Buying A Pet Online
Guide for UK pet buyers
Buying a Pet Online: How to Stay Safe and Find the Right Puppy or Kitten
Buying a puppy or kitten online can be safe if you follow the right steps. In the UK, it’s illegal to buy animals under 8 weeks old. Puppies must be microchipped before sale. Always meet the breeder, see mum, and ask for health certificates.
- ✓ Never buy a puppy or kitten under 8 weeks
- ✓ Ask to see mum with the litter
- ✓ Check microchipping & vaccination documents
- ✓ Visit the home, avoid third-party delivery
- ✓ Use a written sales contract
- ✓ Watch for red flags: pressure to pay deposit, unwilling to meet, unusually low price
UK laws & minimum age
By law, puppies and kittens cannot be sold until they are at least 8 weeks old. Puppies must also be microchipped by 8 weeks. Reputable breeders often also worm, vaccinate, and health-check before sale.
Why meeting the breeder matters
Always visit the breeder’s home. Meeting in a neutral location (like a car park or motorway service station) is a red flag for puppy farming.
- See mum with her litter
- Check living conditions (clean, socialised, safe)
- Observe the puppies/kittens interacting with mum
Essential paperwork to ask for
- Microchipping certificate
- Vaccination & worming records
- Parents’ health test certificates
- Sales contract (signed by both parties)
Questions to ask breeders
Health & care
- When were the puppies/kittens last wormed?
- Have they had vaccinations or vet checks?
- Are the parents health tested?
Lifestyle & future
- What diet are they currently on?
- Are they socialised with children/other pets?
- What grooming/exercise will be needed?
Spotting scams
Sadly, online pet scams are common. Beware of adverts where:
- The seller refuses to let you visit
- The pet is offered at an unusually low price
- You’re pressured to send a deposit before meeting
Red flags to avoid
- Seller won’t show the mum
- Multiple breeds always available
- Offers to deliver without meeting
- No paperwork or vague answers to questions
Collecting your pet safely
- Collect from the breeder’s home
- Confirm full payment & paperwork before leaving
- Ask for feeding schedule and care info
FAQs
Can I buy a puppy or kitten online without visiting?
No — always meet in person. Never buy unseen pets.
What is a reasonable deposit?
10%–25% is common, but only after meeting the pet and breeder.
What should I do if I suspect a scam?
Stop communication, report the advert, and never send money.
This guide is for safe pet buying practices in the UK. It is not legal advice.
