Although it is “convenient” to buy cats and dogs online from anonymous vendors, there are many potential risks. The following is a list of common problems you may encounter when buying cats and dogs online:
Some dogs and cats advertised to be "purebred" are actually "mixed breeds". Buyers often only realise this discrepancy after the pets have grown up, leading to unmet expectations.
Cats and dogs purchased online may have been imported illegally. The background information thus cannot be verified, leaving buyers with no protection.
Buyers may receive a pet that differs from the one they chose online.
Some scammers cut off contact with buyers after payment is made. Buyers are unable to obtain their pets and suffer financial losses. They can only report to the police as a last resort.
Many cats and dogs that appear healthy at the time of sale come from illegal breeding farms with poor conditions, and may carry infectious diseases during the incubation period. They may become ill or even die soon after being brought home, causing emotional and financial distress to their owners.
The health or vaccination records provided by the seller may be forged or not issued by a registered veterinarian in Hong Kong.
Cats and dogs suffering from infectious diseases (such as rabies) may infect other pets in the household and even their owners. In severe cases, the diseases may even be life-threatening.
Even if the lives of sick cats and dogs can be saved, the owners may still have to face high medical expenses.
Some online sellers claim to provide owners with a 14-day, 30-day or 90-day health guarantee. If the cat or dog develops health problems within the time limit and a veterinary certificate is presented, the owner can unconditionally change the pet once. However, when the cats and dogs become ill, unscrupulous sellers often use excuses such as poor care by the buyer to dismiss the claims. Sellers who accept exchanges may still not provide treatment for sick pets, which is against the principles of animal welfare.
There is a lack of after-sales guarantee when buying cats and dogs online. Unscrupulous sellers may even disappear after learning that their pets are sick, making it difficult for buyers to pursue any claims.
If you still want to buy cats and dogs online, it is important to first learn more about what you should pay attention to when doing so.
Please consider adopting instead of buying!
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Last updated: 2024/12/05
