There have been a few threads recently asking for reassurance about buying a puppy, and while puppy farms are very easy to spot when you have a bit of knowledge, it could be useful to give a few pointers.
Please do not buy from someone if...
--they have multiple adverts for multiple breeds and crossbreeds and a constant stream of puppies available
-the photos are all posed in the same way - on a fur blanket/red rug for Christmas/inside a boot/beside a teacup
- it is a purebred pup but not KC registered
-they claim to raise the puppies in a family home even though they have multiple litters on the go at one time ( this is just not feasible)
Also:
- vet check is not the same as health testing, nowhere near. Health testing is expensive, a vet check is a quick look to make sure there is no obvious sign of illness.
- the fact that they have 'many previous happy customers' means nothing. Many people are taken in by puppy farmers and the industry is supported by people who think because their puppy turned out healthy then all is OK.
- it is illegal to sell a puppy that is not microchipped
-it's not illegal, but bad practice to sell a puppy without vaccinations
Google the phone number, search companies house, google the breeder's name - may sound obvious but not everyone does it.
This is just the basics. Please also read Dogs Trust Guide to buying puppy
And if you really don't know what puppy farming is, please educate yourself reading about it here