RSPCA Shop Next Gen Education
Colour mode
Log in Report a concern Sponsor Donate
Donate Menu Close
Main menu Find a Pet
Find a Pet Find a Pet
Find a Pet Useful Links
Find a Pet Sponsorship
Main menu Advice and Welfare
Advice and Welfare Pets
Advice and Welfare Farm Animals
Advice and Welfare Wildlife
Advice and Welfare Seasonal Advice
Main menu Ways to Give
Ways to Give Donate
Ways to Give Gift in Wills
Ways to Give Sponsorship
Main menu Get Involved
Get Involved Fundraise
Get Involved Campaign
Get Involved Volunteer
Main menu What We Do
What We Do End Cruelty
What We Do Care For Animals
What We Do Who We Are
Dogs

Buying a puppy

So you've decided to get a puppy - how exciting for you and your family! We'd always encourage you to adopt rather than buy, as so many puppies and dogs in our care are looking for loving homes (and we'll help match you with your perfect dog).

Rescue puppy pictured with his new family on a dog walk.

Pet cost calculator

Compare cat and dog breeds to help you decide which pet is right for you and your budget.

Buying from a breeder

Here are some things to think about if you have your heart set on buying a puppy from a breeder.

Which dog is right for your family?

Before you take the plunge and get a puppy, you'll need to think about what type of dog is right for your lifestyle. Take a look at our advice to help figure out what kind of dog would best suit you and your family.

Buying a puppy from a breeder

Dealers use the internet to their advantage when it comes to advertising and selling farmed puppies. 87% of puppy trade calls we get are about animals bought over the internet. Be sure to follow our tips for spotting adverts from bad breeders.

Always make sure you see mum and her pups together, and never buy a puppy if you have doubts about the breeder or situation - buying the puppy will only fund their illegal operation. Check out our top tips on finding a good breeder.

The Puppy Contract can help you avoid becoming another victim of the puppy trade. It will help guide you through the process of buying a puppy and give you the confidence to make the right decisions about your future puppy.

RSPCA Pet Insurance

Finally, you should always make sure you insure your new puppy to cover the costs of vets' fees and other expenses associated with keeping them safe. RSPCA Pet Insurance is suitable for any new puppy owner, so why not learn more about it?

With that taken care of, all that's left to do is to welcome your new puppy to his or her new forever home!

Taking your new puppy home

When you've chosen your puppy, you'll need to get everything ready at home. Taking care of a puppy can be a bit daunting, but it can also be incredibly fun! To help ensure that you can relax and enjoy your time with your playful new companion, have a look through our guide to your puppy's first year.

Sponsor our dog kennels

Support the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs across England and Wales by sponsoring our dog kennels. Put £6.50 a month towards our work with dogs and receive regular updates on how you're helping.

Find out more