Buying a Dog |

A dog is a commitment for the next 10-15 years.

Did you know:

The cost of care, vet bills and pet insurance could total more than £10,000 over a dog’s life!
A dog needs at least 1-2hrs of exercise and mental stimulation everyday. Do you have the time?
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 a pet owner has a legal duty to ensure the welfare of his animal(s). A pet’s welfare needs include:

o A proper diet
o Somewhere suitable to live
o Any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
o Allowing animals to express normal behaviour
o Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease

If you live in England, please refer to the Code of Practice for Welfare of Dogs (Defra).

If you live in Wales, please refer to the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs (Welsh Government).

If you live in Scotland, please refer to the Code of the Practice for the Welfare of Dogs (Scottish Government).

If you decide to buy a dog or puppy we would always recommend the following:

Please consider contacting your local animal rescue/rehoming centre. There are thousands of healthy, loving animals all over the UK who are waiting for a home.
Research before you buy. Different breeds have different needs and temperaments. Be sure that the dog you are interested in is suitable for your lifestyle and environment.
When buying a puppy, you should see the puppy interacting with its mother and check that the facilities are clean and the litter appears alert and healthy. You should be able to handle the puppies freely under supervision. Make sure your puppy is old enough to leave its mother – at least 8 weeks old.
If your chosen dog does not originate from the place of purchase, ask where it came from and try to obtain its previous history.
Always ask for a copy of its medical records, including vaccination certificate and records of worming and flea treatment. For pedigree puppies, ensure that Kennel Club registration papers and the parents’ hereditary disease screening certificates, where appropriate, are in order.
Consider purchasing from a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder. The Kennel Club can also direct you to breed rescue organisations. The Kennel Club Find a Puppy service provides contact details for breeders who currently have Kennel Club Registered pedigree puppies available for sale. By visiting the Find a Puppy Service you cancheck that the puppy is in fact Kennel Club/Kennel Club Accredited Breeder registered . KCAB puppies will appear at the top of the search and will have a logo displayed next to their name. However, if you do see an advertisement from an “Accredited” breeder in a newspaper or on a website, it is strongly advised that you check with the Kennel Club that the breeder is a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder before purchasing a puppy.
If you are unable to find the breed of dog you are looking for, please contact the Kennel Club Accredited Breeder Scheme who will be able to direct you to a responsible breeder.
If you have any concerns relating to an advert about a KC registered puppy or a KCAB registered puppy you should contact 0870 606 6750.
If you require advice, your local veterinary practice should be able to advise you. Advice is also available from: