Whether it was a planned or an accidental pregnancy, when your dog has puppies, you may not want to keep all of them, no matter how cute they are. So, what do you need to know if you are thinking about selling your puppies?

First, provide their initial care, including a vet check and first vaccinations. The puppies should have their first visit to the vet around 6 to 7 weeks or age. They should receive their first series of vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and coronavirus. They should also be checked for worms and treated, if necessary. This veterinary clean bill of health will be important to prospective buyers.

Although puppies can be adopted after seven weeks of age, you may want to encourage potential owners to visit the puppies before that. Advertising the puppies in your local paper is one of the most successful strategies in finding good puppy parents and homes.

You should talk with the prospective parents, to assure yourself that they can provide the right supportive environment for a puppy. You can also contact your local humane society or animal rescue if you cannot sell the puppies directly. Be sure to find an organization that has a no-kill policy and confirm that they screen buyers carefully before placing a pup.

If your puppies are pure breeds, then you have more options in finding good potential owners for your puppies. In addition to your local paper, you can advertise with breed specific clubs and breed rescue organizations. When working with these organizations, be sure to have all the relevant AKC information about your puppy’s parents.

Before selling your puppies, you should develop a puppy sales contract to ensure the best future for them. The contract should include the expectations and responsibilities of the buyer and seller concerning the lifetime of the dog. The basic elements of the puppy sale contract are:

AKC identifying information and pedigree

Full contact information for buyer and breeder

Date of sale and price paid

Health guarantee/warranty

Spay/neuter requirements

Expected care of the dog

Conditions regarding return/rehoming of dog

Showing/titling requirements

To learn more about puppy sales contracts, visit the AKC Spring 2007 newsletter.

AKC Newsletter

Posted by Barbara.