Guidelines for Responsible Dog Owners

Bringing a dog into your life is exciting and comes with a promise to care for them over many years. At BarkFriends, we connect you with breeders across Europe who share your values.

By choosing a BarkFriends breeder, you enter a partnership built on trust. Here is what we ask of every owner.

What We Ask of You

Visit a vet right away

Schedule a checkup with a licensed veterinarian soon after you bring your dog home. This helps set up ongoing care and spots any early health concerns.

Provide complete daily care

Your dog needs a routine. That means regular meals, fresh water, a safe place to sleep, exercise, mental stimulation, chances to socialise, grooming, and a secure home environment.

Socialise with care

For puppies especially, avoid busy public spaces until all vaccinations are done. Introduce them to new people and pets in safe settings like your home, a friend's house, or a supervised puppy class.

Use permanent identification

Make sure your dog has an ID that lasts for life—usually a microchip registered with your current contact details.

Act on health issues without delay

If you notice signs of illness or distress, don't wait. Contact your vet promptly for advice or treatment.

Plan spaying or neutering wisely

Unless you've agreed otherwise with your breeder, talk to your vet about the right age and timing for spaying or neutering based on your dog's breed and development.

Keeping in Touch with Your Breeder

When you adopt from a BarkFriends breeder, stay connected:

  • Let them know about any health or behaviour concerns, especially those that may relate to genetics.
  • Tell them if you change your email, phone number, or home address.
  • If you ever cannot keep your dog, your breeder should be your first call. They will guide you or welcome your dog back.
  • Share photos and updates—breeders love to see how dogs grow and thrive.

What's Not Allowed

Dogs adopted through BarkFriends must never be resold, traded, handed over to dealers or pet shops, or used for profit. If your goal is to make money rather than find a loving home for a dog, BarkFriends is not the right community for you.

We built BarkFriends to support people who truly want the best for their dogs. Thank you for being part of that commitment.