How To Buy A Pet

15/12/2024

Did you know? 🧐

Cats don’t just purr when they’re happy! Purring can also happen when they’re stressed, in pain, or even healing. Researchers have theorised that the vibrations from purring (between 25 and 150 Hz) may actually help promote tissue repair, which could be why cats seem to recover quickly from injuries. 😸🐾

11/12/2024

This winter, don’t forget to keep your furry friends warm and safe ❄

Make sure your pets have cozy spots to snuggle up, and check paws for ice or salt if you’re out for walks. Some animals may benefit from a jacket to keep them warm! Visit https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/winter/pets for more details on how to keep your pets safe this winter.

If you have a reptile, it is important that they have access to proper heating, such as heat lamps, to prevent health issues caused by low temperatures. Keeping their environment warm, humid (if needed), and free from drafts is essential. Speak to your local veterinary practice for more advice 🦎.

From walking dogs on freezing days to caring for horses in winter, read our advice on keeping your pets warm and comfortable during the colder months.

06/12/2024

🎄Thinking about adding a pet to your home? 🐶🐱🐦

At PAAG, we believe that Christmas is often not the best time to bring a new pet home. However, if you're ready and have carefully considered the long-term commitment, we always recommend adopting from your local animal rescue centre if possible: https://adch.org.uk/find-a-rescue/

If you’re set on buying, make sure you're following responsible guidelines:

🐾 Check that the seller adheres to proper animal care standards.

🐾 Know our advertising standards when selling pets, and always prioritise the welfare of the animals involved. Find out more here: https://paag.org.uk/selling-a-pet/

Let’s make sure our pets have a safe and happy holiday, too! ❤️

If you think you might need to give up your pet, visit our 'Giving up your pet' page for some helpful advice and information about your nearest rescue centres.

02/12/2024

🛑 STOP buying pets off social media 🛑

⚠️ Our research has found that 94%* of social media adverts reviewed of pets for sale would NOT meet PAAG’s Advertising Standards and 19% of all adverts reviewed by experts were flagged as being a suspected scam.

Read more here 👉https://paag.org.uk/news/stop-buying-pets-off-social-media-animal-charities-and-vets-warn-against-social-media-pet-sales-this-christmas-to-avoid-being-scammed/

28/10/2024

Are you thinking about adding a new friend to your family? Why not consider adopting a pet from a local animal shelter or rescue group rather than buying one!

Not only will you be providing a loving home to an animal in need, but adoption also helps reduce the number of animals in rehoming centres and give them a second chance in life. 🧡

If you’re looking for a dog or a cat, the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes has a great list that can help you find your local rescue centre. You can check it out here: https://adch.org.uk/find-a-rescue/

18/10/2024

Did you know that we are made up of 26 members? Each organisation has specialist knowledge of a wide array of different animals.

This means that we can effectively ensure that all animals are getting the care they deserve when they are being advertised online. 🧡

You can see the list of our full group members here:

The Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) was created in 2001 to combat growing concerns regarding the irresponsible advertising of pets for sale, rehoming, and exchange. The Group comprises animal welfare organisations, trade associations and veterinary bodies. Defra, DAERA in Northern Ireland, the...

09/10/2024

Did you know? 🤔

Ferrets love company! They are very social creatures who live in colonies in the wild. Even as pets, they look for human family members and other pet ferrets to hang out with. For this reason, ferrets should always be kept in pairs or larger groups to ensure their social needs are met.

For tips on buying and caring for a ferret, visit the PAAG website:
https://paag.org.uk/how-to-buy-a-pet/ferrets/

04/10/2024

Today is World Animal Day! 🌎🐾

Today, we celebrate the bond between humans and animals. Here at PAAG, we believe all animals should be cared for properly, which is why we have devised our Advertising Standards. With our standards in place, we can help ensure that all animals are being sold responsibly and ethically.

Read more: https://paag.org.uk/advertising-standards/

01/10/2024

In 2024…
63% of cats purchased were online.
20% of cats purchased online were found on Facebook.

These stats come from Cats and Their Stats (CATS) UK annual report 2024, Cats Protections fifth report that continues to shine a light on the changes seen for cats.

You can read more stats as well as the full report here: https://www.cats.org.uk/about-cp/cats-report.

If you are looking to buy a cat online, you can find more information on what to look out for on our website: https://paag.org.uk/how-to-buy-a-pet/cats/

Read our CATS (Cats and Their Stats) report 2024 to see the cat statistics across the UK. Find out more.

27/09/2024

If you're looking at getting a puppy, have you checked if it can be seen with their mum? 🐶

Our member organisation The Kennel Club reported that only 1 in 2 people see their new puppy with their mum. By seeing them together, you can be more confident that you are buying from a responsible breeder.

For more advice on getting a dog, check out our advice here: https://paag.org.uk/how-to-buy-a-pet/dogs/

26/09/2024

Are you thinking about getting a reptile? 🦎

Whether you’re after a tortoise, gecko, lizard, or snake, we recommend that you seek advice from reputable pet shops, breeders, and websites. There might also be local interest groups that could help, and your local veterinary practice may be able to make recommendations.

For more advice, have a look at our Check Before you Buy page: https://paag.org.uk/how-to-buy-a-pet/reptiles/

23/09/2024

Thinking of giving up your pet?

We understand that life rarely goes to plan, and things don’t always work out, no matter how much you want them to.

If you are struggling to care for your pet, our website has advice on the best next steps to help you and your beloved pet. 🧡

👉

We know that life rarely goes according to plan and things don’t always work out, no matter how much you want them to. This includes owning a pet. If you are struggling to look after your pet, there is some advice which you might find helpful available below. Select the reason for thinking about g...

18/09/2024

Are you concerned about a pet that you have seen advertised? Does it look like they are being kept in poor conditions, or does the pet look poorly?

Report it. 🚨

By reporting suspicious adverts, you are doing your part to prevent any malpractice of online animal sales.

More information on how to report an advert can be found here: https://paag.org.uk/report-an-advert/

13/09/2024

Getting a new pet is a big decision.

That’s why we devised PETS. This helps potential owners to be sure that they can provide a happy and healthy life to their little loved ones. 🧡

If you are thinking about getting a new pet, think PETS:

🏠 Place: is the place where you live suitable?

🤸‍♀️ Exercise: how much physical and mental exercise can you provide?

⏰ Time: how much time will you be willing to devote to your new pet?

💵 Spend: can you afford the lifetime expense, including unexpected costs?

10/09/2024

Did you know that chickens have great memories? They can memorise over 100 faces! 🐔

Chickens can also make great additions to your family. If you are thinking about buying a chicken, check out top tips here: https://paag.org.uk/how-to-buy-a-pet/chickens/

05/09/2024

Have you considered rehoming a pet?⭐️

Today, we’d like to remind all potential buyers to consider adopting. You’ll be making a difference in the life of an animal in need, and you’ll gain a loving companion in the process. 🧡

Our member organisation ADCH has a page where you can find your local rehoming shelters:

Enter your postcode or county in the box below to find your nearest ADCH Member Rescue You can also download a list of current ADCH Members here.

02/09/2024

Did you know that rabbits are herbivores? 🥬

Ideally their diet should comprise of:

- 85% hay
- 10% fresh forage
- 5% dry pellet feed
- Fresh drinking water

For more advice on caring for rabbits, check out our top tips here: https://paag.org.uk/how-to-buy-a-pet/rabbits/

29/08/2024

🐭 Are you thinking about getting a pet rat? 🐭

Rats have an average lifespan of 2-3 years and can have a total lifetime cost of up to £3,000. This includes appropriate shelter, food, and entertainment. We urge all potential buyers to be aware of the lifetime costs of pets. You can learn more about the lifetime costs in our cost calculator here

Rats are extremely clever and can make a lovely addition to most families. As with any pet there is lots to consider before committing to taking on some pet rats.