Buying a puppy is one of the most exciting decisions a family can make. But it’s also a big responsibility — not just emotionally, but financially and ethically. Sadly, in Ireland there are still cases of puppy farms, dishonest sellers, and unhealthy dogs being sold online. That’s why it’s so important to know how to buy responsibly and protect yourself — and your new best friend.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to buy a puppy safely in Ireland, avoid scams, and make sure your new companion comes from a healthy, loving environment.

Why Safety Matters When Buying a Puppy

When you bring a puppy into your home, you’re committing to 10–15 years of care. A rushed or unsafe purchase can result in heartbreak, expensive vet bills, or even supporting animal cruelty.

Unfortunately, not every seller has the dog’s best interests at heart. Puppy farms still exist across Ireland, often keeping animals in poor conditions, with little care for their health. Puppies may look cute in photos, but behind the scenes they can be sick, under-socialised, or traumatised.

That’s why every puppy buyer should know the red flags — and the safe steps to take.

Always Check the Microchip and Documents

By law in Ireland, every puppy must be microchipped before being sold. But it’s not enough just to see a number — you must make sure it matches the paperwork.

What to do:

• Ask for the puppy’s microchip certificate.

• Check that the number matches the physical microchip (a vet can scan this for you).

• Confirm the chip is registered in an official Irish database such as FIDO.ie or the Irish Pet Microchip Database.

• Request the vaccination card and, where relevant, the Pet Passport.

 If the documents don’t match the puppy, or if the seller refuses to provide them, walk away. It’s one of the clearest signs of a bad seller.

Never Meet in a Car Park or Petrol Station

One of the biggest red flags in puppy sales is when a seller suggests meeting in a neutral place such as a car park, petrol station, or roadside layby.

Safe buying means:

• Always visit the seller’s home.

• Ask to see the puppy’s living environment.

• Request to meet the mother dog. A genuine breeder will always let you see the mother with her litter.

This protects you as a buyer — and ensures you’re not supporting a puppy farm that hides its operations.

Spotting Puppy Farms in Ireland

A puppy farm (also called a puppy mill) is a large-scale commercial breeder that prioritises profit over animal welfare. Ireland has struggled with illegal farms in the past, but buyers have the power to shut them down by refusing to buy.

Warning signs of a puppy farm:

• Seller has multiple litters available at once.

• Conditions look dirty, overcrowded, or unsafe.

• Puppies are kept in sheds, barns, or outdoor pens with little human interaction.

• The breeder offers several different breeds at the same time.

• Seller is pushy, doesn’t ask questions about you, and just wants fast payment.

 If you come across such a situation:

• Do not purchase a puppy out of pity — this only fuels the trade.

• Report the seller to the ISPCA (Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or DSPCA (Dublin SPCA).

• If animal cruelty is evident, contact local Gardaí.

Ask the Right Questions Before Buying

A good seller or breeder will be open and happy to answer questions. Some important things to ask:

• How old is the puppy? (It should be at least 8 weeks old before leaving its mother.)

• Can I see the mother dog and, if possible, the father?

• Has the puppy been wormed, vaccinated, and microchipped?

• Is there a health guarantee or vet check record?

• How many litters has the mother had? (Too many = a red flag.)

• Can I have the breeder’s license number (if they have more than 6 breeding bitches, a license is required in Ireland)?

A responsible breeder will often ask you questions too — because they care about where their puppies are going.

Health and Welfare Checks

When you meet the puppy, pay attention to signs of good health:

• Bright, clear eyes (not red or runny).

• Clean ears and nose.

• Shiny coat, no bald patches or fleas.

• Energetic and playful behaviour.

• Healthy weight — not bloated, not skinny.

If a puppy seems lethargic, shy, or unwell, don’t ignore it. These can be signs of neglect or illness.

Payment Safety and Receipts

Another important step is to keep a clear record of the purchase.

• Always ask for a receipt with the seller’s full name, address, and phone number.

• Avoid paying only in cash — bank transfer or secure payment is safer.

• Never send deposits to strangers online without verifying who they are.

Safety Tips at a Glance

•  Always check the microchip and make sure it matches the paperwork.

•  Meet in the seller’s home, never in a petrol station or car park.

•  See the puppy with its mother — if you can’t, walk away.

•  Report suspected puppy farms to ISPCA or DSPCA.

•  Ask for vaccination and vet records.

•  Don’t let emotions rush you into buying — if something feels wrong, trust your instinct.

Why Choose Dogsy.ie

At Dogsy.ie, we take safety seriously. Our goal is to create a trusted community for buyers and sellers of dogs in Ireland.

• We encourage all sellers to provide clear documentation and photos.

• Listings with suspicious details are removed.

• We educate our community with guides like this one — so buyers know their rights and responsibilities.

When you search for dogs for sale in Ireland on Dogsy.ie, you know you’re in safer hands than scrolling random social media ads.

Final Thoughts

Buying a puppy should be an exciting and joyful moment — not a stressful or risky one. By following these safety tips, checking microchips, avoiding puppy farms, and reporting suspicious activity, you not only protect yourself but also help improve animal welfare across Ireland.

Remember: every time you buy responsibly, you’re making Ireland a better place for dogs.