Updated: 21/08/2024
Getting a new puppy is exciting, but it’s important to research the right breed or type of dog for you and find a responsible breeder or rescue centre.
You’ll want to know information about the puppy, whether their breed is prone to any genetic conditions, if they have been health checked by a vet, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and socialised, or if they already have a passport.
It’s also beneficial to meet both the puppy and their mum before you collect them, this will give you an idea of their temperament. A good breeder will give you lots of information about the puppy and follow up contact after you have taken them home.
Your vet will be happy to answer any questions you have about the process
What you need to know
Before committing to any puppy, we recommend researching the right breed or type of dog for you and your lifestyle.
Now, more than ever, people are turning to the internet in search of the newest addition to their family, but how do you tell if someone is a genuine, responsible breeder?
To help you navigate all the information available, we have compiled a list of ten key things to think about when sourcing a healthy, happy puppy.
Responsibly Sourcing a Puppy. Before committing to any puppy, we recommend researching the right breed of dog for you and your lifestyle.
1. Be suspicious of online adverts that offer very little information
Good breeders are passionate about what they do and want their puppies to go to good homes.
They will want to give you all the background information you need about the puppy’s parents, how they are being raised and what sort of home they would be right for.
Remember to ask to see their breeder’s licence, as all breeders running a business advertising and selling puppies or who breed three or more litters in any 12-month period are required to be licenced by their local authority.
Waiting lists for puppies are often a sign of a good breeder – responsible breeders prioritise a dog’s health rather than breeding to demand.
In England and Scotland, Lucy’s Law dictates that it is illegal to sell any dog that you have not bred and don’t own the mother of, and that no third parties are allowed to sell puppies.
2. Research inherited (genetic) conditions in the breed you are looking at
Some breeds (or even crossbreeds) may be at risk of developing certain genetic conditions.
It is important to research this before getting a puppy. You can also ask your local veterinary practice about conditions commonly seen in certain breeds.
Frustratingly, there is no single website which lists every genetic condition in every breed of dog and new conditions are still being discovered.
If you become aware that the breed of dog you have chosen is at risk of a genetic condition, the next step is to check whether a puppy’s parents can be screened to prevent (or reduce) the risk of your puppy inheriting it.
Both the Kennel Club and the British Veterinary Association have information on their websites about the health screening schemes available for certain breeds.
If you need help interpreting this, then it’s worth reaching out to your local veterinary practice or, for Kennel Club recognised breeds, the breed health coordinator.
Responsible breeders should be comfortable discussing any concerns with you and be able to provide certificates for any parent dogs who have been tested.
It’s important to remember that even if a parent dog has been tested, the result needs to indicate that they are safe to breed from.
3. You should be able to meet the puppy’s mum
You should be able to meet the puppy’s mum and any siblings as a minimum and see where they are living.
Good breeders will be happy to share regular photos and video updates to confirm that the puppy is being raised in a loving home environment.
The law in the UK and Scotland limits the sale of puppies and kittens. It is illegal to sell any dog that you have not bred and don’t own the mother of, and no third parties are allowed to sell puppies.
4. Happy puppies are well socialised ones
The ‘socialisation period’ refers to the window of time in which a puppy is most open to learning about the world around them without fear, and can get used to interacting with other pets and people in a positive way.
To give a puppy the best chance of becoming a confident, resilient, well-rounded dog, it is important that they can experience a variety of different sounds, situations, animals and people before 12 to 16 weeks of age.
A responsible breeder will start this process for you, and will be able to discuss what things you need to focus on once you’ve brought your puppy home and then once your puppy is fully vaccinated.
Your puppy’s training will continue beyond this age, but laying good foundations will hugely benefit their confidence and temperament.
5. The puppy should be microchipped
Puppies should not be sold until they are eight weeks old, and should be microchipped before leaving for their new home by law.
The breeder should also be registered as the first keeper on the microchip database, and you should be given information on how to update the database with your contact information as the new owner.
6. The puppy should have been health checked by a vet
Good breeders will often have the puppy’s health checked by a vet prior to going to their new home.
They will be happy to provide the contact details of the vet used and evidence of whether any health concerns were noted.
7. The puppy should be wormed and have often started their vaccinations
Puppies are commonly wormed every two weeks until 12 weeks of age, and responsible breeders will record the dates worming treatments were carried out and the worming product used. It is useful to bring these records along to your puppy’s first visit to the vet.
Puppies bred by responsible breeders will have often already started their primary vaccination course (and sometimes may have completed it) before going to their new home, and this should be recorded in a vaccination record card issued by a vet.
8. Ask questions about puppies that already have a pet passport
If a puppy is advertised as already having a pet passport, then ask questions about this, as the puppy has most likely been bred abroad to sell in the UK.
In these cases, it can be hard to know what the puppy’s early life has been like, whether they carry any infections not usually present in the UK or how this might affect their development going forwards.
9. You should be able to meet the puppy before the day of collection
Responsible breeders will not be secretive about how the puppy is being raised.
They will actively encourage you to come and meet your puppy and get to know them before taking them home.
Good breeders will want to be in regular contact, for example, offering video calls and answering any questions you might have.
Be very suspicious of any breeder offering to handover a puppy in a public place or drop them off at your home if they have had little or no contact with you previously.
10. Expect a puppy pack and follow up contact
Responsible breeders will put together a puppy pack containing everything you will need to know about your puppy.
They will often provide some of the puppy’s food to get you started and perhaps a blanket or toy that smells of their mum and siblings to help soothe them as they adjust to their new home.
Good breeders will want to stay in touch with you and make sure the puppy is getting on okay.
By following these guidelines, you can make sure you are responsibly sourcing a puppy who has had the best start in life.
Further information about finding a responsible breeder can be found on the Kennel Club website, and it’s also worth reading the PDSA’s guidance on spotting puppy farms.
If you are ever unsure or need further advice, please reach out to your local veterinary practice for further support. It’s also worth noting that rescue centres have puppies available from time to time.