Are you thinking of a puppy? Have you heard of the Puppy Contract?
This resource has been developed and is supported by UK animal welfare charities and professional bodies to help new owners looking to purchase or breed puppies, to do so responsibly.
The Puppy Contract is a free, downloadable tool-kit consisting of two parts: an information section about the puppy and its parents requiring completion by the breeder and a legally binding contract of sale between the buyer and the breeder.
What should you ask your breeder when looking for a new family member? Here are a few questions to help.
- Did you breed the puppies?
- Where are the puppies kept? Has any training such as house training or socialisation been started?
- Were the puppy’s parent tested for any breed specific inherited diseases?
- Will the puppy be microchipped and given its first vaccinations prior to going to the new owner?
- Has the puppy or its parents had any health concerns?
- What routine veterinary treatments have the puppies received such as wormers?
Find out more information on the British Veterinary Association website and The Puppy Contract website