Advice for buying a puppy

Guidance on buying from a reputable breeder, how to make sure your puppy is healthy and how to report puppy farms.

Report illegal breeding or selling of dogs, cats or rabbits

Puppy scams warning

If you're thinking of buying a puppy, find out about puppy scams to avoid, and how to buy a dog safely.

Buy from a reputable breeder

Do not buy from illegal puppy farmers and importers, they often sell puppies on the internet. If you do, you’re more likely to buy a sick puppy.

Never buy a puppy from a pet shop, carpark or service station.

Be suspicious of a breeder selling several different breeds, unless you’re sure of their credentials.

Buy from a Kennel Club Assured Breeder. These breeders must follow rules to make sure the puppies they sell are healthy.

Consider rehoming an older dog.

Always go to a reliable breeder that has a good reputation. To find out about dog breeding in your area use Naturewatch's dog breeding map of the UK.

Puppy health

Make sure you see the puppy at home with its mother. This gives you the chance to see how the puppy behaves. If you suspect the conditions are not right, do not buy the puppy.

You may have to go on a waiting list, but a healthy puppy is worth waiting for.

Ask to see the relevant health test certificates for the puppy’s parents.

Imported puppies

If you buy an imported puppy, they must be at least 15 weeks old. Any younger and they’re illegal. If someone reports it the authorities can take the puppy away from you.

Get a rescue dog

If you’re thinking of getting a pet, consider getting one from a rescue centre.

Many rescue centres across the UK take in, assess and try to rehome unwanted animals.

Local animal rescue centres include:

Lucy's Law

This law was introduced in April 2020. It means pet shops and commercial dealers are not allowed to sell puppies and kittens unless they have bred the animal themselves.

Find out more about Lucy's Law.