Question 1

How much do puppies cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Most UK puppies sell for £500–£3,500. Crossbreeds and non-registered litters sit at the lower end; Kennel Club registered puppies from health-tested parents, and popular breeds such as French Bulldogs, Cockapoos and Dachshunds, sell nearer the top. A price far below the breed's normal range is one of the clearest warning signs of a puppy farm or a scam advert.

Question 2

Where can I buy a puppy near me?

Accepted Answer

Browse the live puppy adverts on this page and filter by breed, price and distance from your postcode. Adverts come from licensed breeders, private sellers and rescues across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and you can message the seller directly to arrange a viewing.

Question 3

What age can a puppy leave its mother?

Accepted Answer

Eight weeks is the legal minimum in the UK, and it is illegal to sell or hand over a puppy any younger. Many good breeders keep puppies until nine or ten weeks so they are fully weaned, wormed, socialised and settled before they move home.

Question 4

What is Lucy's Law and how does it affect buying a puppy?

Accepted Answer

Lucy's Law means puppies under six months old must be sold by the breeder who bred them, or by a rescue centre — third-party sellers and pet shops cannot sell them. In practice that means you must see the puppy at the place it was born, with its mother. If a seller offers to meet you elsewhere or has the puppy 'staying with a friend', walk away.

Question 5

Do puppies have to be microchipped before I buy one?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is a legal requirement across the UK for a breeder to microchip a puppy and register it in their own name before it goes to a new home. Ask to see the chip number and the registration paperwork, and transfer the chip into your name as soon as you collect.

Question 6

Does a dog breeder need a licence?

Accepted Answer

In England anyone breeding three or more litters in a twelve-month period and selling any of them, or breeding dogs as a business, needs a local authority licence. Licensed breeders on PetTrader can add their council licence number to their profile, and we display it on their adverts once our team has checked it.

Question 7

What paperwork should come with a puppy?

Accepted Answer

Expect a microchip certificate, a record of worming and any vaccinations given, the parents' health test certificates for the breed's known conditions, Kennel Club registration papers if the litter is registered, and a written receipt. A responsible breeder will also want to know about your home and will happily answer questions after you take the puppy.

Question 8

What does a puppy cost to keep in the first year?

Accepted Answer

On top of the purchase price, most UK owners spend roughly £1,000–£1,800 in year one on vaccinations, neutering, insurance, food, bedding, crate, worming and flea treatment, and training classes. Lifetime insurance is significantly cheaper if you start it before any condition appears.

Question 9

Is it better to adopt a dog than buy a puppy?

Accepted Answer

Adoption is a good route if you want an adult dog with a known temperament, and rescue dogs are usually already neutered, chipped and vaccinated. Use the Adoption and Rehoming filters on PetTrader to see dogs looking for a new home, including owners rehoming directly because of a change in circumstances.

Question 10

How do I avoid scams when buying a puppy online?

Accepted Answer

View the animal in person at the seller's own home before any money changes hands, keep all messages inside PetTrader so there is a record, and never pay by bank transfer, gift card or crypto to someone you have not met. Every PetTrader seller completes a photo-ID and live selfie check, and verified accounts carry a badge, and you can report an advert from the listing page.

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