How to Pick Up a Puppy or Kitten from a Breeder
Compare three pickup methods, plus what to bring, etiquette, and FAQs.
⚠️Animal Welfare Act requires in-person confirmation and written explanation before transfer. See the in-person explanation guide for details.
Three Pickup Methods
Direct visit to the breeder
Most recommendedPros
- +See parents, siblings, and living environment with your own eyes
- +Receive the legally required in-person explanation on site
- +Check gait, breathing, eye/nose condition firsthand
- +Build direct trust with the breeder
Cons / Caveats
- -Half-day to full-day round trip for distant breeders
- -Travel cost (car / public transport)
When to use: Choose this method whenever possible.
Online viewing (Zoom / LINE / Meet)
Best for pre-screeningPros
- +Watch live video even from far away
- +Ask the breeder questions in real time
- +Useful for narrowing down candidates before visiting
Cons / Caveats
- -Smell, temperature, fine details of movement cannot be assessed via screen
- -In-person confirmation is legally required before transfer
When to use: Use as first-round screening or pre-visit supplement for distant breeders.
Pickup via ground / air transport
Last resortPros
- +Workable when the buyer cannot travel a long distance
- +Professional pet transport handles temperature and condition
Cons / Caveats
- -Major stressor for puppies and kittens
- -Transport cost ¥10,000–30,000 depending on distance
- -Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldog, Pug, Pekingese, etc.) often refused by airlines
- -Summer / winter air transport may be blocked by temperature limits
- -In-person explanation must still be completed via another channel
When to use: Only when illness, disability, or distance makes a visit infeasible.
What to Bring
- ☑Photo ID (driver's license, etc.)
- ☑Payment (cash or transfer receipt)
- ☑Personal seal (for contract and pedigree)
- ☑Crate / carrier
- ☑Pet pads and towels (for accidents)
- ☑Sample of current food (often provided by breeder)
- ☑Notepad / phone to record the explanation
- ☑Water and small treats for long trips
Visit Etiquette
- •Always book the visit in advance; no-shows and lateness are unacceptable.
- •Wear clean clothes (preferably lint-free).
- •Avoid visiting right after another kennel — disease transmission risk.
- •Do not touch parents or littermates without permission.
- •Get the breeder's permission before photographing or posting to SNS.
- •Avoid strong perfumes and tobacco smell.
Travel and Arrival Care
Puppies and kittens are highly sensitive to environment change. Familiarize them with the crate beforehand, and stop every 1–2 hours by car for water and toilet breaks.
On arrival day, minimize visitors and keep the cage area quiet. Feed the same food in the same amount as the breeder provided. Separate food, water, sleep, and toilet zones.
Schedule an initial vet checkup within one week. Early detection is critical for health-warranty cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy purely via transport without visiting?
Japan's Animal Welfare Act requires in-person confirmation and written explanation. You cannot legally complete the purchase without any visit. Discuss online viewing supplements or a mid-point handover with the breeder.
What is the minimum pickup age?
56 days (8 weeks). Designated Japanese native breeds may be transferred from 49 days (7 weeks) under a transitional rule when acquired directly from the breeder, but 56+ days is preferred for socialization.
How long does a breeder visit take?
Allow 1–2 hours for meeting, facility tour, contract, pedigree, and health record handover, plus travel time if you take the puppy home that day.
What if the puppy gets sick during transport?
Transporters typically do not guarantee health during transit. We strongly recommend a vet checkup upon arrival; remedies fall under the breeder's health warranty.
Is payment due on the day in cash?
It depends on the breeder. Bank transfer in advance is common, but some accept cash on the day. Confirm in advance via the BreederDirect messaging feature.