Puppy farms

If you are buying a puppy, you should avoid buying from a puppy farm. Puppy farms are intensive dog breeding operations where conditions are poor and profits are more important than puppy welfare.

About puppy farms

Puppy farms are intensive dog breeding operations that often fail to:

• meet the welfare requirements of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001
• comply with registration and supply requirements of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

Any breed of dog may come from a puppy farm.

You might find puppies being sold:

• through online or newspaper advertising
• at markets
• at car-boot sales
• at pet shops
• at the puppy farm itself.

Puppy farms may also use an alternative location or ‘shop front’ so you don’t see the conditions where the dogs are kept and bred.

Puppy farms can negatively affect the health and welfare of dogs and puppies, including:

• poor living conditions such as overcrowded kennelling and no areas for exercise or play
• low quality food and inadequate water
• lack of socialisation and neglect, leading to behavioural issues
• poor selection of breeding pairs, resulting in negative genetic and behavioural outcomes.

How to spot a puppy farm scam

Puppy sale scams are on the rise in Australia. When buying a puppy watch out for:

• low prices for popular and/or pedigree breeds
• being asked for payment before you have met the puppy
• breeders that can’t provide a valid Queensland breeder identification number (BIN), also known as a supply number
• a seller that will only communicate via email or text.

ScamWatch provides more information about scams, including how to report them.

How to avoid puppy farms

• If you are buying a puppy, know how to avoid buying from a puppy farm.
• Always buy a puppy from a responsible breeder.
• Don’t buy a puppy from a person who does not have a valid BIN.

You should verify a BIN or supply number by searching the Queensland Dog Breeder Register.

How to choose a responsible dog breeder

When looking for a new puppy, it is important to work with a responsible dog breeder.

Responsible breeders should:

• be prepared to answer your questions, including about their operations, the breed and what to expect as the puppy grows up
• be willing to provide ongoing advice after you take your puppy home
• let you visit their premises or, if you are unable to visit the premises in-person, should arrange a video call with you
• have clean and comfortable living conditions for the dogs and puppies, with clean water always available
• ensure the mother of the puppies is in good condition, clean, happy and active
• be willing to share photos of the puppy’s father or the contact details of its owner, if the father lives elsewhere
• provide vaccination records, registration certificates, microchip details and other information to help you care for your puppy.

Questions for breeders

Ask these questions to find a responsible dog breeder.

• Do you have a valid BIN or supply number?
  • Note: You should verify BIN information by searching the Queensland Dog Breeder Register.
• Do you comply with the Queensland’s dog breeding requirements under the code of practice for the breeding of dogs and the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001?
• Why did you choose to breed this type of dog and how long have you been involved in breeding?
• What is the typical personality of this breed?
• Can we visit your breeder premises before selecting a puppy?
• Can we see the mother, father or other family members?
• Can we see all the litter together?
• At what age can we take the puppy home?
  • Note: Under the code of practice, puppies must be fully weaned before they are sold or given away. A puppy should not be sold or given away before 8 weeks of age.
• When are/were the puppies wormed and vaccinated?
  • Note: A puppy should have received its first vaccination before going to its new home.
• Is the puppy microchipped?
  • Note: Under Queensland law, dogs must be microchipped before they are sold or given away.
• Are there any genetic conditions that may affect the health of the puppy as it grows?
• Do you test breeding pairs for genetic conditions, and can we see the results of those tests?
• Can we have the puppy checked by our veterinarian before we purchase it?
• If something goes wrong, can the puppy be returned?
• Do you offer support/advice after we have taken the puppy home?
• Are the puppy’s records provided on transfer of ownership?

Report concerns

If you are concerned about a dog breeder’s operations, you are encouraged to report it to the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

Further information

• Learn about Strong Dog Laws: Safer Communities.
• Learn about your duty of care for animals.
• Read about responsible dog ownership.