A very different year for puppy purchases

THE Covid-19 pandemic will be forever associated with dramatic lifestyle changes – restrictions, furloughing, self isolation and home schooling. And now, we can firmly add getting a dog to that list. A study conducted by research team at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has now confirmed what many anecdotal reports have said 2020 was not normal year for puppy buying. Early findings from study, funded Animal Welfare Foundation, show several factors driven desires puppies, including ‘need something happy focus on’ during lockdown (see page 164). Presenting their Webinar Vet's Virtual Congress 2021, RVC demand increased prices as much 62 per cent. Hence new going rate some breeding bitches is £15,000. It would seem lockdowns created perfect conditions irresponsible ownership. Families been stuck home, bored looking distraction. With walking becoming legitimate extra reason outside first lockdown, became good idea one in 10 owners had never considered it before, found. Rehoming centres were flooded calls Dogs Trust found monthly enquiries people wanting rescue doubled peak of 19,222 October 2020. But, just dogs grew, saw significant drop supply (Dogs requests relinquishments 50 cent between January 2019 June 2020). Existing who may ordinarily struggled finding life pressures gave them more time pets. Of course, this perceived ‘dog shortage’ made attractive commodities higher price tags. People considering handing over charity rehoming looked sell instead. rather than go on breeder's waiting list, buyers went online, where unscrupulous breeders could happily cash soaring demand. so money fewer checks UK borders (the APHA stopped final destination checks), illegal importation also big business. Figures there 66 increase total imports “Lockdowns ownership The shows different profile regular owners. They likely purchase strength video clip pick up puppies property or delivered door. One four bought without potential owner seeing mother. are young families, less knowledgeable about ownership, having owned before. lack knowledge dog's behaviour cope when/if becomes problematic when routines resume. ignorant any health problems. This all adds worrying picture future. reality households poorly suited keeping post-pandemic thus, heading wave relinquishment. When asked why motivated get dog, chief simply they care (76 this). But happens time? In short medium term, these require training prepare really face 2021 aim (where suitable). help identify those unsuitable homes better off being relinquished. if required, should done sooner later, interests welfare. BVA grants editorial freedom Editor Vet Record. views expressed journal authors necessarily comply policy