Minimum Age for Pets Advice

Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before they can leave their mothers.

If you believe this advertiser is letting their puppies go before 8 weeks of age, please report them to us.

Vaccinations Advice

All dogs should be vaccinated and have their vaccinations kept up-to-date, this is part of being a responsible dog owner and will be your responsibility.

Puppies should receive 2 vaccinations, the first at around 8 to 10 weeks of age and the second, two weeks later at around 10 to 12 weeks of age. Puppies should not be allowed outside until 7 days after their second injection. Older Dogs require booster vaccinations occasionally as recommended by their Vet.

If the seller has not vaccinated their dog/puppy, then it will be your responsibility to make sure this is done straight away.

Many responsible dog breeders will keep their puppies longer, and make sure they have been fully vaccinated before they let them go to new homes.

If the seller has said the dog/puppy is vaccinated, please make sure you receive the dogs vaccination record paperwork.

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Microchipping Advice

Microchipping a dog is the process of implanting a chip under the dogs skin and registering the keepers details on a national database so that the dogs keeper can be traced.

From the 6th April 2016 onwards it will be mandatory that all dogs be microchipped before they are 8 weeks old. Puppies MUST be microchipped before being sold and the breeder must be the first person who's details are registered on the microchip.

You should confirm with the advertiser about the pets microchipping status, if this has already been carried out, and if not, when it is scheduled.

You MUST make sure you receive the microchip documentation and check that it is genuine BEFORE taking your dog or puppy home.

Once the ownership of the pet has formally passed over to you, you should make sure that you contact the microchip company to update your details as the registered keeper of the pet within 21 days. Failure to do this, could result in a £500 fine.

Neutering Advice

Neutering is a small surgical operation performed by a vet to prevent a dog from being able to have puppies.

If you do not wish for your dog to have puppies, then neutering your dog is a great idea and has many health benefits.