Ensure A Happy and Healthy Puppy Adoption With These Expert Tips
Getting a new puppy is an exciting and life-changing decision. However, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure that you’re adopting a healthy, well-bred, and well-adjusted pup. With so many breeders and rescue organizations out there, it can be challenging to know what to ask. So I’m providing you with 26 essential questions to ask when getting a puppy, ensuring that you make an informed decision and provide your new furry friend with a loving home.
Questions To Ask A Breeder When Getting A Puppy
Q1 How long have you been breeding puppies?
Starting with this question will give you an idea of the breeder’s experience level and whether they have the necessary knowledge to breed healthy puppies.
Q2 What is your breeding philosophy?
Understanding the breeder’s philosophy will give you a better sense of how they approach breeding and what qualities they prioritize.
Q3 How many litters do you have per year?
Overbreeding can lead to health issues in puppies, so it’s important to ask about the frequency of litters.
Q4 Are both parents of the puppies on-site? If not, can I see pictures or get information on them?
Knowing the parents’ health and temperament is critical when choosing a puppy, so don’t be afraid to ask for more information.
Q5 Can I see the living conditions of the puppies and their parents?
Seeing the living conditions will help you assess whether the breeder takes good care of their animals.
Q6 What kind of socialization and training do the puppies receive while in your care?
Puppies need socialization and training from an early age, so it’s essential to ask about this aspect of care.
Q7 What kind of health testing do you perform on the parents of the puppies?
Responsible breeders will perform regular health tests on their breeding dogs from regulated establishments to ensure that their puppies are healthy and they have the necessary documentation to back up claims made.
Q8 Are the puppies vaccinated and dewormed?
Puppies should receive their vaccinations and deworming treatments before being adopted, so be sure to ask about this.
Q9 Are the puppies microchipped?
Microchipping is a crucial step in ensuring that your puppy can be identified if they get lost or stolen.
Q10 How old are the puppies when they are ready to go to their new homes?
Puppies should be at least eight weeks old before leaving their mothers, so be wary of breeders who allow adoptions before that age.
Q11 What kind of support do you offer to new puppy owners?
Responsible breeders will offer ongoing support to new puppy owners, so ask about their policies on this.
Q12 Can I see references from previous customers?
Talking to previous customers can provide insight into the breeder’s reputation and whether they are trustworthy.
Q13 Are you affiliated with any breed clubs or organizations?
Membership in a dog club or organization indicates that the breeder is committed to their education and responsible breeding practices.
Q14 What kind of guarantees do you offer for the health of the puppies?
Reputable breeders will offer health guarantees for their puppies, so be sure to ask about their policies on this.
Q15 Have any of your puppies ever developed serious health issues, and if so, how did you handle the situation?
Knowing how the breeder handles health issues in their puppies can give you a better idea of their integrity.
Q16 What kind of temperament can I expect from the puppies? Are they good with children or other animals?
Temperament is a crucial factor when choosing a puppy, so ask about the puppies’ personalities
Q17 Can you provide me with a copy of the puppy’s vet checks and breeder identification?
Having access to the puppy’s health checks or pet passport can help you understand its lineage and any potential health or other issues. You need the breeders ID to verify their documentation and credentials.
Q18 Do you require any kind of spay/neuter agreement or contract?
Responsible breeders will often require that puppies are spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted breeding.
Q19 What is the price of the puppies, and what does that price include?
Knowing the cost of the puppies and what that cost covers can help you budget accordingly and avoid any surprises. Some breeders also offer training courses.
Q20 What kind of food do you feed the puppies, and can I continue with the same diet?
Consistency in diet is essential for puppies, so be sure to ask about the food they are currently eating.
Q21 Can you provide me with your veterinarian details?
Verifying health claims an independent veterinarian is crucial for the health and wellbeing of your puppy, so ask the breeder for this information.
Q22 Do you have any upcoming litters, or are there any puppies available now?
Knowing when the breeder will have more puppies available can help you plan your adoption and ensure that you get the puppy you want.
Q23 Can I meet the puppies and their parents before making a final decision?
Meeting the puppies and their parents in person can help you get a better sense of their personalities and temperaments.
Q24 What kind of information do you need from me to determine if I’m a suitable candidate for one of your puppies?
Responsible breeders will want to ensure that their puppies are going to loving and capable homes, so be prepared to answer some questions about yourself and your lifestyle.
Q25 How old are the puppy’s parents? Dogs under 5 years of age are unlikely to present with serious illnesses such as MHD and you’ll probably see ads saying ‘DNA clear’ or ‘Heart Clear’. Which is why you need the health records of the grandparents. No bitch should ever be bred less than twelve months of age. The best breeding age for a bitch is between two and six years old.
Q26 What is the procedure for reserving and purchasing a puppy? Clarity up front on the payment and reservation process is essential. Be mindful of puppy scams and requests for bank wire or cash only payments.
Adopting a new puppy is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure that you’re making an informed decision. By asking these 25 essential questions, you’re one step closer to adopting a healthy, well-bred, and well-adjusted puppy that will bring you joy for years to come. Remember, a responsible breeder will be happy to answer all your questions and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your new furry friend.
