What You Should Know Before Buying a Pet in the UK

When buying a pet such as a dog or a cat in the U.K, there are some basic things you have to check. First though, it’s very important to familiarise yourself with where it comes from and where it was born.

Again, you have to take some precautions especially when buying pets advertised through the web or the local print media like the newspapers.

Note

Illegally imported pets may come with diseases such as rabies. Furthermore, they may be advertised in a way that misleads the general public about their history, breed or even pedigree.

Pet Trade Advice: Guidelines when Buying a Dog or a Cat in the U.K

You can fight illegal trade of animals when you follow the guidelines as highlighted below. So if you’re planning to get a new dog or a cat, you should mind the following things:

(a) You must buy your pet from a reputable supplier. If you’re not sure, you need to take some advice from animal organisations such as Kennel Club, Dog Trust, Dog Advisory Council or even the RSPCA.

(b) You must check the history of the animal by directly speaking to the previous owner. In case you’re getting a puppy or a kitten, it’s best that you ask to see it with its mother and possibly — the rest of the litter.

(c) The seller must be able to sell the pet with proper documentation. In case it was born out of the U.K, then it must have a Veterinary certificate or a Pet Passport. The role of these documents is to prove that the pet was vaccinated against rabies at the right age (usually at 3 months of age).

As for the dogs, the passport should serve as proof that the dog was also vaccinated against tapeworms. However, there are some instances when you might still have some doubts. In this case, speak to your vet before purchasing the animal.

Buying a new Puppy

When getting a puppy, you should read information highlighted by RSPCA documents and Animal Welfare Foundation. They should be able to issue a contract that will help you know your new pet better. The welfare of the puppy is a commitment between you and the seller in question. These steps are very crucial because they ensure you have a healthy puppy who will keep you company for several years to come.

Pet Trade Advice: Important Tips when Buying a Puppy

If it’s possible, see the puppy when it’s in its natural environment

Puppies that are younger than 8 weeks old are not mature enough to be traded

The safer it is for you if you see the puppy with its mother

Information Concerning the Illegal Trade of Imported Dogs and Cats

The government is particular about illegal import of pets from abroad. This practice puts the health of the animal and that of the general public at great risk of diseases such as rabies.

U.K country has been free from this disease for many years. However, the government has noted that rabies is still present in many countries around the world. That’s the reason why U.K has put forth strict importation controls to prevent the disease from spreading.

For this reason, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies and also micro-chipped before stepping into the boundaries of U.K. The minimum age in which these pets can be vaccinated is 3 months, though various vaccine manufacturers will provide their related information in their data sheet.

Conclusion
In the event that your pet is found to be non-compliant with these controls, then you may be forced to pay fines/quarantine for the same. If you are unable to meet these costs, the authorities won’t have an option other than to put down the animal in question. They may even carry out investigations into potential criminal offenses. That’s your pet trade advice.