Since the coronavirus pandemic started a year ago, there has been a huge rise and demand for puppies across the UK.
With more people at home than ever before, people have found it the perfect opportunity to have a little bundle of madness join the family.
But with the demand came a huge surge in prices, with some puppy prices increasing by an astonishing 151%.
Data carried out by the Dogs Trust found that popular breeds such as Pugs, Dachshunds and French Bulldogs were some of the top price increases , growing to 70% more than what they were before the pandemic.
The Chow Chows breed had one of the highest price increases growing by 134%, starting at £1,119 and now selling at a staggering £2,618.
Further research states that some puppies on average were being sold for more than £3,000.
Lee Gibson, from Pets4Homes, told the BBC: "During this period there wasn't a huge increase in the numbers of puppies available - so it's simply the economics of supply and demand.”
The data from the Dogs Trust also found that the Google search for ‘buy a puppy’ had increased by 115% since the lockdown was first announced on 23 March 2020.
With the price of puppies increasing and the demand for puppies continuing, criminals have used it as a way to make their money.
Tactics include selling puppies from ‘puppy farms’, scamming buyers out of their money online, and even illegally transporting puppies from other countries to sell in the UK at high prices without sufficient care for the animals' welfare.
During the pandemic many registered and legitimate puppy sellers had to postpone sales and advertisements due to the lockdown travel restrictions - knowing it was vital that potential owners visit the puppy before agreeing to buy.
Many dog trusts warn that dogs being sold online may not be what they seem and that people should be extra careful when looking to purchase a dog.
Fraudsters know the demand for puppies in the UK so it’s important to be extra vigilant when looking for a puppy.
There have been reports of some breeders selling sick puppies at a higher price due to the demand. The puppy would be sold when unwell without the new owners knowing, only to be brought home and later paying out for a huge vet bill as they were unaware of the puppy's poor condition and health.
The demand across the UK for puppies has now decreased slightly, as lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease and people look at returning to work and to the social calendar.
Pets at Home says: “Whilst there is still a huge gap between supply and demand for puppies in the UK right now, the gap is gradually closing as breeders have consequently bred additional litters to meet demand”.
However with the demand for puppies still significant there isn’t any signs of these prices lowering any time soon.
Pets at Home states: “The number of pets (particularly puppies) available to buy remains far lower than the number of people who would like to purchase them.”
Pet Protect, Dogs Trust and the Kennel club offer advice to any potential puppy buyers to help keep themselves and the puppies safe. Making sure people know everything there is before purchasing their little ball of fluff.
Research
Before you commit to buying a puppy it is important to do your research. Look into what breed you want and their behaviours that each breed have. Will a dog fit into your lifestyle? Make sure you are fully committed and ready for the responsibility of a puppy.
Always visit a puppy before purchasing
It is important to check where your puppy is coming from, the conditions and if they are legitimate sellers.
It is also suggested to look at the mother of the puppy and how they behave around the other puppies too, this is a good sign to see how well they’ve been bred. Visit the puppy more than once if you can.
Ask lots of questions
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions when you visit the puppy. Ask about the family history and ask to see relevant paperwork. This will give you lots of information about the health, diet and about their breed. Be prepared to answer lots of questions in return, the seller should be just as curious to who is buying their puppy.
Paying
Never pay a deposit or transfer money online to a ‘puppy seller’ before seeing the puppy. There are a lot of scammers out there so you have to be extra careful before paying any money that you really are getting what you’re paying for.
Don’t feel pressured
Buying a puppy is a big commitment so don’t feel pressured into buying one, if you do, walk away and think about it. Check the seller is the right seller for you, if something doesn’t feel right walk away.
