As the saying goes: A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.And while the slogan 바카라 게임 웹사이트� which was first pioneered by the Dog's Trust in the U.K. around 1978 바카라 게임 웹사이트� is most frequently used to quell eager children writing pleading notes to Santa, the underlying message is meant for people of all ages.This is especially true when rushing to please a loved one in time for Christmas Day 바카라 게임 웹사이트� the correct procedures for buying a new puppy can be hastily forgotten or ignored. In 2017 the Dog's Trust issued a warning that illegal puppy smuggling was on the rise in the United Kingdom just before the holiday season. Nearly 100 puppies were seized in just one week at the U.K. border, with the charity saying buyers might have bought a smuggled puppy unintentionally. Something that can be avoided if they follow the proper route and checks, and certainly not something potential pet owners are immune to here. So, what are the do's and don'ts when it comes to buying a puppy this Christmas?1. Make sure the person you are giving a pet to is equipped to take care of itAmy Ockelford, a spokesperson for the U.K.'s RSPCA, told Country Living they do not advise giving pets as presents unless "it is known that the person receiving the pet is willing to take on the responsibility of having a pet."This includes making sure they can actually afford to keep a pet and give them everything they need to be happy and healthy. The present-giver should also ensure the receiver can commit long-term to properly caring for an animal."People need to take into account whether they have the time and money to care for that pet for the rest of its life," Ockelford said.2. Consider how intense Christmas is for the recipientIs the person you are giving the pet to someone whose house is overloaded with relatives, filled with discarded champagne bottles and has a hectic kitchen preparing to feed a party of 10 on Christmas Day? If so, this is probably not the best time to introduce a young animal into the family."Unusual noise, activities and extra demands upon the household can make it difficult for any pet to settle into their new homes, so it is not always the best time to introduce them," Ockelford advised. "However, for some people, the festive period is a calm, quiet time and may well be a good opportunity to introduce an animal into the home, as families tend to be around the house with more time to spend with them."3. Visit a legitimate rescue centerIf you are sure the person you're giving the pet to can adequately care for it in the long-term, then Ockelford says you should consider getting the dog from a rescue center. Here in the United States the ASPCA has a function on its website that can help you adopt local rescue pets.4. Trust your instinctsIf you do want to buy a new puppy from a seller, the Dog's Trust warns that "the internet has become a thriving marketplace for advertising illegally imported puppies" and that buying one unintentionally could cost unsuspecting families thousands of pounds in quarantine and veterinary bills as well as the emotional heartache should the puppy get ill or die."Deceptive breeders and dealers will go to extreme lengths in order to illegally import puppies to make huge profits with complete disregard for their well-being," a spokesperson for the Dog's Trust told Country Living. "If in doubt, walk away from your purchase and report anything suspicious to trading standards."5. Always request to meet the puppy at its homeThe Dog's Trust says prospective buyers should never meet a seller or breeder anywhere that isn't the pup's home. In the run up to buying a puppy, you should also make sure you visit it (at the home) more than once and always ask to see the mom and puppy together.6. Watch out for the promises sellers makeIf a prospective seller says they can supply various breeds on demand, then this is a warning sign, according to the Dog's Trust. Walk away and report anything suspicious.Likewise, if a puppy looks too young, small or underweight, don't buy it. Remember, puppies must be at least 8 weeks old to leave their mother.