Reputable rescue centres will want to do a home check, this is to ensure that you are able to offer everything the puppy will need.  This helps to avoid dogs going back into rescue at a later date.  They will often arrange vaccination, microchipping and neutering which are often included in the fee that you will pay to the rescue.  Popular rescue organisations are Dogs Trust, RSPCA and more locally Animals In Need.  Please click on the names to be directed to their rehoming sites.  These organisations also have many wonderful adult dogs needing a home.  If you were thinking of a specific breed, many breeds have their own breed rescue clubs and if you wish to know contact details for a particular breed rescue do contact the surgery.

Local adverts in newspapers or websites are not the best way to find a puppy.  If you are looking for a specific breed, then it is best to contact the breed club secretary in your area so as to research the breed and to get details of reputable breeders.  Be prepared to travel and to wait for your puppy.

Research is important - pop to the library or access the internet and research the breed that you are interested in.  Are there particular health problems with the breed? How much exercise will it need? Will I need to pay for it to be groomed?  There are many questions that you need to ask yourself to see whether you are ready to have a particular breed.  If you are elderly and quite infirm then a Siberian Husky puppy, no matter how much wanted, is not ideal; it will only end up with heartbreak and another dog in rescue.  Can you afford to feed the dog when it is grown? Large dogs tend to equal large feed bills and also larger veterinary bills.

Always see the puppy with their mother - DO NOT meet someone at the side of the road or accept home delivery of your new puppy.  This is usually because they have been bred in puppy farms and are not from an environment that you would be happy in seeing.  We know that these dogs need homes and can be lovely pets (although statistics show that they are more likely to have health problems) BUT by continuing to purchase them we are keeping these type of people in business.

Once you are in contact with a breeder and are waiting for your puppy you need to be aware of the following:-

Check what food your puppy is eating, your puppy should be on 3 or 4 meals of puppy food a day.  You should not change this in the first few weeks, as changes in the diet, as well as the changes involved with going to his new home, could result in an upset tummy.  Make sure that you have some of this food BEFORE you take your puppy home.

Find out when your puppy has been wormed and also the name of the product used.

Has the puppy been treated for any other parasites? eg fleas.

Has the puppy had any vaccinations?

Do not be alarmed if the breeder asks you a lot of questions, as a reputable breeder, they will care where their puppy is going.  They will be interested in the home environment that the new puppy will be living.  Be wary of any breeder that does not ask you anything about yourself other than as to whether you have the money for the puppy. 

Check your home and garden/yard to ensure that it is puppy safe/proof.

Puppies should not leave their breeder's premises until around 8 weeks of age and certainly not before they reach 7 weeks of age.

Don't forget the quicker you get your pet insured the sooner they are covered!  We see a lot of puppies and kittens that have been dropped or stepped on - often resulting in fractures and expensive treatment. 

Once you have your new puppy we hope that you have many many happy years together BUT do remember we are always here for any advice and help that you may need.