Post AdFreeads Classifieds advice to Buying a Pet
Remember, buying a pet is a serious commitment - so if you're thinking about buying a pet please don't rush into it and make a hasty decision. It's too easy to forget the reality of looking after an animal when you're cooing over the cute pictures of a puppy or kitten online. However, it's a serious undertaking; you're talking about caring for the animal for the whole of its lifetime, which could be as much as 20 years in some cases - meaning that there will be 20 years of food, care and vet bills. In the case of dogs of course there is the question of daily exercise too.
If you have decided that you are going to buy a pet there are a number of steps you should take to make sure you end up with a healthy, happy pet. To help you avoid puppy farmers and irresponsible breeders the RSPCA recommend calling the breeder before visiting with a prepared list of questions to help you assess the quality of the breeder. We've drawn up a selection of questions that you should try to ask the breeder as soon as possible:
- Does the breeder guarantee their puppies? If so for how long?
- Will the breeder take the puppy back if you are no longer able to take care of it.
- How many dogs does the breeder own and how often are they bred?
- Is the breeder KC registered? If they are ask to see their certificate when you visit.
- Can you see the puppy's parents? It may not be possible to meet the father but you should at least see the puppy's mother.
- Have the puppies been socialized?
- What tests have been carried out on the puppies and on the parents? This is particularly important for pedigree dogs which can suffer from a range of health problems.
- Have the puppies been wormed and vaccinated? Make sure to check the veterinary records when you visit.
- Arrange a visit. If the breeder is reluctant for you to visit the puppies this should be a concern. Most responsible breeders should insist upon you visiting and should also have questions for you to make sure you are capable of looking after the dog.
A phone call is still no substitute for a visit and you must visit the breeder's home before agreeing to purchase a puppy. If possible you should visit the puppy more than once before taking it home.
Remember; never buy a puppy because you feel sorry for it. Buying a puppy out of pity will only lead to more animals suffering. If you are concerned for an animal's welfare please contact the RSPCA.
For more tips on choosing a puppy check out the RSPCA's GetPuppySmart campaign or For view this guide from PDSA vet on buying a pet.
Avoiding Scams in Pets:
The overwhelming majority of sellers on Freeads Pets are honest owners and breeders. However, there are always some individuals who will act dishonestly. The most common pet scam involves the advertiser placing a phone number or email address directly into the text of their advert or into one of their photos. If you see a contact number/address in an advert please report it and do not contact the seller.
If a dog or puppy is advertised as KC registered you are entitled to a KC certificate. If the owner does not provide one at the point of sale or soon after you may wish to consider contact Trading Standards.
We would also advise against paying a cash deposit to reserve an animal that you have not seen in person - there is always the chance that an animal listed online will not exist or will differ drastically from the listing.
If you have any doubts about a seller or have received a suspicious email please feel free to contact us for advice.
