So you want to buy a pedigree puppy?

• Never purchase a puppy online and beware of Internet sites advertising puppies for sale. You will usually have to wait for your puppy to arrive and most breeders will have a waiting list for their puppies.
• Always get a receipt for monies paid or if you leave a deposit on a puppy.
• Always visit the premises and see at least the mother and if possible the father of the puppies.
• Never met at a location other that the premises to collect or view a puppy.
• Make sure that all dogs and puppies are living in appropriate conditions. This means they should have adequate, ventilated and secure shelter with fresh clean water available to them at all times.
• Check the health of your puppy and parents. Remember you will be paying the vet bills if you accept an ill puppy. Puppies should not have fleas, ticks or ear mites and should be lively and alert. Check the eyes and check hearing by taking your puppy aside and trying to get his attention by clapping or whistling.
• Be sure to get all paperwork before leaving with your puppy. It is a good idea to request that this be ready before visiting to collect your puppy. Paperwork should include at a minimum: Irish Kennel Club Registration papers with the transfer of ownership section on the back signed by the breeder, Microchip details, vaccination certificates, health warrants from vet. Further paperwork may include a bloodline history or family tree, diet and feeding info, breed info, grooming info, training info etc.
• If you are unsure about anything check it out first.
• Do not purchase a puppy just because you are concerned about the area it is kept. If you feel a premises falls below standard or you are concerned about any of the animals there you can contact the ISPCA (www.ispca.ie) who will assist.
• Bring a crate for your puppy to travel home in. Place soft bedding into the crate and make sure the puppy is secure allowing breaks for toilets along the way.