Buying pets in the UK

Buying pets in the UK
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In the UK, purchasing a pet can be done in a variety of ways, from finding a reputable and authorized breeder to looking through local ads online or in the newspaper. But before purchasing any animal, you should exercise extreme caution and conduct careful research, particularly if you do so online. Fortunately, finding healthy dogs and cats is easy thanks to the many resources that are available.

The UK government recommends anyone seeking for pets to always be aware of the origins and birthplace of the animal. This is done to stop the illegal trade in animals, especially the smuggled in dogs and cats from overseas.

Selling pets is a lucrative industry, and regrettably, the number of puppy and kitten farms has grown recently. Unfortunately, many of these animals are being bred under abhorrent circumstances with little to no consideration for their welfare.

Therefore, purchasing a puppy or kitten from one of these locations may result in receiving one with significant and ongoing health problems. This can be very upsetting, costly, and challenging to treat. In light of this, the government advises using a puppy contract or kitten checklist to guarantee that you purchase a healthy pet that has been ethically bred.

The price of purchasing a pet

Naturally, depending on the animal and its age, the cost of purchasing a pet in the UK varies greatly. For instance, certain breeds of puppies might cost thousands of pounds if you’re wanting to purchase one. Cat breeds, on the other hand, can begin in the low hundreds and increase from there. In any case, the government advises utilizing a puppy contract or a checklist for kittens to make sure you purchase a healthy pet from a reputable breeder.

Normally, you can get in touch with breeders directly, make plans to see an animal, and then put down a deposit on the animal you want to reserve. Again, though, do your research and look for breeders who will inquire about your way of life and be open and upfront about the health and temperament of a potential pet.

You can also find registered breeders through The Kennel Club and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy.

Pet adoption in the UK

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Thousands of formerly adored animals require new homes, and the number is growing. In spite of the fact that 3.2 million UK homes purchased a new pet during the COVID-19 pandemic, data indicates that 5% of those households have already had to do so, and this number rose to 11% among families.

It’s simple to identify a local group that can assist if you’re trying to rehome an animal. The best approach to identify local chapters of many national animal organizations is frequently through an internet search.

On the other hand, if you want to adopt a pet, there are some specific considerations, such as having access to outdoor space, the age of any children, your sort of job, and your working hours. Before permitting an adoption, shelters will typically request personal information from applicants and schedule a home visit. In the end, they want to make sure that the animal’s welfare comes first, which can occasionally conflict with the preferences of potential owners.

To locate a pet in need of a new home, get in touch with some of the more well-known charities. These consist of:

  • RSPCA – the largest animal welfare charity in the UK
  • Battersea Dogs and Cats Home – a high-profile animal rescue center located in south London
  • Dogs Trust – the UK’s largest dog welfare charity
  • Blue Cross – a well-known charity that helps to rehome animals, including horses
  • Wood Green – a charity that helps thousands of pets find a home every year
  • Cats Protection – the UK’s leading cat welfare charity

Notably, you will only be required to pay an adoption fee if you want to adopt a pet from a shelter; this price can range from about £100 for a cat to more than £250 for a dog.

in the UK, pet stores

Since pets are a big business, pet shops are common in both urban and rural areas. Pets at Home, which has 450 facilities nationally and provides an online service, is one of the biggest. A sizable online store run by Pet Planet also sells cages, crates, food, and bedding. The majority of UK high streets will also feature a pet store, and veterinarians frequently sell well-known goods. To locate a nearby pet retailer, check The Pets & Animals Directory.

There are many pet shops located throughout the UK, offering a range of products and services for pet owners. Some popular pet shop chains in the UK include:

  • Pets at Home: This is the UK’s largest pet store chain, with over 400 stores nationwide. They offer a wide range of products for dogs, cats, birds, fish, and small animals, as well as grooming services, veterinary care, and pet adoption services.
  • Jollyes: This is another large pet store chain, with over 70 stores throughout the UK. They offer a wide range of products for dogs, cats, birds, fish, and small animals, as well as pet grooming services.
  • Pets Corner: This is a smaller chain of pet stores, with around 100 stores located throughout the UK. They offer a range of products for dogs, cats, birds, fish, and small animals, as well as natural pet foods and supplements.
  • The Range: This is a large retail chain that offers a range of products for pets, as well as home and garden supplies. They have over 180 stores located throughout the UK.
  • Wilko: This is another large retail chain that offers a range of products for pets, as well as home and garden supplies. They have over 400 stores located throughout the UK.
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