13/08/2025
I want to buy ....
Some tips on decisions around purchasing a puppy or a kitten.
(A lot of this is relevant to other animals too)
We should be continually empowering prospective owners on how to avoid the 'red flags' of the unscrupulous and unethical breeding world and how we can celebrate those breeders who go above and beyond for the health and welfare of their litters.
Here are some (and this is not an exhaustive list) ideas on thoughts that we think are important as part of the process.
Step one...
You have decided you want a new family member.
Pre Plan! Do not impulse buy, register your interest at the local veterinary practice, ask about their prices and health care plans so you can budget, look up how much insurance costs or have a look into your personal finances to see if you can afford their care. Look at your schedule - can you fit in training, socialization and exercise?
Do you know where to look for evidence-based and reliable sources on health and husbandry? We have seen some truly shocking (mis)information of on some breed specific websites - take care.
Step two...
Pick a breed based on health, welfare and how well that breed matches your life style rather than picking purely off aesthetics. Avoid extreme or exaggerated conformation.
Long backs, sloping backs, bowed legs, flat ears, excessive skin, flat faces, globoid - protruding eyes, corkscrew tails, snort snouts, stenotic nares, domed heads can all look very cute but have potential to be massive conformational risk factors for some serious and unpleasant disease risks. Think to yourself; 'It may look cute, but is it healthy?'
Step Three
So, you have the breed in mind (or maybe it is a cross breed?). Have my parents been health tested? Do you know how my mum and dad have been raised - do they have a good quality of life? How many litters do they have? Have they had any C-sections? Are they registered with a breed club or the kennel club or the governing council of the cat fancy (GCCF)? Have they had preventative medicine as required (vaccines etc.)? Have we had the health tests that are recommended for the breed(s)? And have these been repeated at the appropriate intervals? For example... remember that some tests such as the Respiratory Function Grading Tests need to be repeated (at least) every 2 years. For breeding Dobermans the advice is yearly checks for DCM.
Step four
Visiting!
These breeders should be very interested in YOU! Are you good enough for their litter? They should be keen to tell you how much they do for their pets health and welfare - indeed if done right these breeders should be able to celebrate how incredible their health and husbandry is. Go and visit! Ask about dad (who may not be on the breeding premises as many breeders will not keep a stud as well).
Step five
Preparation is key.
Once you have decided on the breed, found a breeder and checked that support, health and welfare is in order, you need to have another think. Are you in a position right now to commit to this animal? Do you have time to train and care for it? Do you know what to expect of this breed? If you have considered all this, you've worked with your breeder and a veterinary practice, you have avoided the unscrupulous breeders and you've found an incredible breeder, you've avoided extreme and exaggerated conformation and you have found a nice, balanced, well socialized, healthy, moderate conformation little friend - you might be ready!
Welcome home, little one.
And if a puppy or kitten purchase isn't for you, well, we have rescues ready to talk about adoption, so get in touch and see what joy can be found.
