🐾 Buying a pet: what to check
Spot reputable sellers, avoid puppy mills — how to find a healthy animal.
1. Always visit in person
Only buy an animal after visiting the breeder or owner in person. Reputable sellers show the mother and living conditions.
2. Spot the red flags
Unrealistically low prices, "shipping available", pressure to buy fast, prepayment before visiting — classic signs of puppy dealers and scammers.
3. Check the paperwork
Vaccination record, deworming proof, chip number, pedigree for purebreds. EU pet passport for animals from abroad.
4. Right age matters
Puppies and kittens should leave at 8–12 weeks earliest. Younger animals often have health and behavior issues.
5. Sign a purchase contract
A written contract with animal details, price and warranty protects both sides. Serious breeders insist on it themselves.