Guidance for buying a dog this Christmas

Shropshire Council’s animal health team are urging consumers who may be thinking about purchasing a dog (especially puppies) for Christmas 2015 to take a number of simple precautions.

National intelligence indicates that the number of puppies being smuggled into the UK from abroad without having been vaccinated or vet checked is increasing. This poses both a disease risk from illnesses such as rabies, and also raises concerns regarding the welfare of animals being transported from Eastern Europe and further afield.

Before purchasing a dog, the team recommends that consumers do some research about the breed of dog you are interested in before buying, by:

• Contacting a ‘breed club’ or The Kennel Club, who can provide information of ‘assured breeders’.
• Checking to see if the breeder is licensed by their council.
• Making use of health screening schemes, particularly regarding congenital conditions that are common to certain breeds.
• Talking to the breeder and seeing if they are prepared to answer any questions you may have.
• Checking the dog’s ancestry and asking for copies of health certificates for the Sire and Dam.
• The breeder should let the consumer see the Dam / Sire of the puppy and the rest of the litter where possible.
• Getting advice and guidance from the breeder on worming, vaccinations, exercise needs, feeding requirements, dog socialization and puppy training.
• Puppies should be sold with correct up to date vaccinations and passports if necessary.
• Always get a receipt.

Mal Price, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for regulatory services and housing, said:

“Christmas is often a popular time for people to think about buying a dog or pup. However, it’s really important to buy your four legged friend from a responsible breeder who has the best interest of the dog at heart. That way the dog is more likely to be a healthy, socialised and well cared for family pet.

“I would therefore urge Shropshire residents wishing to buy a dog or puppy to follow our animal health team advice and report suspicious sellers on 0345 678 9000. Alternatively, why not consider adopting from the Dogs Trust at Roden or the RSPCA, as there are many dogs that need rehoming.”

Most reputable breeders should be registered with the Kennel Club, but not all breeders have to be licensed with the council (depending on the number of breeding animals and the number of litters that are produced). The breeder will usually register the litter with the Kennel Club, and you should be able transfer ownership into your own name.

If you are not happy with the welfare of the dogs, or the conditions they are being kept in, or suspect they may be an unlicensed breeder, we recommend that you walk away and check the seller with your council. You can check to see if breeders in Shropshire are licensed by contacting 0345 678 9000.