How safe is it to buy a puppy from a kennel in another state where you would have to have it shipped?

Question

Im thinking about buying a puppy from a breeder that is not near by, and was wondering if anyone knew of a good one that they've safely bought from, and have any tips on this. Thanks

Answer 1

I only know of someone who bought a dog the exact way you are thinking of. They had no problems and it ended saving them $700 as opposed to going to a local breeder. good luck

Answer 2

I would never have a puppy shipped. It is too stressful and not all that safe. Each year many animals die during shipping, usually from heat stroke.
I would also never buy a puppy from a breeder that I did not know, unless I had been to the place and seen the dogs and puppies. This sounds like a backyard breeder or mini-puppy mill. Many good breeders will not ship a puppy and I don't know of a good breeder that will sell you a puppy without neeting you first or at least having a reference from another breeder near you.
Check to see if the parents have the proper health clearences for the breed. If they do not, you know it is just a money making operation.
Where did you hear about this place and there puppies. Hope it was not one of these puppy-selling web sites. The are just online puppy mills.

Answer 3

A little over a year ago, drove to a kennel and purchased a Westie puppy in Ohio, about 3 hours away from my home. The puppy was great! It was a nice kennel and nice owners. There were 2 other couples there buying Westies and Cairn terrier pups. I found the kennel online at www.puppydogweb.com and corresponded by email with the owner and they gave me all the information notified me when my deposit was received and send email photos of the litter. It was my first puppy and experience with a breeder. It was a good experience since I was not personally referred to them. I don't know what kind of puppy you are looking for but that website is a good one to start at, they screen their breeders advertised. I also have had friends have their puppy shipped with no problems. But it can be stressful as well. You will have opinions both ways, but it will eventually be up to you. I reccomend finding something in driving distance and going yourself. Good luck!

Answer 4

Hi, Thier what kind of puppy is this ? And how old is the puppy? By law a Puppy has to be 8 wks Old to fly. They need to have a Health cerf from the vet saying it is ok the fly. How far do you live from where the Puppy has to be shipped from. I shouldn't cost you no more than 250-300 extra to ship the puppy. I have shipped a Bullmastiff Puppy and he was going from Ga to Fla and was on the plane for about 2 Hrs and he did just fine. As to the Kennel part.. When you say Kennel how many dogs does this kennel own? I just like to buy from someone who has them as part of the family and not thrown out in the kennels out back. I like to meet the Mother and father of the Puppy..

Answer 5

I recommend flying there, meet the breeder, get a pre-purchase vet check, meet the parents, then fly back with your new pup.

It can be done in a day, and it can save you many thousands in vet bills and heartache.

Before you book a flight, ask the breeder for the names and numbers of some past customers as well as the name and number of their vet, and permission to ask the vet questions.

Call the numbers provided, and ask your questions, and make sure you are comfortable with their answers.

I purchased from out of state and while the transaction went smoothly, I will never do it again. Next time I spend THAT much money I will travel to the breeder myself.

You usually do not save money by purchasing out of state. And the purchase price is nothing, compared to the cost of good care, food, training, immunizations, etc.

Why not head to one of the local AKC approved all-breed dog shows in your area. Meet the breeders. Meet their dogs. Visit their homes and kennels. Join their local dog club. Get to know everyone, then consider purchasing from someone within the club.

Answer 6

Get some references from people who have purchased dogs from this kennel.
I know of several great breeders who I would buy a dog from and not think twice about shipping one however there are many breeders I would not take a dog they gave me. And would not ship one either.
You need to be sure to research the kennel and get references from them.

Answer 7

I raise Chihuahuas and would never ship a pup, or buy a pup and have it shipped. It might be okay for a lrger breed dog, but then again, you are taking a chance on the dog getting lost like luggage does, or something happening to it on the flight. Also, you need to meet the breeder, see how the pups are raised, and see the pups and examine them closely before buying them. You can't do that if they are shipped.

Answer 8

I don't think that I like the idea of putting a puppy in the cargo hold of an airplane. Climate conditions there are not the best. When I got my boy, I drove to Cincinnati, OH from TN. The breeder drove from Cleveland, OH to Cincinnati to meet me. If you are set on this breeder, see if they will meet you.
But first, have them email you all the info and pedigree on this dog. Then check it out.

Answer 9

if the people that breed these dogs have been doing this for awhile i'd get a dog from them, but the price is usally higher then kennels, or shelters, we got my female yellow lab and male black lab from a private breeder and these dogs are the greatest, they get along prefectly fine there like magnets! by the way we got our dogs from northern jersey..