Dogs Trust totally condemns puppy farming, the practice where dogs are bred purely for profit, often with no license and with no concern for the health or welfare of the dogs. Our overriding priority is the welfare of the dogs, both puppies and their mothers. The best advice that we can offer the public is to never buy puppies through advertisements in local papers and on the internet or from pet shops. Once the demand dries up, the puppy farms cannot provide the supply.
We are:
- Consulting with DEFRA and part of our independent review on breeding will cover the area of enforcement. We believe that is the key to putting a stop to these “breeders” and we won’t stop until there are sufficient enforcement measures in place.
- Continuing to work with the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) to make sure that advertisers should adopt a responsible attitude towards the advertising of all pets.
- Promoting the importance of educating the public about puppy farming and how to avoid purchasing a dog from an irresponsible breeder.
- Working closely with Local Authorities to advise and provide guidance on the licensing and inspection of pet vending businesses
Points to consider when buying a puppy
- Make sure that you see the puppy interacting with its mother and if possible visit the father also.
- A puppy should not leave its mother before it is 8 weeks old.
- You should have easy access to the puppies and be able to handle them. Do not allow the breeder to show you just one puppy.
- Make at least two visits to the breeder to view the puppies before the final collection.
- Make sure that you see the puppy with the rest of the litter also.
- If you are unsure about buying the right puppy, make enquiries with the local vet to see if he would be willing to attend the viewing to check the puppy for any visible health problems – this could save money and upset in the long term.
- If possible request a written agreement that purchase is subject to a satisfactory examination by your veterinary surgeon within 48 hours of purchase.
- Check that the puppies have regular access to human contact, ideally with more than one person. It is better if the puppies are being raised in a home environment rather than in a kennel, as this will help them get used to the everyday sights and sounds of the home.
- Check that the facilities are clean and that the puppies appear alert and healthy.
- Ensure all the relevant paperwork is available for inspection when you visit the puppy. This should include: a vaccination cert, a healthcheck report from a vet and Pedigree/KC certificate.
- Check to see if the puppy has been regularly wormed and vaccinated. Some breeders will have the puppy vaccinated at eight weeks of age before releasing it to its new home.
- Remember a Kennel Club registration/pedigree does not guarantee a perfect puppy. It is up to you to carry out the appropriate checks.
- Ask if the puppy will be covered by insurance for any illness during the first six weeks in your care (most good breeders subscribe to this scheme).
- Ask the breeder questions about the puppy’s feeding regime. Good breeders will supply you with a diet plan.
- Check the puppy has no discharge from its eyes or nose and that there are no sores, bald patches or scabs on the skin
- Make sure that the puppy is alert and responsive to sounds and is showing no obvious signs of illness, such as coughing.
- If a puppy appears unwell on collection, do not take it; arrange with the breeder to return another day. If you have any doubts, choose another breeder.