When you're looking for the perfect dog or puppy to join your family, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of things you need to think about in order to make sure you are making the best decision for you and your furry friend!
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Are you ready to be a dog or puppy owner?
Before committing, you need to be aware of all the costs that come with owning and raising a dog or puppy. The cost might exceed Β£30,000 during the animal's lifetime, and with vets and health bills pushing this amount even higher, please ensure you can afford to keep an animal before you proceed with the rehoming process.
Research, research, research!
You need to make sure that your lifestyle matches that of the dog or puppy you are wishing to rehome; this will help you avoid any behavioral issues. Your exercise levels must match the animal's needs; you need to dedicate enough time to spend with or walk with your dog. It may also be an idea to ensure your garden is fully enclosed and safe, removing any canine-unfriendly plants that the animal may like to chew on.Visit your new family member in their own home!
A dog or puppy should always be seen in its own home environment, and a puppy should always be viewed with its mother.
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Consider rehoming a rescue center dog first!
Before giving a dog a home, please consider searching local rescue centers to rehome an animal in need; there are thousands available!
We have also prepared the below checklist of a few things you need to ask the breeder or seller about before agreeing to rehome your new furry friend. We hope this checklist makes it easier for you, so please go through each point with the breeder or seller before you proceed with any payment.
Is the dog a legal breed in the U.K.?
If not, then you shouldn't consider rehoming it.Have you visited the dog in its own home, or was the mother of the puppy present? If you couldn't visit in person, could you at least do a video call to see the puppy and its mother?
Lucy's law makes it mandatory for a breeder to show the mother to potential buyers.
βWere you able to check the dog's medical records? Are the records up-to-date and from a licensed vet clinic?
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It is important to ensure the puppy or dog has been checked by a vet prior to you attempting to make any payment. You should also ensure that the pet is vaccinated and that their vaccinations are up-to-date to make sure they are healthy.This is perhaps the most important point to check for prior to considering making any payment. So please don't skip this!
βHas the dog been dewormed and treated for fleas?
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Worming and flea treatments are an essential part of preventative health care for any puppy or dog you rehome. Without these treatments, your furry friend may get ill, and treating this once they do could be quite costly and dangerous to their health.
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Camlist has offers for this for our buyers at no extra cost. You can check out our special offer for buyers here
βHas the dog been microchipped? If yes, does the breeder or seller have the chip number for you to check?
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A microchip is important to make sure the puppy or dog hasn't been stolen from another owner and to register your new furry friend under your name. It also helps you cross-check the health records the seller provides to ensure they belong to the dog you are actually buying. All pets above the age of 8 weeks are required to be microchipped.
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βIs the puppy older than 8 weeks?
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It is illegal to rehome a puppy below this age, as per Lucy's law.
βIs the current owner the breeder of the puppy, or did they buy it from someone else?
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If they are the breeder, they should be able to show you the mother and answer all questions you have. If they bought it from someone else, you must inquire about why they are selling it to ensure it is compliant with the laws and regulations. If they are the breeder, you should ask for the required council license document to ensure that they are licensed breeders.
βIs the breeder or seller accepting to receive their payments through Camlist, or are they insisting on PayPal or bank transfers?
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Any payment you make on Camlist is protected by our Buyer Protection program. So your money is safe until you receive your new furry friend. If the seller insists on receiving their payment outside the app, this may be a warning sign of something fishy.
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If the answer to any of these questions is no, please consider a different breeder or seller.
If you are concerned about the animal's welfare, please report the matter to our team so we can investigate and take the necessary actions. You should also report your concerns directly to the local council, as they have the authority to inspect the premises if there are any welfare concerns and can take further action if required. For serious welfare and/or cruelty issues, please contact the RSPCA immediately.