K9PN does not breed, sell or train dogs. We pass your request to an experienced professional who serves your area.
How to buy a puppy
How to buy a puppy, step by step
Buying a puppy is a 10 to 15 year commitment that is easy to rush. This guide walks through the steps that separate a healthy, well-raised puppy from an expensive heartbreak: deciding what you need, choosing a source, checking health, reading the contract and bringing the puppy home. K9PN refers you to professionals and does not sell dogs.
- Eight steps from decision to first week
- Free to request, takes about two minutes
- A professional contacts you. K9PN does not sell dogs
Find a puppy from a professionalTell us about your household and the kind of dog you want. Include your ZIP code so we can match you with a professional who serves your area.K9PN is a referral service and does not train dogs. By submitting a request you agree that K9PN and a participating trainer may contact you about it by phone, text or email. Message and data rates may apply. See our Privacy Policy.
Key takeaways
- Always see the puppy with its mother, in the place it was raised.
- Ask for health test results for both parents, a written contract and a health guarantee.
- Never send a deposit to someone you have not met or video called with the puppy.
How K9PN works
A referral service, not a seller
What you can expect when you send a request.
Our guides list what to ask any seller or trainer: health tests, contracts, training and aftercare.
It costs nothing to send a request, and you decide whether to work with whoever contacts you.
By K9PN · Founded by Mike Leal, Army Ranger veteran and dog trainer · Reviewed October 2026
Step 1: Decide if now is the right time
A dog needs time, money and patience for 10 to 15 years. Think about travel, work hours, your housing situation and who will care for the dog when you are away. If you rent, check your lease for breed, size and pet rules.
Step 2: Choose the type of dog
Match size, energy, grooming and temperament to your life. Read about the breeds you are considering, including their health problems, and talk to owners. See best family dogs.
Step 3: Pick a source
| Source | Why people choose it | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Reputable breeder | Health-tested parents, predictability, support | Cost and waiting lists; some "breeders" skip testing |
| Shelter or rescue | Lower fee, adult temperament known | Unknown history |
| Online marketplace or pet store | Convenience | Scams and puppy mills |
See breeder or rescue.
Step 4: Check the breeder
- They breed few litters and know every dog's pedigree and health history.
- They test both parents for the conditions common in the breed and show the results.
- They let you visit, meet the mother and see where the puppies are raised.
- They ask you questions, screen buyers and take the dog back at any age.
- They are registered with a breed club or kennel club where relevant, which is a sign of effort but not a guarantee.
Step 5: Check the puppy
- Eight weeks old or more, bright, alert and curious.
- Clean eyes, ears, coat and bottom, and a healthy weight.
- Calm, confident behaviour around people, not shaking or hiding.
- Vaccinations and deworming recorded by a vet, and a microchip if applicable.
Step 6: Read the contract
A good contract names the puppy and parents, states the price and what is included, sets out a health guarantee, says what happens if the dog has a genetic problem and lets you return the dog to the breeder at any time. Ask your vet to review the health guarantee. Never accept "no refunds" terms on a living animal.
Step 7: Avoid the traps
Be wary of unusually low prices, sellers who refuse to meet or video call, extra fees for shipping, crates or insurance, and pressure to pay quickly. Read puppy scams and red flags and pay by a method that gives you protection, not by gift card or wire.
Step 8: Plan the first week
- Book a vet check within the first few days (many contracts require it).
- Set up a crate or safe area, food, bowls, a collar with ID and a microchip registration.
- Start toilet training, short training sessions and gentle socialisation, as your vet advises.
- Budget for the first year. Rover estimates $1,460 to $6,745.
How K9PN matches you with a dog professional
K9PN is not a marketplace where anyone can pay to be listed, and we do not sell dogs. We refer people to experienced, independent breeders, rescues and dog professionals, and look at the things that decide whether a dog turns out healthy and right for your home:
- Health testing you can verify. Results for both parents that are relevant to the breed, with paperwork you can check yourself.
- Meet the puppy and its mother. You can see where the puppies live, how they are raised and how the adults behave.
- A fair written contract. Price, health guarantee, return terms and what happens if things do not work out.
- Honest advice on fit. A good professional asks about your home, time and experience, and will tell you if a different dog or a rescue would suit you better.
- Aftercare. Support after the dog comes home, including training and vet guidance.
Read our puppy buying guide for the questions to ask any seller.
Please note
This page is general information, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices, laws and availability change and differ by state, so check current details with the seller and your vet.
Common questions
What should I look for when buying a puppy?
A healthy, bright puppy of at least eight weeks, raised in a clean home, with its mother present, health-tested parents, a written contract and a seller who asks you questions.
How old should a puppy be when I buy it?
At least eight weeks, and often longer for small breeds. Ask your vet.
How do I know a breeder is reputable?
They health-test both parents, let you visit, show where puppies are raised, have few litters and take the dog back at any age.
Should I pay a deposit?
Only after you have met the seller and the puppy, in person or by live video, and you have a written agreement. Avoid gift cards, wire transfers and cash apps.
What health guarantee should a puppy come with?
A written guarantee covering genetic and congenital conditions, with clear terms. Ask your vet to review it.
Does K9PN sell or train protection dogs?
No. K9PN is a referral service and does not breed, sell or train dogs. We pass your request to a professional trainer or working-dog program that matches what you asked for and serves your area. It costs nothing to send a request, and you decide whether to work with whoever contacts you.
Related
Sources and further reading
For dog trainers
Do you train or place protection, sport or police K9 dogs?
K9PN refers people who are looking for a protection dog, protection training, sport dog training or K9 programs to professional trainers. We also build the website, CRM and follow-up that turn those enquiries into clients. Book a call to ask about availability in your area.
Types of dog training
Compare the types of dog training
Each format has its own page explaining how it works, who it suits and what to ask a trainer.
Board and train dog training
Your dog stays with a trainer for an intensive program, then you learn to keep the results going at home.
Private (1-on-1) dog trainingOne-to-one sessions built around your dog and your goals, at home or at the trainer.
Virtual dog trainingLive video coaching with a trainer, from wherever you are. Currently available in Florida.
Types of dog training comparedBoard and train, 1-on-1, virtual, group and day training side by side, and how to choose a trainer.
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