12 Ways To Spot A Puppy Farm
If you are thinking of buying a puppy the one thing that you need to know is, how to spot a Puppy Farm. These unscrupulous breeders have selling tactics which lure sellers into thinking that they are selling family bred puppies.
In actual fact, nothing could be further from the truth.
I am not going to use graphic imagery, which could cause upset. However, it is paramount that people know how to spot and AVOID PUPPY FARMERS!
I have put together a checklist of how to avoid this type of breeder. The law in the UK is changing next year to make puppy farming illegal.
You can read more about this here:
Lucy’s Law, Ban on Puppy Farming
12 Ways To Spot A Puppy Farm
1. When you see a puppy that you are interested in online, check to see how many other adverts have the same contact information. Enter the phone number into a Google search to see how many adverts are connected to that specific number. Puppy farm sellers have a habit of using copy and paste descriptions so the details will be minimal and used for several different litters. Avoid sellers who have several litters advertised at the same time, especially if they are from different breeds of dog.
2 Insist that you see the puppy at home. The seller might persuade you to meet at a service station or supermarket car park to reduce your journey…DON’T BE FOOLED BY THIS!
3 Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A genuine breeder will have excellent knowledge about the breed he or she is selling. Ask to see health certificates from the puppy’s parents.
4 We are told to always buy a puppy with the mum present. Puppy farmers know this and will try to pass off a healthy bitch as the mother of the litter. Watch the mum and how she interacts with the puppies. Does she seem watchful and connected with her pups, does the puppy feed from her?
5 The location you are given to see the pups is important. Is it in a countryside setting with lots of outbuildings? Can you hear dogs barking? Look around for water bowls, dog toys, etc and ask to see where the puppy sleeps. Still be very cautious if the location is a family home, puppy farmers use this tactic all the time!
6 Does the seller request a cash payment?
7 Is there proof that the pups have been vet checked, are pedigree papers included?
8 What happens if you need to return the dog?
9 Take the advertisement photograph with you. Is this the same dog? Puppy farmers use generic photographs of healthy dogs to attract buyers.
10 Is the puppy healthy? If the dog started his life at a puppy farm he will have never seen a vet. Ask for veterinary details and check the information is genuine.
I put together a healthy puppy checklist here.
Healthy Puppy Checklist and Warning Signs of Illness
11 Ask to see the whole litter, with mum (and dad preferably). A good breeder is happy to show you other littermates, even if they are reserved.
12 Genuine breeders care about their dogs. They will want to know numerous questions about you before they make a puppy available. Some may have waiting lists for puppies and you will be expected to make several visits before the pup is taken home.
What To Do If You Suspect Puppy Farming.
When a dog lover comes across a puppy for sale who looks thin, unhealthy and neglected your first instinct is to buy it. This way you can ‘rescue’ the pup, take him home and get him back to health. Your instinct would be to get that puppy away from that dreadful place as soon as possible.
Please don’t do this!
You will be giving the breeder funds to repeat this cruel cycle and therefore more unhealthy pups will be born from ‘breeding machines’ ie constantly pregnant bitches.
Instead:
Walk Away
Pick up the phone.
Report to the website where you found the advertisement.
Report to local authorities and police if you observed abuse.
If you suspect neglect, report to the RSPCA (or equivalent animal welfare authority)
Thank you for Reading