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From a distance

Choosing a puppy from Italy: how to do it safely

Buying a puppy that lives more than a thousand kilometres away raises questions – rightly so, because dubious adverts exist. This page explains how to get to know a puppy from Italy properly before committing, and what you should demand from any breeder, including us.

Step by step

  1. You tell us how you live

    Flat or house, children, other pets, how many hours the dog would be alone. The more we know, the more honest our advice – even if the answer is “better wait”.

  2. You get to know the puppy

    Photos and videos as it grows, plus video calls where you see the puppy, its littermates and the home it grows up in.

  3. You check the documents

    Sale contract, health certificates and, on request, the parents’ genetic test results – before payment, not after.

  4. We plan the journey

    From 15 weeks at the earliest, with microchip, EU pet passport, valid rabies vaccination and an official health certificate notified through the EU’s TRACES system.

  5. The handover

    In person by Gianni or Aldo, or with authorised animal transporters – we choose the right option for where you live.

  6. The first weeks

    After arrival we stay available. You register the puppy in your country as required there.

Warning signs in any offer from abroad

These apply to every breeder and seller. If any of them appears, take your time:

  • the puppy is to travel before 15 weeks;
  • there is no EU pet passport or official health certificate;
  • handover in a car park or at a motorway services;
  • the papers “will follow later”;
  • no video call possible, only photos;
  • every colour and size always available, pressure to pay quickly.

What if I want to see the puppy in person?

We completely understand. But our home is also the puppies’ home, so with us the meeting happens on video – in detail and as often as you like. Ask every question during the call, ask to see the parents and to have the documents held up to the camera.

Useful questions are listed in Choosing a good breeder.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the puppy only travel at 15 weeks?

The rabies vaccination may only be given from 12 weeks and becomes valid 21 days later. Without a valid vaccination, a puppy that has been sold cannot be moved to another EU country under the general rule.

Who issues the health certificate?

The competent official veterinarian in Italy, after an examination within 48 hours before departure. The certificate is notified via TRACES to the authority at the place of arrival.

How long from first contact to arrival?

It depends on the puppy’s age: it travels at 15 weeks at the earliest. If you get in touch early, you can follow its growth for weeks through photos and videos.

Talk to us

Message Gianni or Aldo directly on WhatsApp. Tell us how you live and what you are looking for.

Our only location is Barletta, Italy.