Pet Store::Breeder Questionnaire

The Dachshund Network Pet Store/Breeder Questionnaire

by Jeannie Fazio

No matter how bad something sounds in print, sometimes the only way is to investigate yourself. So, in order to learn more about pet stores and breeders; where and how they've obtained their puppies, please print out the following questions and bring them with you, if and when you do feel that you need to explore a pet shop or breeders' dogs.

List of Questions to ask Pet Store Owners

Health certificates of parents
The names of the parents of puppy
Name and address of the kennel
Telephone number of kennel
May the parents be seen (pictures, in person - if local)

Known health problems inherent of the particular breed of interest (a responsible breeder will check this out before even considering breeding their dogs)

Do they guarantee the health of the puppy for any length of time after the purchase

Any right of refusal (they will take the dog back), for lifetime of dog, should something happen to you (trust me, a good breeder will not sell you one of his/her pups without forcing you to sign one of these contracts)

Spay/Neuter contract
What type of after-care help (ie support, advice) from pet store is provided and for how long will it be provided

Type of return guarantee (again, a responsible breeder allows you to return the dog anytime within his/her lifetime.)

How old is pup (under 8 weeks, and the dog has undoubtedly been taken away from mother and littermates too early)

Information (telephone number, address, membership info, etc) pertaining to joining that breed's club (for educational purposes)

Disclaimer

The opinions on this page are those of the webmaster, and are designed to give the novice pet buyer a general background of information to assist them in the purchase of a quality puppy. Potential puppy buyers are welcome to print out this page to use as a reference, but it is not to be reproduced in any way without written permission of the author.