23/03/2023
If you are thinking of buying a dog or puppy, we recommend that you paws for thought, and make some basic but important checks.
You may have heard of ‘Catfishing’, where a stranger creates a fictional online persona to lure someone into a relationship.
Deceitful pet sellers use a similar tactic to ‘Petfish’ unsuspecting buyers. These unscrupulous sellers pretend that the puppy or kitten they’re selling you comes from a happy home.
In reality, the animal may have been bred or kept in poor conditions, illegally imported or may not actually exist.
Tips to consider when purchasing pets:
▪️ When thinking of buying a pet, consider buying them in person from rescue centres or from reputable breeders - start by checking the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme, or look for a licensed dog breeder, whose licence number must be shown in the advert. You can check with the local authority that these details are legitimate. If you’re rescuing a cat or dog, you can start by checking if the rescue organisation is a member of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes. A good rescue and rehoming organisation will check your suitability first and usually use an adoption contract. They will help you choose the right dog or cat for you and give you advice on caring for your new pet.
▪️ Be cautious if the seller initially requests payment via one method, but later claims that due to ‘issues with their account’ they will need to take the payment via an alternative method such as a bank transfer.
▪️ Consider conducting research on other information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated with the number/email address online.
▪️ Agree a suitable time to meet face-to-face to agree the purchase and to collect the pet. If the seller is reluctant to meet then it could be an indication that the pet does not exist.
▪️ A genuine seller should be keen to ensure that the pet is going to a caring and loving new home. If the seller does not express any interest in you and the pet’s new home, be wary.
▪️ If you think the purchase price is too good to be true then it probably is, especially if the pet is advertised as a pure-breed.
▪️ Do not be afraid to request copies of the pet’s inoculation history, breed paperwork and certification prior to agreeing a sale. If the seller is reluctant or unable to provide this information it could be an indication that either the pet does not exist or the pet has been illegally bred e.g. it originates from a ‘puppy farm’. A ‘puppy farm’ is a commercial dog breeding enterprise where the sole aim is to maximise profit for the least investment. Commercial dog breeders must be registered with their local authority and undergo regular inspections to ensure that the puppies are bred responsibly and are in turn fit and healthy. Illegally farmed puppies will often be kept in inadequate conditions and are more likely to suffer from ailments and illnesses associated with irresponsible breeding.
Report illegal pet sales to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
