What to look for when buying a puppy

Thinking about getting a puppy? Learn what to look for when buying a puppy, how to choose a responsible source, and how to prepare your home for a new dog.

Complete Guide to Raising a Puppy Reading What to look for when buying a puppy 4 minutes Next How to Identify a Puppy Farm: Warning Signs for Buyers

Feb 14, 2020

Consider Adoption First

Before buying a puppy, it’s worth considering adoption from a trusted rescue organisation.

Organisations such as the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League (AWL) work to rehome dogs that need loving families. Animal shelters are often a great place to start your search.

Many animals in shelters are:

Healthy and well cared for
Behaviourally assessed
Socialised and ready for a new home

Adopting a dog can give a deserving animal a second chance while bringing a loyal companion into your family.

Choosing a Responsible Source

If you decide to purchase a puppy, it’s important to ensure the puppy comes from a reputable and ethical source.

Responsible options may include:

Ethical breeders
Trusted shelters or rescue organisations
Reputable pet stores that prioritise animal welfare

No matter where you buy your puppy, transparency and animal well-being should always come first.

How to Identify a Puppy Farm

Unfortunately, not all breeding operations prioritise animal welfare. Puppy farms focus on profit rather than proper care and living conditions.

Knowing the warning signs is important when searching for a puppy.

Read our guide:
How to Identify a Puppy Farm

Puppy Buyer’s Checklist

Before bringing a puppy home, it’s important to ask the right questions. This checklist can help ensure you are making a responsible choice.

1. Inspect the Source

Choose a breeder, shelter or pet store that is open and transparent.
Visit the location and inspect the facilities yourself.
Avoid purchasing puppies that are shipped without meeting them first.

2. Choose the Right Breed

Not every breed suits every household. Consider:

Your living space
Your lifestyle and activity level
Time available for training and exercise

Research the temperament, size and potential health concerns of different breeds before making a decision.

3. Prepare Your Home

Before bringing a puppy home, ask yourself:

Is your home safe and secure for a dog?
Do you have enough time for exercise, socialisation and training?
Are you prepared for grooming and regular care?

4. Understand the Long-Term Costs

Owning a dog involves ongoing expenses such as:

Food and treats
Veterinary care and vaccinations
Grooming
Toys, bedding and accessories

Planning ahead helps ensure you can provide proper care throughout your dog’s life.

5. Plan for the Future

Responsible dog ownership also means thinking ahead:

Who will care for your dog while you’re on holiday?
What happens if your circumstances change?
Is expert advice available if you need support?

Our Commitment to Puppy Welfare

At Kellyville Pets, the health and wellbeing of our puppies is our top priority.

Every puppy:

comes with a 3 Year Genetic Guarantee
Is inspected by our veterinarian
Receives a 10-point health report
Comes with a 14 Health Guarantee
Includes four weeks of free pet insurance

This helps ensure every puppy starts life in its new home as healthy and happy as possible.

Lifetime Rehoming Policy

Kellyville Pets proudly offers a Lifetime Rehoming Policy.

This means that if a dog purchased from us ever becomes unwanted at any stage of its life, it can be returned so we can help find it a suitable new home.

This is to ensure none of our rehomeable dogs are ever euthanised. Each dog’s microchip can be identified if they ever end up at a shelter, allowing them to be safely returned.

Find Your New Best Friend

For over 30 years, Kellyville Pets has helped families find their perfect puppy.

Our experienced team is always available to answer questions and guide you through the process of choosing the right dog for your home.

Visit us in-store or speak with our team to learn more about welcoming a puppy into your family.