Where to buy a dog
It’s important to do your research thoroughly to find a reputable breeder, and avoid buying puppies from pet shops and superstores. You can ask your vet about local breeders.
A responsible breeder will:
- Provide lots of information about their puppies
- Encourage you to meet your puppy several times
- Have a clean and safe area for puppies and their mum
- Will not let puppies leave their mum until they are eight weeks old
- Will ask you lots of questions
- Will sell the puppy with a contract promise to take it back if case of problems
- Will supply a medical background including genetic screening, deworming and vaccinations
- Will have the puppy microchipped (a legal requirement)
- Will have started housetraining
- Will have started to socialise their puppies
- Will provide information on the puppy’s diet to date
Walk away if you experience any of the following:
- If you can’t meet the puppy’s mum or siblings
- If they offer to meet you in a public place
- If they can’t provide proof of vaccination, deworming or health certificates with a pet passport
- If they cannot provide a genuine vet’s contact details
- If the puppy isn’t microchipped
Top tips for buying a puppy
- Visit the puppy at least twice before you take it home
- Find out about the breed’s traits and habits
- Find out if the puppies are weaned
- Find out how old the mum is - she should be over a year but not obviously old
- Make sure the mum has had no more than six litters
- Check the living conditions of the mum and litter
- Pick up and play with the puppy
- Give the puppy a blanket to familiarise it with the scent of your home
- Check the puppy for clean eyes, ears and bottom
While it will take time, by doing the research to fully understand your dog and find a good breeder, you will help to ensure the longterm wellbeing of your pet and a happy transition into their new home.