Finding and choosing a pandemic puppy
● The situation is ever-changing but the Kennel Club is posting regular guidance under the health and care section of its website https://www.thekennelclub.org. uk/health-and-dog-care/health/healthand-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/ coronavirus/
● The demand for puppies has increased throughout the pandemic, enabled by more of us being at home for longer. Media coverage also seems to have fanned the flames of desire, and animal welfare charities are keeping a careful watch on the situation, including PDSA through an extension to its 2020 PAW report, which provides a state of the nation view and separates the facts from attention-grabbing headlines; https://www.pdsa.org.uk/get-involved/ our-campaigns/pdsa-animal-wellbeingreport
● There is evidence that the cost of puppies has increased, but respected breeders, like those on the KC’s Assured Breeders Scheme, have not price-hiked to the same levels as others clearly attempting to profit from the increase in demand.
● The advice for any would-be owner is consider long and hard if taking on a new pet is right for you — now and moving forward. Although it seems unlikely that society will immediately return to nine-to-five inflexible working, it is probable that we will eventually be spending more time in our traditional workplaces.
● If you decide to go ahead, do your research; ask for breeder recommendations, make enquiries. Go with your gut and ensure that the situation ‘feels right’. Although, we are presently unable to view puppies in person, ask for a video call in real time, which will give you the opportunity to see the pups in their home environment
and ask to see the parents during the call.
● Question what you are seeing, that it doesn’t feel staged, and prepare a list of questions including evidence of health checks before you decide to go ahead.
● If you are considering taking on a rescue puppy, most charities now have well-practised procedures in place to vet you as a potential owner including questionnaires and virtual home checks. But be prepared that demand has slowed down the process, and the dog that you desire may already have a waiting list of prospective owners.
● If you are successful in finding your pup, maintain contact with the breeder to ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the important milestones in the early weeks of his or her development. You will
also find that this can develop a bond between you and the breeder, based on trust and confidence.
● Check current guidelines before you arrange to collect or receive your pup. These are different across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and are likely to change if the tier system is reapplied.
● Be aware of the breeder’s responsibilities: all other existing legal obligations still apply, including microchipping puppies prior to sale and any licensing conditions. Issues related to licensing should be raised with the relevant local authority. Your pup should also have had an initial vet check and first set of vaccinations.
● Finally, plan ahead: book in your pup’s health check with your own vet in advance, and ensure that you have given yourself sufficient time to acquire provisions if you don’t already have them — carrier, bedding, toys, food bowls, and puppy shampoo.