Do you know how to spot a puppy farm?

A ban of third party sales of puppies and kittens will be introduced in Wales. Credit: PA

The Kennel Club says one in ten Welsh dog owners admit they may have bought a puppy-farmed dog.

It follows the announcement that a ban of third party sales of puppies and kittens will be implemented in Wales.

The PDSA said the worst part is many owners do not realise they are purchasing from a puppy farm. The sellers are experienced and go to extreme lengths to cover up their activity.

How do you know you are buying a puppy from a responsible breeder?

When buying a puppy PDSA advise you to look out for the following warning signs.

PDSA said the worst part is a lot of owners don't realise they are buying their dog from a puppy farm. Credit: PA

Check the adverts

  • The number of adverts the seller has posted.If you find an advert online, see how many other ads the seller has. A puppy farm will likely be advertising several litters at one time.

  • How many breeds are offered? If you see an ad in the paper, does it just talk about one breed? A puppy farm ad may refer to a few breeds.

  • Does it have a passport? A lot of puppy farms will import puppies from countries where there are little to no breeding laws. If your puppy comes with a passport, it could have been imported. Sellers claiming that very young pups have passports is a red flag.

  • Search the number. Always Google the telephone number on the ad. Dealers may use the same contact number on more than one advert.

  • Vaccinations. A puppy should be at least six weeks old before being vaccinated. If they are saying a puppy has been vaccinated and it isn’t old enough yet, it’s probably a puppy farm ad.

Background check on sellers

  • Can you see the whole litter in the place it was born? Often, a puppy farm will try to meet you in a public location like a car park or service station. If you can’t see the puppy at home then you should not buy the dog.

  • Do they ask you questions? A breeder that cares about the welfare of their dogs will ask you just as many questions as you ask them. Puppy farms are unlikely to ask you about your situation or try to find out if you’re an appropriate owner.

  • Do they know about the breed? A reputable breeder should be able to answer any question you might have.

  • How does mum react to them? If the dog they say is the puppy’s mum is scared or wary of the seller, then there's a problem.

  • Are they keen to deal in cash? Puppy farms tend to only allow cash payments and you’ll often find they may have a strict no returns policy. Reputable breeders should be willing to support you if for any reason you can’t keep the dog.

PDSA advise you to check the ID of the dog matches the address. Credit: PA

What is the location like?

  • Does the breeder’s ID match up? If they invite you to the dog’s ‘home’, ask to check their ID and see if it matches the address.

  • Are there a lot of outbuildings or sheds? If you are already concerned and are invited to the sellers ‘home’, a lot of outbuildings or sheds could indicate a puppy farm (but this isn’t always the case).

  • Listen out for barking, whining or other signs there might be other dogs around.

  • Does it look like the dogs have been living here? They may use a different location to sell the dogs. See if the dogs seem familiar and comfortable with their environment. Look out for food bowls, crates, bedding and toys

The welfare of the puppies

  • Can you see the puppy’s mum? Puppy farms will separate the puppies from their mums far too early. Always see mum and puppies together.

  • Is ‘mum’ really mum? Another tactic is to use a healthy looking dog in the place of the puppy’s real mum. A dog who has recently had puppies will show clear signs (visible teats) and have bonded with her puppies.

  • Do the puppies look healthy? They should have moist (but not runny) noses, clear bright eyes, a healthy coat and no mess round their bum.

  • Can you see the whole litter? Some puppy farms may only let you see the puppies one at a time. You should be able to see the whole litter with mum.

If you suspect you are buying a puppy from a puppy farm you should report it to the police or RSPCA. Credit: PA

What should I do if I come across a puppy farm?

The PDSA said buying a puppy from a farm is enabling the breeders to make a profit and continue to sell more puppies.

- If you suspect you are buying from a puppy farm you should walk away.

- If you found the ad online, they advise you should report the advert to the website.

- If you are concerned the dog's welfare needs aren't being met, you should also report them to the RPSCA.

If you visit a puppy farm you should report it to RSPCA Credit: PA