Puppy buying checklist

Choosing a puppy from a responsible breeder or rescue gives it the best start in life. It also means you are not supporting puppy farms, where puppies are often bred in poor conditions and can have lifelong health problems. A simple checklist helps you make the right choice.

The law on buying a puppy

Lucy's Law

In England, Lucy's Law means puppies under six months can only be sold by the breeder who bred them, or rehomed by a rescue. Wales and Scotland have similar rules. Always see the puppy with its mother where it was born.

Breeder licences

In England, anyone breeding three or more litters a year, or selling puppies as a business, needs a licence from their local council. Ask to see it and check the licence number with the council.

Microchipping

In England, Scotland and Wales, puppies must be microchipped by eight weeks old. Check the microchip is registered and transferred into your name.

Basic safety checks

• Never buy a puppy under eight weeks old.
• Never agree to meet in a car park or have the puppy delivered.
• See the puppy with its mother, at the place where it was born and raised.
• Look at how the mother and the other dogs are kept. Their home should be clean, and they should look well cared for and relaxed with the breeder.

Signs of a healthy puppy

No check can guarantee a puppy will stay healthy, but these signs give you a good starting point. If anything worries you, ask the breeder and a vet about any concerns.

Coat and skin

The coat should be clean and shiny, with no sore patches, spots or signs of irritation. A muddy puppy that has been playing outside is fine. A matted coat, or a puppy that looks uncared for, should make you ask more questions.

Ears

Ears should be clean, with no redness or strong smell. A puppy that keeps scratching its ears or shaking its head may have a problem that needs a vet.

Eyes and nose

A healthy puppy usually has bright, clear eyes with no discharge or soreness. If there are signs of infection, ask how it is being treated and ask to see the vet notes.

Body

The puppy should look sturdy for its breed and size, not too thin or bony.

Behaviour

Puppies vary, and some are shyer than others. Most are curious and playful with visitors. A puppy that seems very lethargic or uninterested in everything around it may be unwell.

Toileting

Stools should be firm, and the area under the tail should be clean. Diarrhoea can be a sign that a puppy is unwell.

Paperwork

Before you take your puppy home, make sure you have:

• vet records, including vaccinations and worming treatment to date
• the microchip number and confirmation it is being transferred to you
• registration documents if you are buying a pedigree puppy

A responsible breeder will have the paperwork ready when you collect your puppy. Don't accept a promise that it will be posted later.

Reporting a puppy farm

If you suspect a puppy farm or illegal seller, report it to your local council and Trading Standards, and to the RSPCA (or the Scottish SPCA in Scotland).