Shih Tzu – Maltese

1. If you're planning to purchase a pup, it is necessary to take a few precautions to guarantee that you get a happy, healthy pet.

2. Ask the sellers to present some form of ID, such as a drivers license/passport, and take note of their contact details.

3. You'll also be required to offer your own ID and proof of address so as the seller can transfer the microchip into your name.

4. Prior to visiting the seller it’s a good idea to write down the microchip IDs published in the advertisement and inspect the matching certificates when you see the puppies to ensure they match the seller's information.

5. Don't buy puppies without seeing their microchip certificates, as it's unlawful to sell an unregistered dog/puppy and make sure the microchips are the same as advertised and registered to one of the approved databases e.g Animark, Fido, IKC or ICC.

6. When you visit the seller, ask to see the mom of the puppy and check that the puppy is healthy and socialized, and is at least 8 weeks old before you take ownership (10-12 weeks old is recommend).

7. Preferably, you ought to see the pups in their home environment, instead of in a parking area or other service location.

8. Make sure and ask the seller about the veterinarian who has taken care of the pup/puppies and ask if you can see the vaccination certificates.

9. We recommend not to bring young children to the very first meeting with the seller, as it can cause problems and disappointments regarding the children if you decide not to buy a puppy.

10. Avoid online transactions or upfront payments e.g. down payment to hold a puppy/dog as this can be a scam, and you could lose your deposit.

11. Print out the ad with photos of the dog/puppy & make sure the dog/puppy is the same as advertised.