Who sold it? How to check an Indiana protection dog seller
State rules cover only the largest breeders. For everyone else the burden falls on you, so know what to ask.
What BOAH regulates
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health publishes guidance for commercial dog breeders and brokers. It applies to a breeder that keeps more than twenty unaltered female dogs at least twelve months old, and to a broker that holds a Class B USDA license and sells at least 500 dogs a year. Shelters, rescues, hobby breeders and certain sport or service dog breeders are exempt.
| If the seller is | What the guidance says |
|---|---|
| A registered commercial breeder | Must register annually and show the registration where the public can see it. Must hand over vaccination, medication and treatment records at sale, and keep them five years. |
| A smaller or hobby program | Outside the registration rule. Ask for records yourself. |
| A broker | Must be registered with the Board before operating. |
The guidance also bars tethering as a primary enclosure and sets exercise and housing rules for covered breeders. Puppies under four months old may not share a primary enclosure with adult dogs other than their dam.
What to ask any seller
- Are you covered by BOAH registration, and if not, why not?
- Which vaccines has the dog had, and can I see the records?
- Who trained this dog and can I watch a session?
- How does the dog behave with strangers, children and other animals?
- What does your written agreement promise?
- What happens if the dog is wrong for my household?
For questions about rules, BOAH lists (317) 544-2400 on its entry page.
Red flags
- A deposit request before you meet the dog.
- No written agreement.
- A guarantee of perfect behavior.
- Records that name a different dog.
Need a starting point?
K9PN refers requests to professionals. Vet them with the questions above.
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