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What to think about before buying a dog

Getting a dog can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. However, you should be aware that a dog is also a big commitment, demanding in time, money and care.

It's important to consider the type of dog you choose, as some breeds will suit your family, lifestyle and home environment more than others.

For help and advice on choosing the right dog, contact your local vet or rescue centre, or search online.

Getting a dog from a dogs’ home or animal shelter

There are many organisations and charities in the UK that look after abandoned, lost or unwanted dogs. They are good places to get a dog and you will be re-homing a dog that needs a second chance in life.

You can search online for local re-homing centres, or contact one of the major organisations like the Dogs Trust, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) or Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Re-homing organisations will check you’re able to look after the dog and your home and lifestyle are suitable. They also offer ongoing help and support.

• Rehome or adopt a dog from the RSPCA Opens new window

• Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Opens new window

• Dogs Trust Opens new window

• Kennel Club - 'Find a rescue dog' Opens new window

Buying a pedigree dog

The Assured Breeder Scheme and breed clubs

The Kennel Club runs an Assured Breeder Scheme. Assured breeders sign up to recommended breeding guidelines, like testing their dogs for health problems.

You can also use breed clubs to buy pedigree dogs. Breed clubs and societies might be able to tell you about the main characteristics and any problems a breed may have. They will also give you the contact details of breeders.

You can find pedigree puppies from breed clubsm, and Assured Breeders, using the Kennel Club website’s ‘Find a puppy’ service.

• Finding the right breeder: advice from The Kennel Club Opens new window

• ‘Find a puppy’ service: The Kennel Club Opens new window

Buying a puppy from a breeder

As well as talking to the breed club, you could ask your local vet if they know any responsible breeders. The vet will also know if there are any common medical problems in the type of dog you want.

You should take extra care when buying a puppy from a breeder if they aren’t assured or licensed.

Here are some top tips to ensure you take home a happy and healthy puppy from a breeder:

• see the puppy with its mother and the rest of the litter (and father, if possible) – the breeder should let you handle the puppies
  
• check the paperwork – it should include a vaccination record, a health check report and a Pedigree Certificate (for pedigree puppies)
  
• check the puppies have regular human contact – it’s better they are raised in a home environment, rather than a kennel, so they become familiar with everyday sights, smells and sounds
  
• check the facilities are clean and the puppy seems alert and healthy
  
• if your puppy appears unwell on collection, don’t take it – arrange with the breeder to return another day
  

The Dogs Trust and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) have more advice on what to think about when buying a puppy.

• Questions to ask when buying a puppy from a breeder: Dogs Trust Opens new window

• Get puppy smart: RSPCA advice on buying a puppy Opens new window

Pet shops and adverts in newspapers and on websites

If you buy a puppy from a pet shop, or from a newspaper or website advert, check the seller doesn’t offer a wide range of breeds. This may mean the puppy comes from a 'puppy farm'. A puppy farm is a name given to a place that breeds dogs for profit with little concern about their welfare.

The person in the shop selling the dog should have its breeding records. You should still follow the guidelines set out in the 'Buying a puppy from a breeder' section, above.

The law on breeding dogs

You will need a licence from the local council if you breed five or more litters per year and sell dogs as a business.

You will have to obey the conditions of the Breeding and Sales of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999, including:

• not mating bitches until they are at least one year old
  
• not allowing bitches to have more than six litters in their lifetime and one litter per year

• Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 Opens new window

If you are worried about a dog breeder or seller

Your local council has the power to check on the standards of welfare and accommodation of dogs. It can get a warrant (permission from a court) to enter any premises where they think dog breeding is being carried out. This excludes someone's private house.

You can report a shop or business to your local trading standards office. Or, if you think someone is breeding dogs illegally, contact your council.

• Find your local council Opens new window

• Find your local Trading Standards office Opens new window