Where to get a pet?
Where to get a pet?
Adopt
Before buying a pet, why not consider adoption to save a life?
Your wise decision can alter the destiny of abandoned animals!
See more details in Adoption.
Buy
Information about Buying a Pet
Getting a pet is a serious responsibility. Think carefully before you get one. In particular, find out the needs and requirements of the type of animal you are considering and take time to think carefully whether you can fulfil all its needs during its whole life. You can find more information on caring for common types of pet on our website here.
Buying a pet is not the only option - there are many healthy pets with friendly temperament waiting for adoption. You can save a life! Please click here for more information.
If you have decided to buy rather than adopt, we strongly recommend that you only buy a pet from a licensed animal trader. Never buy pets from suspicious or unknown sources.
This webpage covers pets other than dogs. If you are considering buying a dog, please visit “Information about Buying a Dog”.
When buying a pet from a Licensed Animal Trader, you should:
Check that they have a valid licence issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
Visit the licensed premises to have a look at and buy the pet - the licensee is not allowed to physically display animals for sale anywhere else.
A licensed animal trader should be able to advise you about how to take care of the pet including its dietary and housing requirements, behaviour and breed characteristics. They may also ask you questions to determine whether you are suitable to take care of the pet.
You should be issued a receipt of the transaction with a description of the pet you are buying.
Cats must be vaccinated and the trader should give the original vaccination certificate (issued by a registered veterinary surgeon) to you when you buy a cat.
You have the right to ask for an independent examination of the pet by a registered veterinary surgeon before buying it.
Before buying a pet, one should always examine it closely.
| Choose a pet that: | Avoid a pet that: |
|---|---|
| Is alert and bright |
Is tired and weak which can be caused by:
|
| Has bright and clear eyes, a clean nose and no coughing |
Has dull or weeping eyes, a runny nose or coughing, which can be caused by:
|
| Has a clean and glossy coat |
Has a dull coat or obvious hair loss which can be caused by:
|
| Has clean ears |
Has dirty ears which can be caused by:
|
| Has a clean rear end |
Has a dirty rear end which can be caused by:
|
If you have any doubt about the health of the pet, or if the seller refuses to let you have an independent health check on the pet or refuses to provide you with the above documents or information, do not buy the pet!
Enquiries:
Leaflets & Posters
Leaflet "Information about Buying a Pet"
