Top tips from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) on buying a cat or dog safely online

In this article, animal welfare experts Dr Rowena Packer and Dr Dan O’Neill from the RVC share their top tips on the key questions to ask yourself before buying a pet, as well as highlighting some important red flags to keep in mind. 

Top tips from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) on buying a cat or dog safely online

We all know that caring for a pet can be beneficial for both our mental and physical health. But it is also important not to forget about the needs of these wonderful animals too. Consequently, prospective owners should carefully consider all options when thinking about welcoming a cat or dog into their family. Here are five critical questions to ask yourself when buying a pet online.

1. Is now the right time to welcome a new pet into my family?

Owning a pet involves some serious commitments. As well as the financial impact of buying and looking after an animal, you will need to make changes to your lifestyle to create the daily time needed to look after your new furry friend. If you own a dog and work away from home, you will need to consider how you will meet your dog’s needs for company and exercise during the day. Do nbot leave dogs alone for over four hours during the day. It’s also worth considering whether you have the space (or access to shared space) needed by your new pet. Dogs, for example, will need a garden or local park to exercise and play in every day.

Have you carefully considered how to identify and acquire your new best friend - buying a pet online

2. Have you carefully considered how to identify and acquire your new best friend?

The RSPCA, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust and other animal welfare organisations offer services that allow you to rehome one of the thousands of healthy and loving animals in the UK in need of a new family. But if you are thinking of buying a new puppy rather than rehoming, consider using The Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme. Also familiarise yourself with the RSPCA’s guidance on finding a good puppy breeder. Equivalent schemes exist for cats too. There are over 200 breeds of dog to choose from. However, be aware that some breeds can  have high risks of some severe health issues related to their extreme conformation. In particular, ‘stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog’

have you done your research

3. Have you done your research on the seller?

If buying a pet online directly from a breeder, there are a few things you can do to understand if they are reputable and trustworthy. As well as using The Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme, you can also ask friends and family, training clubs and your local vet about finding a responsible breeder. Never buy a puppy or kitten younger than eight weeks old at the time of leaving their mum. Breeders should be licensed with their local authority. Unfortunately, more and more puppies and kittens are being illegally imported into the UK to meet rising demand. Avoid breeders who advertise puppies or kittens for sale with a Pets Passport, particularly for animals aged under 15 weeks. Further information on how to stop being Petfished is available here.

4. Have you checked the paperwork?

There is important paperwork that you must check carefully before buying a pet online. By law, breeders must microchip puppies before eight weeks of age. The breeder should provide you this microchip information when you pick up your puppy. Depending on their age, many puppies should have also received their first vaccinations before you take them home. The Government has advice on its website on all the necessary paperwork you’ll need to check when buying a kitten or puppy. You are strongly advised to only purchase a puppy that comes with a Puppy Contract. This Contract for Sale and Puppy Information Pack (PIP) can be downloaded here.

Are you happy with the environment where you’re buying the animal

5. Are you happy with the environment where you’re buying the animal?

‘Lucy’s Law’ means that anyone wanting to get a new puppy or kitten in England must now buy direct from a breeder or consider adopting from a rescue centre instead. Licensed dog breeders are required to show puppies interacting with their mothers in their place of birth. If a business sells puppies or kittens without a licence, they could receive an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months.

Avoid breeders who will not allow you to view a puppy or kitten before deciding whether to buy them. Or who offer to meet you with the puppy or kitten somewhere away from their home, including delivery to your own home. They may be trying to hide the unsuitable environment they are raising the animals in. The environment where your puppy or kitten is in should be in keeping with what you would expect from a responsible breeder. This includes a warm and welcoming space for them with ample social stimulation from people and other dogs or cats, as well as ensuring the animal’s water and food bowls, litter trays and bed are clean and well-maintained. If you have any concerns about an animal’s welfare, contact the RSPCA. 

By asking and answering these five questions before you welcome a new four-legged member of the family in your life, you give yourself the best chance of buying an animal that is healthy and happy. But more than this, you are also helping to end the scourge of puppy and kitten farmers, illegal imports and illicit third-party sellers.