A new report from The Kennel Club highlights a concerning trend in puppy purchasing, revealing that almost one-third of puppies fall ill or die within their first year due to rushed buying decisions.
The study, released as part of The Kennel Club’s ‘Be Puppywise’ campaign, uncovers the troubling impact of convenience-driven decisions on puppy welfare.
Convenience-Driven Puppy Buying Leads to Tragic Outcomes
According to the research, 31% of puppies in the UK get sick or die within their first year, with a significant number of these cases linked to owners who spent little time researching their purchase. The study indicates that four in ten buyers (40%) suspect they purchased their puppy from a puppy farm after rushing the decision.
The trend towards convenience is evident, with 25% of buyers unwilling to travel more than an hour to collect their puppy, and 29% spending less than a day researching breeders. This behaviour is contributing to a growing welfare crisis, with nearly one in five puppies (19%) becoming ill or dying before their first birthday. The situation worsens for those who conducted minimal research, where the rate of illness or death rises sharply to 31%.
The consequences of these rushed decisions are not only tragic for the puppies but also result in significant emotional and financial strain for the owners. Among those who spent less than a day researching, 62% reported complications, including behavioural issues, and 39% faced unexpected veterinary bills.
Rogue Breeders Exploiting Convenience Culture
The report suggests that the convenience culture surrounding puppy buying is creating a ‘postcode lottery’, where rogue breeders exploit the desire for quick and easy transactions. Nearly half (48%) of buyers who didn’t travel more than an hour cited convenience as a key factor, potentially opening the door for unscrupulous breeders to thrive.
Alarmingly, more than a quarter (28%) of UK puppy buyers admit they may have unintentionally purchased from a puppy farm. Despite this, many buyers are unaware of the warning signs of a rogue breeder or a puppy-selling scam. A quarter (26%) of buyers confessed they couldn’t identify a rogue breeder, and 70% of those who prioritised proximity to the breeder believe they may have bought from a puppy farm.
The study also reveals significant gaps in buyers’ due diligence. Over half (56%) of buyers did not see their puppy interacting with its mother, and 53% failed to observe the breeding environment. Additionally, 63% did not see the puppy’s vaccination certificates, and 77% were not asked about their suitability for puppy ownership, suggesting a worrying trend of impulse purchases without fully understanding the responsibilities of dog ownership.
Influence of Social Media and Celebrity Trends
The research indicates that the impulsive nature of puppy purchasing is partly driven by social media and celebrity influence. Nearly half (46%) of buyers stated that their primary motivation for choosing a particular breed was based on its appearance or because they saw the breed on television, social media, or with a celebrity.
Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health at The Kennel Club, commented on the findings: “This research paints an alarming picture of a nation of puppy buyers making quick and sometimes careless decisions when it comes to where and how to get a dog. Though it may be unintentional, this behaviour is enabling duplicitous rogue puppy sellers to flourish and operate with little scrutiny – and with devastating consequences for puppy welfare. Millions are ending up with a sick dog and paying the price in heartache and vets bills, all for the profit of rogue breeders and puppy farmers.”
Call to Action: Be Puppywise
In response to these findings, The Kennel Club is urging potential puppy buyers to take a more thoughtful and deliberate approach when choosing a new pet. The ‘Be Puppywise’ campaign aims to educate the public on the importance of thorough research and careful decision-making in the puppy-buying process.
Charlotte McNamara added: “This dangerous convenience culture has become a cancer for puppy welfare. Getting a dog is a long-term commitment and any decision should not be made lightly, superficially or without effort. We absolutely urge anyone thinking of getting a puppy to take the time to do proper, careful, and extensive research and make sure the pup is right for you, and that you can spot the signs of a bad breeder. Be willing to wait and go the distance for the sake of your new family member. The more time you spend, the more likely you are to bring home a happy, healthy puppy, rather than fuelling untold suffering and heartache.”
The Kennel Club is offering advice and resources as part of the ‘Be Puppywise’ campaign to help would-be dog owners make informed decisions. More information can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/bepuppywise.
