This Guide Is Supplied By The RSPCA
1) Always see a puppy with its mother
You should always see a puppy with its mother in the place where the puppy was bred. Ideally you should see the father too, or at least a photo of him. If the breeder cannot show you the mother or father, you should be suspicious.
2) Find out about the puppy's background
Get as much information as possible about where the puppy has come from, and beware if the breeder is from outside the UK.
3) Has the puppy REALLY been vaccinated?
If you are told the puppy has been vaccinated, ask to see the vaccination card. Beware that vaccination cards are easy to fake - if the veterinary surgeon's contact details are not visible, or has an address from outside the UK, the card may be fake.
4) Pedigree certificates are not a guarantee
Bear in mind that pedigree certificates are not a guarantee for the condition of your puppy, and may not even mean you are being sold a pure-bred dog.
5) Always see a puppy in the place it was bred
Don't ever buy from someone who offers to deliver your puppy, or who arranges to meet you somewhere.
6) Concerned about the welfare of a puppy?
Never buy a puppy just because you feel sorry for it. If you are concerned about the health or welfare of a puppy, please contact the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty and advice line: 0300 1234 999.
7) What to do if things go wrong
If you have concerns about the way your puppy has been sold, visit Consumer Direct who will be able to give you advice and, where appropriate, pass details on to your local Trading Standards Service for investigation.
The RSPCA also offers lots more excellent information about buying and caring for a puppy, which is available at their website.
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