Pet shops and online retailers which only sell animal supplies or that encourage the rehoming of shelter animals can have a positive impact on the current problem of unwanted companion animals created by indiscriminate and uncontrolled breeding. Pet shops must ensure that they can continuously and adequately provide for the physical, health and behavioural needs of animals in their care.

All pet shops must comply with theCode of Welfare (Temporary Housing of Companion Animals) 2018 and the relevantCode of Welfare for the species. However, pet shops are not currently subject to routine inspection and there are no minimum qualifications or experience required to open a pet shop.

SPCA opposes the purpose breeding of companion animals for sale in pet shops and online retailers.

SPCA considers the breeding of puppies, kittens, and other animals without regard to the availability of good homes for the resulting offspring as irresponsible and opposes this practice.

(See ‘Breeding of Companion Animals’ for more information)

SPCA opposes the ‘distance selling’ or the acquisition of animals ‘unseen’ through the sole use of the internet or other communication device, or by mail-order.

Websites and other media should be used responsibly when seeking to purchase an animal. Face to face contact is essential to check how an animal has been bred or cared for by the ‘seller’, and to assess the suitability of a ‘purchaser’ to care for an animal and meet their needs.

SPCA encourages those looking to welcome a new animal into their home to consider adopting from a reputable animal rehoming organisation. By acquiring their companion animals from reputable animal rehoming organisations, people can help an individual animal and assist in reducing the problem of unwanted companion animals.