Download our Puppy Checklist to view the top red flags to look out for in online adverts. 

Unscrupulous breeders go to extraordinary lengths to hide where their puppies come from. They even go as far to set up “fake houses,” and trick potential buyers into thinking they’ve reared and cared for a litter of puppies in their family home. Being able to use unregulated online ads makes it easier for them to set up these elaborate cons.

Therefore, we strongly urge potential new owners to do extensive research, and to halt a sale if they have any suspicions.

While there’s no way to be absolutely certain that a puppy advertised online comes from a responsible breeder, here are some things to be wary of when viewing online ads:

Puppy adverts should include:

• A picture of the puppy
  • Beware of stock photos or if you see the same photos in multiple adverts
  • Right-click the photo and select ‘search Google for image’ to see if pictures used come up on other ads
• The puppy’s age
  • Puppies need to be at least 8 weeks old before leaving their mothers
• The puppy’s vaccination status
  • Most vets won’t vaccinate a puppy before 6 weeks of age. Puppies should be fully vaccinated by 10-12 weeks.
• The puppy’s microchip status
  • It is a legal requirement in Ireland that puppies must be microchipped by the time they reach 12 weeks, or before they permanently leave the land or premises where they were born, whichever comes first
  • View a sample dog microchipping form.
• Whether the puppy has been treated for parasites
  • The breeder should be able to tell you the specific treatment that was used
• Should say the puppy can be viewed at the breeder’s property
  • Never allow a puppy to be sent to you, or agree to meet in a neutral location such as a car park. Always visit the property
• Must include that the puppy can be seen with its mother
  • You should be able to see a puppy and his/her mother interacting. A mother will not interact with a puppy that isn’t hers.

Other Red Flags:

• The same phone number/email on multiple ads
  • Some unethical breeders use multiple mobile phones—one for each breed. If you can, ask for a landline number
  • Try typing the listed phone number into the website search to see whether there are multiple adverts from the same seller
• Be wary of trendy or designer breeds
  • A breeder may try to capitalise on popular terms like “teacup”, or sell trendy mixes such as pomsky, cockapoo, maltipoo, cavachon, etc.
• Look out for these visible welfare issues in ads:
  • Dogs with visibly docked tails or clipped ears (this is illegal and should be reported to the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515)
  • Puppies that are too young to leave their mothers
  • References to dog fighting
  • Dogs and puppies that appear underweight, unclean or display any clearly untreated health issues
  • Dogs or puppies in excessively small crates, chained or tied up
  •  If you see any of these issues, please report the ad both to the website and to a relevant local authority

What should you do when meeting a puppy?

Ask to visit the premises and puppy more than once. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to let you visit and meet the puppy before taking her home, and will want to make sure that their puppy is going to a good home.

To bring with you:

• A photo of the puppy
  • Make sure the breeder gives you the same one
• ID and proof of address dated within 3 months
  • The seller needs these to complete a change of ownership form. If the seller doesn’t ask for these documents, be suspicious

When you meet the puppy:

• Ensure the puppy and litter are healthy
  • They should have bright, clear eyes, a clean nose and rear
• Ask to see the puppy with its mother
  • They should be interacting with one another
  • If you can’t see the mother, no matter the reason given, be suspicious
• Ask to hold or interact with the puppy under supervision
  • It would be a major concern if you can’t
• Ask to see the puppy in its breeding environment and view the rest of the kennel
  • A reputable breeder should be happy to show you the property
• If the puppy wasn’t born at the place of purchase, ask where it came from and try to obtain all of its history
• Note whether the breeder asks you any questions
  • A responsible breeder will have a clear interest in the family and home where the puppy is going. If they have no questions for you, that is cause for concern
• Ask if you can contact them again with any questions, or return the dog if things don’t work out
  • Reputable breeders should be okay with this, provided that the returned dog does not pose a health risk

What documents should you get along with the puppy?

Don’t leave the breeder’s without:

• A contract of sale
• Written advice on training, feeding, exercise, worming and vaccinations
• Dog microchipping certificate
  • This is a requirement when a puppy transfers ownerships, or from 12 weeks of age (whichever comes first)
  • It is the buyer’s responsibility to update their details on the database
• Medical records, including records of worming and flea treatment
• Vaccination certificate
  • Should be available from 6 weeks
  • Should detail which vaccinations your puppy has had, and which ones he still needs
  • Must be signed and stamped by a vet with an address of the practice included (if this isn’t included, the certificate may be fake!)
• Pet passport if the dog was not born in Ireland
  • If the dog came from abroad and doesn’t have this, it was brought to Ireland illegally

If you are buying a pedigree dog:

• Irish Kennel Club registration papers
• Parents’ hereditary screening certificates
• Copies of any additional health certificates for the puppy’s parents