Puppy Farms: Red Flags to Look Out For

Learn about puppy farms & how to spot puppy farm red flags.

What is a Puppy Farm?

Puppy farms are commercial dog breeding facilities that prioritise profit over the welfare of the animals. Dogs in these operations are often kept in cramped, unhygienic conditions with minimal veterinary care and socialisation. Breeding practices in puppy farms frequently lead to serious health issues in the puppies, such as genetic disorders and infectious diseases, while the lack of human interaction can result in significant behavioural problems.

These inhumane conditions not only cause immense suffering for the dogs but also contribute to the broader issues of overpopulation and the abandonment of unhealthy or unmanageable dogs.

This can mean the new owners of puppy farmed puppies and dogs can have a hard time if they bring their dog home with illness and unwanted behaviours. These issues can lead to additional costs to the owner with veterinary and dog trainer expenses, time needed to care for the dog and the emotional toil of seeing your new puppy so unwell. All this stress can result in the owner giving up the dog to local authorities or rescues.

If you are thinking of getting a puppy or dog, it's important to know what to look out for to avoid puppy farms!

If you notice any of the following, proceed with caution these may be signs of a puppy farm or an unethical breeder:

Red flags of Puppy Farms

Frequent Ads for Puppies - The breeder is consistently advertising new litters, often with multiple puppies available.
Multiple Breeds for Sale - Selling several different breeds at once can indicate mass breeding, which is common in puppy farms.
Unwillingness to Allow Visits to the Breeding Location - The breeder may avoid letting you see the puppies’ living conditions. They might suggest meeting “halfway” or in a public place, like a garage or car park, rather than allowing you to see the puppies at their home.
Reluctance to Show You the Puppy’s Mother - Ethical breeders will let you see the mother interacting with her puppies. If the breeder won’t let you meet her, it’s a red flag.
Puppies Being Sold Before 8 Weeks of Age - Puppies should stay with their mother and littermates until they’re at least 8 weeks old. Selling younger puppies may indicate they’re being rushed out.
Poor Health or Sickly Appearance in Puppies - Signs of illness, such as lethargy, discharge from the eyes or nose, poor coat condition, or difficulty breathing, can indicate poor living conditions and lack of proper care.
Breeder Doesn’t Ask About You or Your Home - Reputable breeders are selective about where their puppies go. A lack of questions about your living situation, experience, or readiness is a sign they’re more interested in selling than ensuring a good home.
Puppies Not Microchipped - Microchipping is legally required before a puppy goes to its new home. Puppies without microchips may be from an unregulated breeder.
Offers to Send Paperwork Separately - Legitimate breeders provide paperwork (health records, lineage, microchip documentation) at the time of purchase. Delays or promises to “post it later” can be a way to avoid scrutiny.
Excessive Focus on Payment and Transaction Speed - Be wary if the breeder pressures you to pay quickly, avoids questions, or rushes you into a decision.

Fetching the Facts checklist

We’ve created a checklist packed with essential questions and information to help you steer clear of puppy farms, make a responsible choice when getting your new dog or puppy and the important things to watch for during your visit.

Fetching the Facts

Give yourself and your new family member the best possible start.

Download checklist!

Trust your instincts. If you are concerned in any way about a breeder or an establishment, you can report them confidentially to the ISPCA, or DSPCA if in Dublin, especially if there are signs of obvious neglect or cruelty. If something feels off and you have bought a puppy from a classified ad or website that has proved to be poorly or have behavioural problems or suspect someone may be operating a puppy farm, don’t hesitate to report it to the the Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group (IPAAG) Your actions could help prevent other animals from suffering and encourage responsible breeding practices.

Rescued mums and their pups can take a huge amount of commitment, hard work, patience and love to help them turn into happy, healthy and well-rounded dogs. Thanks to our dog loving supporters, we help rescue mums and pups from lives of torment and put their paws on the path to a new life of hope and happiness.

By taking the time to choose a responsible breeder or rehoming facility, you're setting yourself and your future furry friend up for a wonderful journey together. The joy of welcoming a healthy, well-cared-for puppy into your home is unmatched, and the love and companionship you’ll share will be well worth the effort.

Wherever you are on your dog owning journey, Dogs Trust is here to help.

Do you know the doggy dos and the doggy don’ts when it comes to buying a pup? Test your knowledge in our Dogs Trust Pup Quiz!

Can you spot a puppy farm?

The Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2013 or the DBE Act as it is more commonly referred to, applies to any establishment/person who has 6 or more female dogs capable of breeding.

In February 2020, laws to crack down on the illegal sale of dogs and pups in Ireland were introduced – and welcomed by Dogs Trust and other animal welfare organisations.

To sell pets, a person must:

Register sales with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine if selling six or more pets per calendar year
Display a Dog Breeding Establishment number if in possession of six or more female dogs capable of breeding
Include specific information in an advertisement of a pet animal for sale, including the microchip number*
*lack of a microchip or a non-valid microchip, could indicate the person does not want to be traced, and raises a big red flag for the dog’s welfare, and the conditions they are being kept in.

The laws also state that it is illegal to sell a puppy less than eight weeks old.

The aim of these laws is to stamp out cruel and illegal dog breeding and improve the health and welfare of dogs being sold and supplied.

It is a LEGAL requirement for the sale or supply of a dog that a microchip certificate accompanies the dog. Please don't ever trust a person who 'will send you on the paperwork in the post'.