Buying a cat or dog guidelines
Follow these guidelines to make sure you help combat the illegal trade in pet animals. If you plan to buy a cat or dog:
- consider getting a rescue animal from a reputable UK rehoming organisation – you can check if the organisation is a member of the Association of Dogs and Cat Homes
- buy your animal from a reputable supplier – advice is available from the Dog Advisory Council, Dogs Trust, Kennel Club, and RSPCA
- view the animal and its documentation before you buy – if it was born outside the UK it must have either a pet passport or a veterinary certificate
- ask to see the local authority licence details for commercial dog breeders
- licensed dog breeders must show puppies with their mothers to prospective buyers
- speak to your vet, if you have any doubts about an animal
Government advice about buying a cat or dog.
Buying a puppy or a kitten
If you plan to buy a puppy or kitten:
- use the puppy contract or the kitten checklist
- read the RSPCA's 'find a pet' information and Animal Welfare Foundation animal welfare advice
- always see the puppy or kitten with its mother and any litter, and if possible, in the location it was born
- never buy a puppy or kitten younger than 8 weeks old
Raising concerns
Contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or use their online reporting form if you are concerned:
- about the health or welfare of dogs and cats advertised for sale
- you may have bought an illegally imported pet