Puppy Awareness Week 2013 - in pictures

Almost one in three people now buy puppies online, in a pet store or via newspaper adverts – all outlets used by puppy farmers Photograph: Alexandra Revenge/The Kennel Club Picture Library

The problem is likely to increase as the social media friendly younger generation favour mail-order pups
Photograph: Caroline Hill/The Kennel Club Picture Library

12% of puppies bought online end up with serious health problems requiring expensive veterinary treatment Photograph: Diane Hall/The Kennel Club Picture Library

The financial strain is matched by the emotional impact on the owners who watch their puppy suffer Photograph: Alicia Rius/The Kennel Club Picture Library

Almost one in five puppies bought online or via social media die within six months Photograph: John Hubble/The Kennel Club Picture Library

One third of buyers fail to see the puppy with its mum, and more than half don't see the breeding environment Photograph: Rachel Prince/The Kennel Club Picture Library

The majority of online buyers aren't offered a contract of sale, post-sales advice or health certificates for the puppy's parents, which all Kennel Club-assured breeders must do Photograph: Mark Cooper/The Kennel Club Picture Library

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary, said: 'While there is nothing wrong with initially finding a puppy online, it is essential to see the breeder and ensure they are doing all the right things' Photograph: Rob Sharpe/The Kennel Club Picture Library

The Kennel Club urges that people only buy from assured breeders, and has launched an online video to show the dos and don'ts of buying a puppy at thekennelclub.org.uk/paw
Photograph: Emma Newman/The Kennel Club Picture Library