Further information

It isn't possible to provide guidance for every animal sold, but there are key things that you can and should consider before purchasing any animal.

From 6th April 2020, third party sales of puppies and kittens under the age of 6 months became illegal.  This is commonly known as Lucy's Law.  The selling of animals as pets is a licensable activity requiring a licence under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

The Council would always urge people to consider adopting a rescue animal before purchasing one.  You can adopt more than dogs and cats.  Did you know that you can adopt a reptile from the RSPCA?  There are many animals that can be adopted from various rescue organisations, so please give thought to this.  If you are still interested in buying a pet, the following questions will help you decide if the pet is suitable for you and this will also help even if you are considering adopting a pet.

Be honest and tough with yourself in considering the following:

• What type of pet would you like?
• Why do you want a pet?
• Why do you want this species of pet?
• Is the animal suitable to be a pet?  Some animals such as primates have very complex needs that cannot be met in a domestic setting.  Equally, trendy animals may not be suitable and may cause serious concerns for the RSPCA.  Following on from insurance TV advertising, the demand for meerkats surged.  The RSPCA have concerns about the suitability of this animal as a pet and a guardian's ability to meet their complex needs.  Click here for further information on their concerns.  An animal may also not necessarily be unsuitable but if you weren't able to care for it, would there be enough interest and ability that the pet could be successfully rehomed?
• Will the pet get much bigger, and how will you cope with that?  How will the pet's needs change over time, and can you meet those needs?
• Are you a suitable guardian for the pet?  Have you consulted the other members of your household and obtained their views?  Do you have any medical conditions that may prevent you from caring for the pet or restrict the amount or type of care that you could provide for them?
• If you live alone, will you be able to care for all of the pet's needs?  Will you spend enough time at home to provide companionship and care to your pet?
• Have you researched the species of animal and understand their needs and enrichment requirements?  You should consider talking to an expert in the species or speak to your local veterinary practice who may offer a nurses' consultation to discuss your choice of pet.  Do you know someone who has the type of pet that you would like and have you spoken to them about their experience?  Will they let you "babysit" their pet to give you some experience?
• Who will look after your pet if you go on holiday or are hospitalised?
• Is your home a suitable environment for the pet?  Does your home environment meet the needs of the pet?  Can you provide enrichment for the pet within your home?  Do you live near a busy road?  Do you have a garden?  You will need to give thought to your environment and neighbours in deciding whether your home is suitable for the pet of your choosing.  Do you own your property?  If you rent, will your landlord allow you to have the pet you want?

Buying your pet

Look carefully around the premises where the pet is being sold.  Do the animals look like they are well cared for, and can you see them interacting with others of their species?  Are the animals being sold in a suitable environment?  Ask the seller about the pet, how it was bred or obtained, how long they have had the pet, what special needs does the pet have, has it had to have any medical attention prior to your purchase?

Selling animals requires a licence authorising the activity.  Ask to see their licence.  If they can't produce one, ask them why don't have a licence or feel that they don't require one.  Keep all the details and adverts for the seller should you need these at a later date.  If your pet becomes unwell, you may need to contact the seller for further information.  The seller must provide you with lots of written information about your pet, it's characteristics and behaviours and how to care for them at home.  Be wary of sellers who don't provide this information or provide a very generic leaflet obtained from an unknown organisation.  Be wary of sellers who don't question you enough about why you want a pet and why that pet.  Check our register of licences to see if your seller is licensed.

Finally, be wary of "rescuing" animals that you think are being sold by unethical breeders/sellers.  By buying/rescuing these animals, you will unintentionally be contributing to this unethical market and keeping animals in possible very poor conditions.