Puppy Adoption Checklist

At Petfix, we want to ensure that if you are choosing a new puppy, that you do so ethically and efficiently.

The Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group (IPAAG) provides a checklist of warning signs to look out for when searching for a puppy online. Following these points will guide you to the best possible place you can be, before meeting the puppy or the breeder.

Important Questions

Is the puppy’s age advertised as 8 weeks or older?

They cannot leave their Mother’s before 8 weeks of age.

Does the advert include a photograph of the puppy?

The puppy should not appear too young.

There should be no visible welfare issues including docked tails/clipped ears, puppies that are underweight or present health issues, or puppies kept in excessively small crates.

Does the advert say the puppy is micro-chipped?

This is a legal requirement before the puppy is sold, or at 12 weeks of age, whichever comes first.

Does the advert say the puppy is vaccinated?

Puppies should be vaccinated by a vet at 6-9 weeks with second round at 10-12 weeks. If the puppy is younger than 6 weeks and the advert says he/she is vaccinated, do not respond.

If the vaccination certificate the breeder provides is not signed and stamped by a vet, it is likely fake and you should walk away.

Does the advert say the puppy has been treated for parasites?

Do not buy from a breeder who has not treated their dogs for worms/fleas at all. The breeder should be able to tell you which specific treatment was used.

Can the puppy be seen with the Mother?

Never accept any excuses for not being able to see the puppy interacting with the Mother.

Can the puppy be seen at the breeders property?

Never agree to have the puppy delivered or to meet in a neutral location such as a car park.

Don’t Be Fooled!

Downloadable Puppy Checklist

Download the full IPAAG Puppy Checklist to ensure you make the best puppy selection possible.

Avoid Puppy Farms

Read about how to Avoid Puppy Farms in Ireland on the Petfix Blog.

One of the best ways to do this is to visit Petbond.ie a new Irish website that aims to provide a reliable source for people who are looking to buy a puppy.

They do this by listing advertisements for puppies that are ready to be sold, but rather than just accepting all breeders, the website uses a simple system of personal verification of breeders before they are allowed to advertise their dogs.