Spot the signs
To put illegal pet breeders and sellers out of business, we all need to know how to spot them so we can make the right choices.
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t…
Pet shops used to be a sales route of choice for puppy farmers. But now, much of the puppy farming trade has shifted online. Pups are often sold quickly through a third party, and some traders even create ‘fake homes’ to try to dupe the public.
This is in stark contrast to the process of buying a puppy from a reputable breeder. They will not only allow you to see the puppy with their mother, they’ll also suggest several visits, they’ll ask questions, and they’ll be happy to answer yours, too.
They’ll also know just how formative the first months of a puppy’s life are, so they’ll put lots of effort and emphasis on socialisation and preparing pups for everyday domestic life.
Sadly, cats have also fallen victim to illicit breeding practices, too, and even rabbits are now being selectively bred to satisfy demand for low-welfare ‘designer’ trends.
Follow our tips to avoid being caught out.
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Spotting the signs
Spot the signs: Dogs
There’re so many dogs and pups in rescue centres looking for a second chance, but if you’re thinking about buying a puppy from a breeder, or you’re worried about something you’ve seen, here are the tell-tale signs of puppy farming and illegal dog breeding.
Reporting to us
Do you suspect that someone is involved in illegal dog breeding or puppy farming?
If you know anything at all, however small, please report it to us.
Tell-tale signs of puppy farming and illegal dog breeding.
1) You didn’t see the puppy’s mother
This is a definite alarm bell. It’s also a legal requirement. It’s not enough to just see the mum, however – make sure you see the pups interacting with her, too.
2) The breeder wants to make the sale in a ‘convenient’ location or on the doorstep
There’s a good reason why puppy farmers and illegal dog breeders don’t want you to see their breeding operation. Never agree to meet a breeder in a car park or other ‘neutral’ location. When you go to an address, always make sure you go inside. Don’t collect your puppy on the doorstep – this is a tactic illicit breeders are increasingly using to catch people out.
3) There was no paperwork
Any reputable breeder will give you lots of information, including vaccination records, a record of the puppy’s microchip number and registration, health check paperwork, and details about the puppy’s parents (including health/disorder tests). You should also insist on using a puppy contract. There’s a great template at puppycontract.org.uk
4) You can’t make repeat visits
A reputable breeder will encourage repeat visits. In fact, they’ll insist on it because they’ll want to make sure you’re the right person to provide a home for one of their beloved pups. If you make one visit and find the breeder is unwilling to let you visit again, question whether the location you saw was genuine and, if in doubt, walk away and report your concerns to us.
Spot the signs: Cats
If you can, consider rehoming a cat or kitten from a reputable charity or rescue organisation. There’s always lots of cats looking for loving homes. If you do decide you want to buy from a breeder, however, look out for these top red flags:
Reporting to us
Do you suspect that someone is involved in illegal cat breeding or selling?
If you know anything at all, however small, please report it to us.
When rehoming a cat look out for these top red flags
1) You didn’t see the kitten’s mother
Kittens shouldn’t be rehomed until they are at least eight weeks of age, and up until that point they should remain with their mum. If the breeder doesn’t let you see mum, alarm bells should go off in your mind.
2) The kitten is nervous or withdrawn
Early socialisation of kittens is critical to help prepare them for life in a home with humans. Good breeders will understand the importance of this, and will ensure their kittens are well adjusted and used to being around people. If this isn’t the case, ask the breeder questions about temperament and what socialisation they’ve done. If you’re not convinced by their answer, don’t proceed. And remember, there may be other reasons why a kitten isn’t feeling overly sociable, such as hidden illness.
3) There are signs the kitten may not be healthy
We’re not expecting you to spot things that a vet would, but if you see any of the following signs, treat them as red flags: the kitten has dirty ears, they have a dirty coat or the area around their bottom isn’t clean, they seem lethargic, they have discharge from the eyes or nose, they’re moving in an odd way.
Use the Kitten Checklist for further information about questions to ask and things to look out for if you’re thinking about buying a kitten.
Spot the signs: Rabbits
Rabbits are different to dogs and cats as it’s still typical for third parties, such as pet shops and garden centres, to sell them. This means that if you buy a rabbit/s, you might not expect to meet the breeder.
However, there are still things you can look out for to ensure any rabbit/s you are thinking about buying have been cared for properly.
Reporting to us
Do you suspect that someone is involved in illegal rabbit breeding or selling?
If you know anything at all, however small, please report it to us.
When rehoming a rabbit consider the following
1. How old is the rabbit/s?
In England, Scotland and Wales, rabbits must not be sold as pets if they are under 8 weeks of age. If someone is trying to sell you a rabbit under this age, treat it as a red flag.
2. Is the seller or breeder providing you with care information?
People who sell pets should be providing buyers with pet care advice, such as information about feeding, handling, housing and more. As rabbits have such complex needs, we would expect anyone selling or breeding them to have lots to tell you about their care. And we’d expect them to be stressing the importance of keeping rabbits in at least a pair. If they’re not providing you with much or any advice, or are just giving you generic pet care information, walk away.
3. Does the rabbit/s seem nervous or unused to being around people?
Rabbits are prey species and early socialisation is vital to ensure they can adapt to living around humans and everything that entails (such as being picked up, being taken to the vet, having their housing cleaned and so on). As rabbits can’t be legally sold until they’re at least eight weeks of age, this socialisation should start with the breeder or seller. Rabbits aren’t like dogs and will naturally be less sociable with people. However, if the rabbit/s are extremely nervous or appear to have had very little handling, treat this as a sign the breeder or seller hasn’t taken sufficient steps to ensure they have had opportunities to interact positively with people.
Remember, rabbits aren’t the ‘easy pet’ that people often assume they are. Think very carefully before you welcome a rabbit into your home about whether you can meet their needs – visit the RWAF website for information. And please make a rescue or rehoming centre your first choice. There are simply too many rabbits who need a second chance in the UK so there’s really no need to go to a breeder or seller.
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