At PETport, the largest pet shipper in Africa, we understand the immense joy that comes with welcoming a new puppy into your home. Having fought puppy scams from the front lines and assisted thousands of families in finding their new furry family members, there’s nothing we love more than seeing the happiness that a new puppy brings. Whether they come from breeders or rescues, the arrival of a new puppy is always a joyous occasion. However, it is crucial to ensure that this joyful moment is the best it can be for both the puppy and the new family by understanding the right time to receive your new puppy.
The Right Age for Puppies to Leave the Den
One of the most critical factors in ensuring a smooth transition for a new puppy is the age at which they leave their mother and littermates. It is essential that puppies remain with their mother and siblings for at least eight weeks. This is not only the minimum age for travel but also the best age for them to leave the nest.
During these first eight weeks, puppies learn vital social skills by interacting and playing with their littermates under their mother’s supervision. They learn how to engage safely and play without hurting each other, which are crucial skills for their development. Removing a puppy from this environment too early can lead to behavioural issues, as they miss out on these important lessons.
The Dangers of Early Separation
Imagine a scenario where a young six-year-old boy, full of life and energy, gets a new puppy. If this puppy has been separated from its litter too early, say at four weeks, it may be docile and timid at first but soon struggles to understand its place in its new family. Without the social skills learned from its mother and siblings, the puppy might become too aggressive or fail to engage properly with its new young owner. This situation can be challenging and potentially dangerous for both the puppy and the child.
Ensuring a Healthy Start
In addition to social development, puppies need time to receive their vaccinations to protect them from deadly diseases like parvovirus. Puppies receive their first vaccination at six weeks old and must wait 14 days for the vaccine to take full effect, making them safe to travel at eight weeks. Moving puppies too early, especially without proper vaccinations, can result in serious health risks, including contracting parvovirus and dying within a week.
The Role of Responsible Pet Shippers
As responsible pet shippers, we at PETport ensure that no puppy younger than eight weeks is ever moved. We adhere to strict guidelines to guarantee that puppies are vaccinated and healthy before traveling to their new homes. A registered pet shipper will always wait the necessary 14 days post-vaccination to ensure the safety of the puppy.
Puppies receive their second vaccination at 10 weeks and their rabies vaccination at 12 weeks. It’s also important to have a copy of the mother’s vet book, showing she was vaccinated against rabies when she gave birth, ensuring the puppies can travel safely up to 12 weeks old.
Welcoming a new puppy into your family is a heart-warming experience, and ensuring the best start for your new furry friend is essential. By adhering to the recommended guidelines and waiting until the puppy is at least eight weeks old, you help guarantee that the puppy is healthy, well-socialized, and ready to integrate into its new home smoothly.
At PETport, we are committed to the health and happiness of every puppy we transport. We urge all prospective pet owners to follow these guidelines to create the best possible start for their new family member. By doing so, you’ll have a lovable, playful companion who will bring joy to your family for years to come.
