Buying a Puppy or Kitten Safely

See the puppy or kitten with its mother where it was born, ideally on more than one visit, and collect it yourself. Ask for health checks, microchip and vaccination records, and the parents' health tests in writing. Walk away from sellers who meet you in a car park, rush you, offer delivery, or have many breeds always available.

The Checks That Matter

See the young animal with its mother in the home or premises where it was born, as the RSPCA advises. The mother should be relaxed and healthy.
Visit more than once if you can, and see where the litter lives day to day.
Watch the litter: bright, curious, clean young animals in a clean space.
Ask lots of questions, and expect a good breeder to ask you plenty too.
Collect in person from the place it was raised, never from a car park or a "halfway" meeting point, and avoid delivery.

Red Flags

The mother "is out" or isn't shown, or the young animal seems unfamiliar with the home.
Several breeds or litters always available.
Pressure to decide or pay a deposit before you have visited.
A price far below the going rate, or words like "teacup" and "miniature" used as selling points.
No microchip, records or contract, or papers that can't be checked.
Online adverts with stock photos, or a seller who only communicates by message.

Don't buy a puppy or kitten because you feel sorry for it. Walk away and report concerns to your local council or animal welfare charity; buying rewards the seller.

Paperwork to Ask For

Microchip details, ready to transfer to you. In the UK, puppies must be microchipped before they go to a new home.
Vaccination and health records, and a vet check if possible.
Health test results for the parents, for breeds with known tests. A pedigree registration alone isn't a health guarantee.
A written contract with a take-back clause. In the UK, the RSPCA and the Animal Welfare Foundation publish a free Puppy Contract many good breeders use.
A breeder's license number, where your area requires one.

Vaccinations, worming and flea treatment for a new puppy or kitten: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. Book a check-up in the first few days.

Ready for Collection Day

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Take a secure carrier or a crate for the car, an old towel to bring home the scent of the litter, and a folder for the paperwork. Have the bed, bowls and food the breeder used ready at home.

The Law: Rules Differ by Country

Many places license breeders and limit who may sell young animals.

United Kingdom: in England, puppies and kittens under six months can only be sold by the breeder or a rescue (Lucy's Law), and licensed sellers can't sell them under eight weeks old. Dog breeders above a certain size need a council license. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules; see gov.uk, gov.scot, gov.wales or nidirect.
United States: some commercial breeders and dealers are regulated by USDA APHIS under the Animal Welfare Act, and some states and cities restrict pet store sales or require breeder licenses.
Elsewhere: Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand each have their own breeder and sale rules; check your national government and local council.

Consider a Rescue

Rescues and shelters have puppies, kittens and wonderful adult animals whose personalities are already known. Many health-check, vaccinate, microchip and neuter before rehoming. See rescue vs breeder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What buyers ask most.

Why must I see the mother?

It's the clearest sign the young animal was bred where you are visiting, and it shows you the mother's health and temperament.

Is a pedigree registration a guarantee of health?

No. It records parentage, not health or how well the animals were raised. Ask for the parents' health test results too.

Can I have a puppy delivered?

It's best not to. Delivery or meeting halfway means you never see where the puppy was raised, which is how puppy farms hide.

How old should a puppy or kitten be when it comes home?

At least eight weeks, and many breeders keep kittens until around 12 to 13 weeks. In England, licensed sellers can't sell puppies or kittens under eight weeks.

What should I do if I suspect a puppy farm?

Don't buy, even out of sympathy. Report it to your local council or an animal welfare charity.