Tax returns, car rego, house repairs – there are plenty of life-admin tasks you can put off for a few months, but your puppy’s paperwork isn’t one of them. The quicker you get onto it, the quicker you know that your puppy is safe.
Council registration
The local council will want to know about your pet’s new home sooner rather than later. In some jurisdictions fines apply for unregistered dogs as young as 12-weeks old. If your puppy was registered under a previous owner, complete a council transfer of ownership form. You’ll want to have your puppy’s microchip data on hand, proof of desexing and any concession cards you hold.
Health checklist
A good breeder or rescue organisation will take care of your puppy’s first vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, a vet check-up, and microchipping before you purchase your puppy. Be sure to get a record of the treatments so you know when to book your puppy in for their next round of treatments. You’ll also need copies for your puppy’s first pet hotel vacation.
Pedigree puppies
Before welcoming a new dog to your family, get to know their canine family tree. Purebred pups from breeders should come with papers that show it’s been registered with the relevant breed association or canine club. Ask the breeder for the registration of your puppy’s parents, including certificates showing they’ve been screened for common hereditary diseases.
Microchipping
Even with all the care and attention in the world, your adventurous pup may one day stray.
To make sure they’re safely returned to you, make sure your puppy has been microchipped. Once your puppy has undergone this simple process, their details and your contact information, will be stored in a database for easy retrieval and the simple return of your loved one.
Pet insurance
As the smallest member of your litter, your puppy will need a number of trips to the vet in its first year. Taking out pet insurance can save you up to 80% on consultations, surgery and medicines – more than enough to ensure you can also pay off your car rego.