Concerns over people being duped into buying poorly pets
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Vets are concerned that a general lack of education around acquiring pets in the UK means that people are repeatedly being duped into buying unhealthy or poorly treated pets.
From imported pets from abroad, to an abundance of online adverts promoting designer breeds, navigating the best route to buying a healthy pet has become increasingly difficult over the years.
With many people also thinking about getting a pet during lockdown, vets want to help pet owners identify a reputable breeder over a potential puppy farmer or backyard breeder, by outlining the key considerations and checks to carry out when getting a pet.
Vet Dr Huw Stacey said: “In the UK we are a nation of animal lovers, with millions of us owning pets, and acquiring a pet is something that has spiked during the lockdown, as more people recognise the positive impacts having a pet can have on their life, from companionship to support with mental health.
“Finding the right breeder is the crucial first step in pet ownership, as it will have a huge impact on the pet’s start in life, from their genetics to their personal and physical development, and so carrying out thorough research beforehand is of the utmost importance.
“Backyard breeders, puppy farms and illegally-imported dogs are still prominent in the UK, and with those involved more interested in profit than the welfare and health of the puppies, navigating the market to ensure you are getting a healthy pet from a reputable source has become a more complicated process.
“This means that people often unfortunately make mistakes, with innocent pet owners being duped into buying a supposedly healthy dog from irresponsible online third-parties or negligent puppy farmers, that they believed to be legitimate.
“In many of these cases, the pets then develop health problems linked to pre-existing conditions or birth defects from irresponsible breeding and sadly die prematurely as a result; an issue we often see within our practices.
“The introduction of Lucy’s Law on April 6 this year, which bans the commercial sale of puppies and kittens younger than six months old by a third party in England, will hopefully help bring an end to puppy farming, but there is always a risk some will remain.
“Nowadays more people want a quick ‘one-stop shop’ solution for getting a pet, which is why buying online seems like a quick, easy and appealing option, however buying a pet online is risky, as there is an increased chance that you could be dealing with a puppy farmer.
“There is also an increasing trend for acquiring puppies or rescue dogs from abroad.
"This can seem like a good option as well, but it carries significant risks.
"Recent stories, including the dozens of French Bulldog puppies dying on a passenger flight to Canada from the Ukraine, have shone a light on some of the issues around this and the ongoing need for education around getting a pet.
“Although you can buy healthy pets from legitimate breeders abroad, it is not a process we would advocate, as it means that the crucial in-person checks we would recommend any new pet owner undertake when getting a pet from a breeder can’t be carried out.
"Pets from outside the UK might also be carrying serious diseases not normally seen in this country such as leishmaniasis or even rabies.
“We would instead recommend going to a reputable UK-based breeder or adopting one of the many pets in rehoming centres across the UK in need of a loving home.
“When getting a puppy you should always meet the breeder in the first instance.
"A good breeder should have an extensive knowledge of the breed and should typically only sell that one breed.
"Having multiple breeds of dog on offer is a definite red flag for puppy farming.
"If the dog is a pedigree breed, then they should also be on the Kennel Club Assured Breeder list.
“The breeder should be happy to provide any references and background information on their experience as a breeder, as well as a range of paperwork for the puppy, including health certificates for the parents of the puppy, results of any hereditary diseases tests done on the parents, a vet health check certification for the puppy, vaccination certificate, microchip information, a receipt for the purchase and a documented and signed agreement.
“One of the most important things is that the breeder shows you around the puppy’s kennels and introduces you to the mother of the litter, who should be responsive to their name.
"They should also breed from their bitches no more than once per year and have no more than four litters from each bitch.
“Signs that should raise suspicion are if the pet doesn’t have any paperwork, the breeder can’t show you the mother or answer specific questions about the puppy, they have multiple breeds on offer or if they request to meet you in a neutral location like a car park.
“If you would rather adopt than buy a pet from a breeder then there are thousands of fantastic rehoming centres across the UK, filled with pets waiting for a loving new home, so this is another great option for acquiring a pet.
“Similarly to breeders, a good rescue centre will know everything about the dogs in their care, so ask questions.
"Don’t be surprised if they quiz you too or request a home visit, as it just means they are ensuring that you are able to give the pet a happy and healthy life.
“Good rescue centres will also usually microchip puppies, as legally required, as well as vaccinate, neuter and provide initial flea and worm treatments for pets in their care, so ask for these records or vet check certificate.
“Getting a new pet is a big decision, and one not to be taken lightly, and it is important to know that vets aren’t just here for health checks when you have a pet, but they are also available for advice before even getting a pet. So if any potential pet owners need more advice on the process of getting a pet or choosing the best local breeder or rehoming centre, then they can always speak to their local vet.”
For more advice on the process of getting a new pet, you can visit the Vets 4 Pets website.
