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P
ets can be great to have
around the home. They can
provide companionship, fun
and comfort. However, owning
a pet can be a big responsibility.
Before you buy, you should
consider whether you can afford
their food and vets fees, have
time to give enough exercise
and whether you can provide
suitable accommodation. You
should also remember to
consider what you will do with
the pet when you're away.
Local authorities in England,
Wales and Scotland issue
licenses to proprietors of pet
shops and other pet vendors
under the provisions of the Pet
Animals Act (1951) and more
recently the Model Conditions
for Pet Vending Licensing
(MCPVL, 2013). Before
granting the license the local
authority must be satisfied
that the animals are kept in
appropriate accommodation,
provided with suitable food
and protected from disease
and fire. The local authorities
may carry out inspections to
ensure that vendors are abiding
to the license regulations.
Under the Animal Welfare Act
(2006) in England and Wales
and the Animal Health and
Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006,
pet owners and vendors have a
responsibility for the welfare of
animals under their care. Under
these Acts it is an offence to
cause unnecessary suffering
to an animal.
When you buy a
pet, you should
always ask the seller
'open ended' questions
to ensure that the animal
is healthy. It is important
to establish the following
before purchasing a pet:
Does it have any health
problems?
Can I see the parents?
How old is the animal?
What kind of
temperament does it
have? It would be
advisable to avoid an
aggressive animal.
Is the animal good with
children?
What kind of care and
food does it need?
Also check that:
The pet shop has a license
from the local authority
The accommodation is
suitable and clean
Appropriate food and
water is provided
If you think conditions in a
pet shop are poor, then it
should be reported to your
local council.
For further information or
advice on purchasing a
suitable pet please contact
your veterinary practice.
What to look
and ask for from
a pet shop
By
Emma Gerrard Dip AVN (SA) DipHE CVN BSc Hons CVN RVN
K-SQP PHC
Cain Veterinary Centre
What counts as
a pet shop?
A pet shop is any building
where animals are sold as
pets, including your own
home. You should never buy
pets sold in public places e.g.
street or markets, it is illegal
to sell pets in this way. You
should also avoid buying a
pet from the internet.
