Buying a cat or dog

The illegal and low welfare trade in pets:

• exploits animals
• misleads buyers
• increases the risk that your pet will have future health and behavioural issues

You can avoid this trade by knowing what to look for in a responsible seller and the checks you can make before choosing a new pet.

If you buy a pet cat or dog, you are responsible for its welfare. The codes of practice for the welfare of cats and welfare of dogs can help you comply with the law as a pet owner.

Buying a cat or dog: what to consider

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 Cats Homes (ADCH)
• buy your animal from a reputable supplier – advice on finding a seller is available from Dogs Trust and Cats Protection
• expect that you may need to join a waiting list – buying a healthy animal that has been bred in good welfare conditions can take time
• view the animal and its documentation before you buy – if it was born outside the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, this must include either a pet passport or a veterinary certificate
• ensure that the cat or dog’s appearance has minimal adverse impact on its physical health and welfare (for dogs see the Canine & Feline Sector Group’s (CFSG) guidance on canine conformation for advice)
• check if the animal has any mutilations – it is illegal to carry out mutilation such as tail docking, ear cropping and de-clawing on a cat or dog in England and Wales, unless specifically exempted for medical or welfare reasons
• speak to a vet if you have any doubts about an animal

Buying a kitten or a puppy

Anyone looking to buy or adopt a kitten or puppy must deal directly with: 

• the breeder 
• a reputable UK rehoming centre

Licensed breeders and pet sellers apply stringent health and welfare protections.

Do your research before you contact and meet the breeder. You should request to meet the kitten or puppy with its mother and any litter in its own home.

A responsible seller will:

• never sell a kitten or puppy younger than 8 weeks old
• display their local authority animal activity licence number online if they are a dog breeder or pet seller – you can check this is legitimate with the local council
• provide medical records, such as vaccination certificates, microchip records, whether it has been neutered, and evidence of worming and flea treatments
• not rush you into buying a pet – they should also be assessing your suitability as an owner
• have a puppy microchipped and registered from 8 weeks old (a kitten may not be)

The kitten checklist or puppy contract can help you get the information you need before agreeing to a sale, including:

• whether the animal or its parents have any health or behavioural issues
• how the animal has been socialised
• ensuring you have the correct medical records and paperwork

Take care if an animal is advertised as having a pet passport, as it may be imported. Animals must be at least:

• 15 weeks old, if they are imported from the EU and certain other ‘listed’ countries
• 7 months old, if they are imported from other ‘not listed’ countries

Listed and not-listed countries can be found in ⁠guidance for which pet travel document you need.

Adopting: what to consider when rescuing or rehoming   

When rescuing or rehoming a pet: 

• choose a reputable rescue organisation, such as one that is a member of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) 
• consider using a UK-based rehoming organisation, as bringing an animal from overseas has increased animal health and welfare risks

A good rescue and rehoming organisation will:  

• check your suitability first 
• usually use an adoption contract  
• help you choose the right cat or dog for you 
• give you advice on caring for your new pet  and offer ongoing support 

Rehoming an animal from overseas

Cats and dogs from overseas must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before they can travel. Dogs must also be treated for tapeworm.

Find information on the health rules you need to follow when bringing your pet to Great Britain.  

If you are adopting a cat or dog from abroad, you must follow extra rules (known as Balai rules) to bring them into the country.

You can also make sure that your pet is tested for other relevant diseases before travelling. We advise that all imported dogs are tested for Brucella canis – this is now a requirement for dogs commercially imported from Romania.   

Trade in illegally imported cats and dogs

Some cats and dogs for sale in the UK have been imported illegally or in low welfare conditions. This puts the health and welfare of the animals and the general public at risk.

Cats and dogs that are illegally imported for sale or rehoming may be:

• carrying serious diseases that could spread to other pets or people
• too young for import
• transported in inadequate conditions
• at risk of behavioural and welfare issues due to poor breeding and rehoming
• without the necessary health preparations for import
• advertised in a way that misleads the buyer on the animal’s history, breed or pedigree

If your new pet has been imported illegally, they are more likely to have health issues, which could lead to costly quarantine and veterinary bills.

Reporting concerns

Contact your Local Authority Trading Standards if you’re concerned:

• about the health or welfare of cats and dogs advertised for sale
• you may have bought an illegally imported pet