In a document entitled ‘Written Evidence Submitted by The Kennel Club (PS004)’, statistics on buyer behaviour during lockdown suggested that 46% of puppies bought through an online pet advertising site or directly over the internet got sick before their first birthday, including gastro-intestinal problems, external skin problems, and other fatal illnesses.
We understand that buyers are attracted to a breed of dog, and their first step in their journey to buying a puppy is to look online. However, many of the pet advertising platforms do allow non-licensed breeders to advertise puppies, although you could argue that they are facilitating breeders to break the law.
However, that being said, they also have the responsibility to inform HMRC when certain selling conditions are met. But let’s face it, they could do more to prevent issues before problems arise for both the breeder and buyer.
But how do you find a reputable licensed breeder?
This is where it gets pretty difficult, as there is no official public database, and breeders can opt to have their business details removed from council websites, leaving only a licence number.
This is understandable, as most journalists and media spinners put all breeders into the category of ‘puppy farm’. You only have to enter the words ‘puppy breeder’ into your favourite search engine to see how media publications prefer the negative stories!
So, this leaves a huge amount of work in contacting councils around the UK to find a responsible business that can provide your breed. And if you’re lucky enough to get a response, you could be waiting a few months before you’re able to move to the next stage.
Are there any alternatives?
The Kennel Club have their own service that allows you to find a puppy. Generally, they help regulate their members through their Assured Breeder Scheme. However, not all ABS breeders are licensed, and the scheme is due to be abolished in 2024.
The charity Naturewatch has done some excellent research by contacting councils via an FOI (Freedom of Information) request and has put together a great tool to help locate licensed businesses and their breeds.
The information is only as good as what the councils have provided, with most contact details withheld.
You can find more information here: https://naturewatch.org/campaigns/companion-animals/what-were-doing/uk-dog-breeding-map/
Lastly, through our licensed breeder membership, we have researched a comprehensive list of licensed breeders.
Collectively, we can take a request from a buyer, and our members will help you find the puppy you want.
Please fill out the form below and we will come back to you.
