Cara Vet Group is aware of many sub-standard puppy farms operating all over Ireland. Puppy farmers are commercial breeders who raise many litters of pups, usually small breeds, for profit. Very often mothers and puppies are kept in dark over-crowded sheds or basements with little or no human contact or affection. Puppies from sub-standard puppy farms are more likely to have health problems such as skin allergies and heart disease. There is also a very high risk of behavioural problems. If you are buying a puppy we would ask you to go through the following check list.
Check List
- Check with your local Vet or Breed Club to see what breeders they recommend.
- Insist on seeing the mother with the puppies.
- Check that the facilities are clean and that the puppies are alert and healthy.
- Ensure that all the relevant paperwork is available when you purchase the puppy.
- Check whether the puppy has been vaccinated and wormed. A first Vaccination Certificate should be signed by a Veterinary Surgeon.
- Request a written agreement that purchase is subject to a satisfactory examination by your Veterinary Surgeon within forty-eight hours of purchase.
- Only buy from reputable breeders that specialise in a small number of breeds.
- Be sure that you are well informed about the breed of dog you are planning to purchase.
If you require any further information or advice please contact us. We would appeal to the public to consider giving a home to one of the many abandoned puppies and dogs that are looked after in ISPCA shelters and pounds all over the country.