How to Respond to a Puppy Sales Inquiry

As a puppy breeder, you will want to know how to respond to a puppy sales inquiry, and this is a responsibility you need to take very seriously. The way you respond to inquiries will set the tone for an ethical sale to the right person who will raise the puppy in a loving home providing for its needs. Hopefully, for the whole life of the dog.

There are many ways potential puppy owners can reach out. It might be by phone, text, email, or social media, but you will want to know how to respond to puppy sales inquiries.

This guide goes through how to respond to an ad for a puppy, where you are likely to receive puppy sales inquiries from, and the best ways to respond.

Here are the best ways to respond to a Puppy sales inquiry.

How to Respond to a Puppy Sales Inquiry

Respond promptly and politely.

You will want to present yourself as a polite and responsible puppy breeder with a professional yet friendly response. Hitting that tone right will help build trust with the potential buyer. You also want them to feel comfortable asking questions and answering yours. Here is an example response you can give, but you might have a variation that you prefer. This example is helpful if the inquiry is a specific question:

Hi [Name],

Thank you for your interest in our [breed] puppies! We’re happy to provide more information. Could you tell me a bit about yourself and what kind of home you're offering? I’d also be happy to answer any questions you have.

Best,

[Your Name]*

Here is another option that would be helpful if the inquiry is asking if your puppies are available:

Hi [Name],

Thanks for reaching out about our [breed] puppies! Yes, we currently have [X] males and [X] females available. They were born on [date] and will be ready for their new homes on [date].

All puppies come with their first round of vaccinations, and a health certificate and are dewormed regularly. We're looking for loving, committed homes and would love to learn a bit about your family, experience with pets, and living situation.

The rehoming fee is $[amount], and we do ask for a deposit to hold a puppy. If you’re local, we would be happy to arrange a meet-and-greet. If not, we can set up a video call.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best,

[Your Name]

[Contact Info or Social Handle]

Many people will send short messages that might seem a bit curt and impolite. Resist the urge to respond similarly. It is key to get the potential owner into a conversation.

Answering the Buyer's Initial questions

When advertising a puppy, you will have given some information in the advert, but the potential new owner will likely have some questions for you. This might be as simple as Is this puppy still available? Or they might have a more specific question, like Is this breed hypoallergenic, or what are their grooming requirements? You should respond with a clear response to answers and then move on to clarify if they are a suitable potential purchaser of the puppy. 

You can offer the person with the Puppy Sales Inquiry more information about the puppy they’re interested in, such as breed, age, temperament, health, vaccinations, veterinarian checks, diet, socialization, and cost. If a puppy has any health issues, genetic issues, etc. you should share this upfront and explain the additional needs of the puppy. 

Ask the Right Questions

The next stage in a Puppy Sales Inquiry is to screen the potential owner for their suitability. This is an essential part of being a responsible and ethical breeder committed to finding your puppies great homes where they will thrive and grow. Asking the right questions can help you decide the suitability of the new owner.

Here are some questions to include:

• You will want to ensure the new owner is 18 years of age or the legal age for purchasing a puppy in your state or region. 
• Have you owned a dog before?
• Do you rent or own your home?
• Do you have a fenced yard or outdoor space?
• What is your typical daily routine?
• Are there children or other pets in the household?
• Are you familiar with the needs of this breed?
• Do you plan to spay or neuter the puppy?
• Would you like to visit the puppy or arrange a video call? (make sure you keep both yourself and the puppies safe).

Try to ask these questions as part of your conversation so it doesn’t sound too intrusive. Not all inquiries will be legitimate or suitable. If they do not want to answer questions, ask about the care or rush the process, it is better to refuse to sell to the individual. Do not be afraid to refuse a sale. Your concern as a responsible dog breeder is the puppy’s welfare. 

Set Expectations and Policies

Have a policy document of terms and conditions that you can direct the puppy sales inquiry person to, perhaps on your website or a document that you can send by email. You should clarify the deposit requirement (non-refundable or refunds), final cost, pickup or delivery options, Paperwork provided (vaccination record, health certificate, microchip info, etc.), Return policy (if the new home doesn’t work out), and spay or neuter agreement

Final Word: How to Respond to a Puppy Sales Inquiry

Knowing how to respond to a puppy sales inquiry can make all the difference in placing your puppies in loving, lifelong homes. Approach each conversation professionally, with care, and with a friendly tone. You should be happy to answer all their questions and to educate them if there are gaps in their care knowledge. You want to achieve a great future for your puppies. 

Offering potential new owners lifetime support and plenty of help with socialization and training will all help to place your puppies in great homes.