The Ultimate Checklist for Buying a Puppy in Singapore: What Every New Owner Should Know

Introduction: Why Choosing the Right Puppy Matters

Buying a puppy is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make — but it’s also one that requires thorough research and preparation. With the rising number of listings offering puppy for sale or dog for sale across Singapore, new pet owners must know how to distinguish reputable sellers from questionable ones, understand proper documentation, check for health and vaccination records, and ensure they are making an ethical choice.

Singapore’s Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) reported more than 196,600 licensed dogs in the country, highlighting how common dog ownership has become. But with the growth of online pet marketplaces and private sellers, there has also been an increase in cases of illegal breeding, unvaccinated puppies, and misleading advertisements.

This ultimate checklist is designed to help every new owner buy a puppy safely, ethically, and confidently.

1. Verify the Seller or Breeder’s Legitimacy

Before you fall in love with a listing that says puppy for sale or dog for sale, always verify the seller’s credibility.

Check for AVS Licensing

In Singapore, any commercial breeder, broker, or pet shop selling puppies requires:

• An Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) license
• Compliance with animal health and welfare standards

Ask the seller for their AVS license number. A reputable seller will never hesitate to provide it.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Look for:

• Google reviews
• Facebook comments
• Customer feedback
• Whether other buyers received healthy puppies

If the seller is new or has zero online presence, proceed with caution.

Avoid Suspiciously Low Prices

If a dog for sale is priced far below market value, it may be:

• Unvaccinated
• Poorly bred
• From a puppy mill
• Sick or underage

Ethical breeders never “dump” puppies cheaply.

2. Request All Essential Documents

A trustworthy seller should provide a complete document set before you confirm the purchase. This protects you and ensures the puppy has been responsibly bred and cared for.

Essential Documents Checklist:

a. Vaccination Card

Must include:

• Vet clinic stamp
• Vaccination dates
• Due dates for boosters
• Puppy’s age clearly recorded

A puppy should receive its first vaccination at 6–8 weeks.

b. Microchip Details

Every puppy legally sold in Singapore must be microchipped.
Check:

• Microchip number
• Registry information
• Matching details on vet records

c. Health Certificate

Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 7 days of sale. It confirms:

• Puppy is free from infectious diseases
• No congenital defects detected
• Puppy is fit for sale

d. Deworming Record

Puppies require deworming every 2 weeks initially. Ensure the records align with their age.

e. Purchase Agreement

This protects you if:

• The puppy has a hidden illness
• The seller misrepresented the breed
• Health concerns arise shortly after purchase

Never buy a puppy without a written agreement.

3. Ensure the Puppy Is the Correct Age

Many irresponsible sellers attempt to sell underage puppies.
A puppy should be at least:

8 Weeks Old (Minimum Legal Age)

At 8 weeks, they have:

• Developed basic immunity
• Socialised with their litter
• Weaned properly

Buying younger than 8 weeks increases the risk of:

• Anxiety
• Weak immune system
• Improper development

Always cross-check age with vaccination and microchip records.

4. Conduct a Thorough Health Check

Before purchasing any puppy for sale, conduct a visual and behavioural health check.

What to Look For:

Eyes

• Clear, bright
• No discharge

Nose

• Moist, not runny
• No crusting

Ears

• Clean
• No redness or odour

Coat & Skin

• Shiny and clean
• No bald spots or flakes

Movement

• Walks confidently
• No limping or stiffness

Behaviour

Healthy puppies are:

• Curious
• Playful
• Responsive

If the puppy appears lethargic, fearful, or overly aggressive, reconsider the purchase.

5. Ask the Right Questions About the Puppy’s Background

Responsible sellers willingly provide detailed information about the puppy’s origin.

Questions to Ask:

1. Can I see the puppy’s parents?
   This helps you understand size, temperament, and potential health issues.
2. Was the puppy raised indoors or outdoors?
   Indoor-raised puppies adapt better to home living.
3. What food is the puppy currently eating?
   Smooth transition prevents digestive issues.
4. Is the puppy socialised?
   Puppies exposed early to handling and humans adjust better.
5. Any known genetic issues in the bloodline?
   Reputable breeders screen for issues like hip dysplasia or eye disorders.

If the seller avoids these questions, it’s a red flag.

6. Understand Vaccinations and Medical Needs

Vaccination schedule to look for:

Core Vaccinations:

• DHPP vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
• First shot at 6–8 weeks
• Booster at 10–12 weeks
• Final booster at 14–16 weeks

Optional Vaccinations:

Depending on lifestyle:

• Bordetella
• Leptospirosis

General Medical Needs:

• Deworm every 2–4 weeks until 12 weeks
• Flea and tick prevention
• Heartworm prevention

Any puppy for sale without updated veterinary care should be avoided immediately.

7. Evaluate the Puppy’s Temperament

Temperament matters more than appearance — especially for new owners.

Observe how the puppy reacts:

• When picked up
• Around toys
• Around other dogs
• Around noise
• Around strangers

A puppy that is extremely timid, overly fearful, or unusually aggressive may require more training and patience than a first-time owner can handle.

8. Inspect the Living Conditions

A puppy’s environment says a lot about the seller.

Healthy environment checklist:

• Clean, dry, and odour-free space
• Puppies have access to food and water
• No overcrowding
• No signs of neglect
• Puppies are active and social

Puppy mills often hide poor conditions — always request a video call or in-person visit before purchasing any dog for sale.

9. Learn the Red Flags of Irresponsible Sellers

Be cautious of sellers with:

• No vaccination or health records
• No photos/videos of the actual puppy
• No parents available to meet
• Only accepting cash
• Refusing home visits
• Offering unrealistic discounts
• Saying “ready for collection today” for very young puppies
• Non-matching microchip and health record details

These are signs of illegal breeding or unethical sourcing.

10. Prepare for the First Week at Home

Once you’ve found the right puppy, set up a safe and welcoming home environment.

Must-have items:

• Puppy food
• Crate or playpen
• Water bowl
• Bedding
• Collar and leash
• Toys
• Training pads

The first week shapes your puppy’s behaviour, confidence, and comfort.

Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Buy Responsibly

Buying a puppy is a long-term commitment that brings joy, companionship, and unconditional love. But it begins with a responsible first step: choosing a healthy puppy from an ethical seller.

If you’re ready to explore healthy, well-cared-for puppies from trusted sellers, visit Puppy for Sale Singapore — Singapore’s reliable platform for discovering your perfect match.

When in doubt, take your time — the right puppy is worth the wait.