Pet buyers must beware dodgy sellers: Do your research on where your kitten or puppy is coming from to protect animal welfare - and avoid being scammed

  • There has been an increase in pets being adopted or bought during lockdown 
  • This has led to a rise in disreputable sellers and breeders advertising online
  • Also a rise in pet-selling scams by online fraudsters

There has been a sharp increase in the adoption and sales of pets during lockdown as households look for company and affection.

When Dogs Trust restarted homing dogs in mid-April, it reported a 87 per cent rise in calls and more than 1,000 emails about rehoming. 

However, households are being urged to be mindful of buying pets from unresearched sources, especially those adverting on sites like Gumtree. Not only only could they be part of a disreputable home-breeding cottage industry that has little or no regard for animal welfare - they could also con buyers out of their money. 

Love Island stars Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury recently came under fire when their new puppy died just a week after they got him. 

Love Island contestants Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury's puppy died after only a week

Love Island contestants Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury's puppy died after only a week

It was revealed the couple had bought the Pomeranian from a breeder who ordered the pup from Russia. Mr Chai, as the puppy was named, was not from a registered breeder, confirmed The Kennel Club, an organisation dedicated to the welfare of dogs.

Tommy appeared to have bought the dog through Cheshire-based business Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians, which is licensed by Cheshire Council but is not a Kennel Club assured breeder. 

The sad story highlighted the importance of making sure you know where your pet is coming from and using a reputable breeder. 

The Kennel Club has reported unprecedented demand for puppies in recent months, with full waiting lists and prices double what they were before the coronavirus outbreak.

Meanwhile, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home said it was able to rehome many pets pre-lockdown and has continued to receive plenty of interest in rehoming since.

The high demand for pets, rising prices and lockdown restrictions, has not just encouraged disreputable breeders, it has left unwary buyers vulnerable to scammers.

Action Fraud reported that in March and April, 669 people lost a combined total of £282,686 after paying deposits for pets they'd seen advertised online. 

The principal lesson is, however, that if you have done your research into the reputation of the breeder and seller then you are very unlikely to fall victim to a scam. 

How do pet sale scams work?

Fraudsters pull in custom by advertising animals, in particular puppies or kittens, they don't have and asking victims to pay a deposit to secure a pet.

Lockdown restrictions are used as the reason why the victim can't see the animal first or collect it. After the deposit is paid, scammers ask for additional money to cover insurance, vaccinations and even delivery of the pet.

NatWest added it had also seen a rise in pet purchase scams in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, especially for pedigree dogs, with it becoming the second most reported scam in May at the bank.  

Trick: Pet owners are being urged to be mindful of scammers when getting a new cat or dog

Trick: Pet owners are being urged to be mindful of scammers when getting a new cat or dog

It says the scam can happen in a number of different ways with the pet often advertised on a site such as Gumtree. It is then arranged over the phone for the money to be transferred directly into the scammers bank account. 

As with any other transaction, paying a Gumtree seller for something that you have not yet received is fraught with risk - as well in this case as risking an animal's well-being. 

The scammer then arranges a location from where the dog can be picked up from - but of course they never appear. 

NatWest said the best advice to avoid this situation is to never transfer money to an unknown individual directly by bank transfer. 

Lee Griffin, chief executive of GoCompare, said: 'The coronavirus outbreak has cut many people off from loved ones, having the companionship of a pet can be especially comforting and beneficial for those living in lockdown on their own. 

'With more time at home, many households have also seen lockdown as an ideal time to introduce a pet into their family.

'Sadly, there are criminals looking to profit from the situation, either by selling animals that don't exist or puppies that have been poorly bred and can suffer from ill health or behavioural problems.

'If you're thinking about adding a pet to your household, don't let your excitement cloud your judgement. 

'A genuine breeder will be eager to ensure the pet is going to a good home and be as keen to ask you questions as you them and, won't rush you into a purchase.'

Tips to prevent against pet scams  

The over-arching rule is: the welfare of the animal comes first. So if you have done your research into the reputation of the breeder and seller with that in mind, then the chances of you being scammed are minimal.

Action Fraud has put together a list of other top tips to help protect against pet sale scams:

1. Before buying online, check reviews for the website, or person, you are buying from. If you are unsure, ask trusted friends or family for advice.

2. If you can't physically see the animal in person, ask for a video call. If the seller declines, ask them why. If you have any suspicions, don't go ahead.

3. Avoid paying by bank transfer as it may offer you little protection. Instead, consider using a credit card or a payment service such as PayPal.

4. If you think you have fallen victim to a fraud, contact Action Fraud as soon as possible.

Why do owners need pet insurance?

Potential pet owners are instead urged to properly research sellers and breeders and arrange insurance once they take ownership.

Pet insurance can protect against the costs of treating your pet if they suffer from an illness or an accident and need treatment from a vet.

This is particularly useful as, if a pet requires surgery or has an ongoing condition, bills can quickly escalate into the thousands. 

Fraudsters advertise puppies or kittens they don't have and ask their victims to pay a deposit

Fraudsters advertise puppies or kittens they don't have and ask their victims to pay a deposit

Owners are legally responsible for any injury or damage they cause, which can also be expensive if your pet isn't insured.

Depending on what type of policy you buy, pet insurance can also help with loss or theft of your pet, death by illness or injury, dental care, alternative treatments as well as treatment for behavioural problems.

According to the Association of British Insurers, its members paid out a record £815million in 2019 to cover 992,000 pet insurance claims across the UK with the average claim paid coming in at £822.

Usually, there are four types of pet insurance policies customers can choose from:

1. Accident-only: This helps cover the cost of treatment if your pet is involved in an accident. It doesn't cover illnesses, diseases or have any other benefits. It won't cover pre-existing conditions either.

2. Time-limited: These policies cap how much you can claim for treatment, with a time limit too, which is usually 12 months. You can't claim again for a condition after the 12 month period is up or if you reach the cap on treatment costs. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

3. Maximum benefit: This type of cover provides an annual sum to claim throughout the year. It can be per policy, per condition, or both. When you reach the claim limit for a condition, you can't claim it again. Any pre-existing conditions will not be covered.

4. Lifetime: Lifetime pet insurance pays for injuries or illnesses with no time limit on each condition. However, there is usually a limit on the amount you can claim in a year for each condition. 

Provided you keep renewing your policy, you will get continuous cover for the illness or injury. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Pet owners are advised to read their insurance policy carefully to ensure it covers everything

Pet owners are advised to read their insurance policy carefully to ensure it covers everything

Griffin added: 'First-time pet owners are often surprised by the cost of vet bills. As advancements in medical knowledge make more complicated interventions possible, treatment can run into several thousands of pounds. 

'Unless you have significant savings, you need to take out pet insurance to cover these unexpected bills.

'The key to saving money on your pet insurance is to compare quotes and policy features online from a range of insurance companies. That way you can be sure you are getting the right cover for your needs.'

Pet owners are advised to read the policy they choose carefully before committing to make sure that it covers everything they could possibly need.  

This includes checking the policy excess as it could prove very pricey if any major operations need to take place.  

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