breeder websites.