Signs that a breeder is reputable and trustworthy:

• Member of The Kennel Club Good Breeder Scheme or part of an official breed club
• Will carry out relevant health tests and happy to share the results paperwork
• Can show the pups with their mother, and a picture of the father
• Brings pups up in a clean environment – and you can visit
• They are interested in you and may quiz you – this means they want their pups to go to good homes!
• Will often ask to be the first contact if you decide to give the puppy up
• Happy to share advice
• They might not have puppies available when you get in touch – this is usually a good sign

Avoid breeders who won’t let you see where the pups are brought up and just seem interested in the sale.

Rescue organisations

If you’d prefer to rescue a puppy, many rescue organisations will have pups up for adoption. These pups may have been born at the centre or have come in slightly older. The key things to consider about getting a puppy from a rescue organisation are:

• Check they are reputable – good rescue organisations will likely have a website, a premises where you can visit the dogs, and may be a registered charity. You should always be able to meet the dogs and they should be interested in you. The organisation will be keen to match you with the right dog, so expect a rehoming process.
• The rehoming process – this will vary between organisations. This can include forms to fill in or an interview with a member of the team. The organisation is trying to gain a picture of your circumstances – what do you want and what can you offer. It can really help to take a list of what you are looking for to the rescue before you meet any dogs so you avoid making any rash, impulse decisions.
• Meeting the dogs – some rescues may allow you to walk round, while others will bring suitable pups out to an exercise area, or it might be the pup is in foster care.
• Spend as much time with each dog as possible – don’t be afraid to ask questions about the pup’s background and personality. The staff will be keen to share what they know about the dog and their personal experiences of them
• Home visit – once you have identified your dream pup, expect a home visit. The rescue centre will want to check that your home is suitable and that the dog is the perfect match they’re hoping for
• Spread the net – you don’t have to use a local rescue organisation. Finding the right puppy is the most important thing and your dream dog may be in a rescue centre further afield. You can browse rescue websites to see what puppies are available and then contact them to find out more and explain your circumstances

If you’re torn between wanting a pedigree dog and a rescue dog, then breed rescue is another option. Most breed clubs have a dedicated rescue organisation, and you can find contact details of these through the relevant breed clubs or via the Kennel Club. These breed rehoming centres will be run by volunteers who are members of the breed club.

Promotion: Dogs & Pups looking for loving homes

Leicester Animal Aid

Leicester Animal Aid is a rehoming centre for cats and dogs. Every year, they care for around 300 animals who are lost, abandoned, neglected, unwanted or relinquished because their owners can no longer look after them.

Information about their current dogs seeking adoption is available at here. 

Meet the dogs looking for homes

Last Chance Animal Rescue

Last Chance Animal Rescue always have dogs & pups looking for loving homes. We rescue dogs needing our help for lots of reasons and pups from unplanned and unwanted litters, others purchased without enough thought, some unsold from planned litters. Whatever the reason they need loving owners- please consider rescuing . It could be the best thing you’ve ever done.

Tel: 01732 865530/01797 366620

View the rescue puppies looking for homes

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