7 Essential Steps to Avoid Impulse Puppy Buying UK 2025

Buying a puppy is a joyful but serious commitment. In the UK, new legal guidelines such as Lucy’s Law (effective since April 2020) have transformed how puppies can be purchased, reinforcing responsible pet ownership and quality assurance. To help prospective puppy owners navigate these changes and avoid the pitfalls of impulse buying, here are seven detailed steps incorporating relevant keywords and current best practices for 2025.

Step 1: Understand the New Legal Landscape – Comply with Lucy’s Law

Since April 2020, Lucy’s Law bans the third-party sale of puppies in England. This means you must buy a puppy directly from the breeder or a reputable rescue centre, not through pet shops, agents, or online platforms that do not show puppies with their mothers at the place of birth.

• Always see the puppy with its mother at the breeder’s premises or rescue centre.
• The puppy should be at least eight weeks old.
• Ensure the breeder is licensed and ethical, reflecting standards of a Kennel Club Assured Breeder.
• Avoid listings that do not comply with these guidelines, such as puppies sold via pet shops or third parties.

This law helps combat puppy farms, puppy smuggling, and health or socialisation problems caused by poor breeding conditions.

Step 2: Choose the Best Place to Buy a Puppy: Ethical Breeders or Rehoming Centres

Prioritise purchasing from Kennel Club Assured Breeders, who meet high standards of care and welfare, or consider puppy rehoming from trusted organisations such as Dogs Trust or RSPCA.

Questions to ask when buying a puppy include: Does the breeder provide health clearances? Can you meet the puppy’s mother and see the home environment? Is the puppy microchipped and vaccinated before going home?

Visiting breed-specific clubs or the Kennel Club website can help locate the best place to buy a puppy, especially if you want a particular breed like border collie puppies, ensuring you avoid unscrupulous sellers. Adoption can be a wonderful, responsible alternative – many puppies and young dogs across the UK need loving homes.

Step 3: Do Thorough Research and Prepare Your Home

Before purchasing, educate yourself about dog ownership responsibilities:

• Assess your lifestyle, financial capacity, and time commitment needed.
• Prepare your home with safe spaces, bedding, toys, and puppy-proofed rooms.
• Arrange a vet for vaccinations, microchipping, and regular check-ups.
• Understand nutrition, training, and socialisation needs.

Good preparation means you're less likely to make an impulse buy and more likely to provide a lifelong, safe home to your puppy.

Step 4: Spot Warning Signs and Avoid Impulse Buying

Even with Lucy’s Law in place, some sellers may try to circumvent the rules with misleading ads or scams.

• Sellers who do not allow visits to see the puppy with its mother.
• Puppies advertised at unusually low prices or available immediately.
• Evasive answers to questions about health, paperwork, or breeding environment.
• Requests to pay deposits before meeting the puppy.

If something feels suspicious, walk away and ask for advice from the Kennel Club or rehoming organisations.

Step 5: Ask the Right Questions to Ensure Responsible Purchase

Take a detailed checklist with you when visiting breeders or rescues:

• Can I see the puppy’s mother and littermates?
• What health checks have the parents had?
• Is the puppy vaccinated, wormed, and microchipped?
• What socialisation has the puppy received so far?
• Can I see documentation such as Kennel Club registration and health clearances?
• What support do you offer after purchase? Is there a contract?

These questions will help you avoid impulse buying and identify ethical breeders.

Step 6: Complete Final Checks Before Bringing Puppy Home

Before finalising the purchase:

• Verify the puppy’s health, demeanour, and environment.
• Ensure you receive a written contract detailing responsibilities, health guarantees, and return policies.
• Confirm the puppy is microchipped and has had vaccinations.
• Check that the breeder or rehoming centre provides a transition plan for the puppy’s first weeks in your home.

Step 7: Consider Rehoming and Adoption as Responsible Alternatives

Puppy rehoming is a compassionate option supported by many UK organisations:

• Dogs Trust and RSPCA run puppy and dog rehoming schemes.
• Adult dogs or older puppies can adapt well to new homes.
• Adoption helps reduce puppy farming and supports animal welfare.

Responsible pet ownership includes making ethical choices that promote animal wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Buying in the UK 2025

Where can I buy a puppy legally under Lucy’s Law?

Quick Answer: You must buy directly from breeders who show puppies with their mothers in their place of birth, or from reputable rescue centres like Dogs Trust or RSPCA.

This ensures puppy welfare and complies with UK animal welfare law designed to prevent unethical sales.

What is a Kennel Club Assured Breeder?

Quick Answer: A breeder recognised by The Kennel Club for upholding welfare standards, health screening, and responsible breeding practices.

This status helps buyers find ethical and reputable breeders committed to high welfare standards.

How do I avoid scams when buying a puppy online?

Quick Answer: Never pay before meeting the puppy and seeing the mother; check the breeder’s credentials; be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals; and report suspicious listings.

Trusting your instincts and verifying the breeder’s credentials protects you from puppy farms and scams.

What questions should I ask the breeder?

Quick Answer: Ask about health checks, socialisation, vaccination records, environment, parents’ health, and contract specifics.

These questions ensure transparency and ethical treatment complying with UK legal standards.

Can I adopt a border collie puppy?

Quick Answer: Yes, adoption or rehoming is a great option. Border collie puppies and mixes may be available through rehoming centres.

Adopting supports animal welfare and gives puppies in need a loving home.

By following these 7 essential steps, you can avoid impulse puppy buying, comply with UK law, and welcome a healthy, happy new companion into your home. Responsible, informed choices make all the difference.