Getting a new dog or puppy is a massive commitment, so make sure you have researched the breed fully and have the time and commitment necessary to care for the dog. For potential new dog owners, read our Dog breed information profile.
You should verify this by arranging to visit the dog or puppy at the seller's home. If they make excuses or try to ask for money or a deposit to be paid online without visiting the dog at their home, or if the advertiser attempts to deliver the puppies or meet you at any other location than their own home, then please do not agree to this.
NEVER pay for a dog or send money as a deposit without visiting and seeing the dog at its home beforehand. Please read our article on avoiding potential scams. Furry Listings does not verify that all sellers are genuine, so you must make sure you visit the advertiser at their home to confirm for yourself. If you are unsure that the advertiser is genuine, please report them to us.
The seller should ALWAYS let you see the puppies with their mother, and in certain circumstances should let you see the puppies' father. Not being able to see the puppy's mother is a sign that the puppies have not been bred by the advertiser and possibly imported. If the advertiser makes excuses why you cannot see the puppy's mum, please walk away and report them to us. Furry Listings do not allow the third-party sale of puppies. All litters of puppies advertised MUST have been bred by the seller.
Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before they can leave their mothers. Most responsible sellers will keep their puppies longer than this before they let them go to new homes. Read further information on the minimum age puppies should be before leaving their mothers.
If you decide to adopt or buy the puppy, make sure that the seller agrees that you can return them within 48 hours for a full refund after taking the dog or puppy to a Vet of your choice for a health check.
If the puppy has already been health checked by their own vet, make sure you get evidence for this in the form of vet records and phone their vet to confirm this.
Ask how many litters the mother has had and how old she is; she should be at least 1.5 years old.
Ask about her temperament.
Ask if the parents have any health issues and if they have been tested for common health issues known in their breed. The seller should be willing to tell you all about the puppy's parents.
Make sure that puppies have been socialized from a very early age and are raised in a home environment, have interacted with their litter mates, and are used to people, children, and general household life. Puppies that haven't been raised in a home environment may develop behavioral issues.
It is mandatory by law that all dogs over 8 weeks of age are microchipped. The breeder is responsible for microchipping the puppies and must be the first person whose details are registered on the microchip database.
You MUST make sure you receive the microchip documentation with the chip number BEFORE taking the dog or puppy home.
Once ownership is transferred, you must contact the microchip company to update your details as the registered keeper within 21 days.
Puppies should receive 2 vaccinations, the first at around 8 to 10 weeks of age and the second, two weeks later, at around 10 to 12 weeks of age.
Puppies should have at least their first set of vaccinations before they leave.
If the seller has said the dog/puppy is vaccinated, please make sure you receive the dog's vaccination record paperwork.
Parasite Control: Puppies should be wormed at around 2 weeks, 5 weeks, and again just before they leave the seller/breeder (8 to 12 weeks of age).
Kennel Club Registration: If the pet is registered, check to make sure you are given the correct Kennel Club documents BEFORE you decide to take the dog home, and confirm the information with the Kennel Club.