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 as "purebred" are actually "mixed breeds". Buyers often only realise this after the pets have grown, leading to disappointment and unmet expectations.
Cats and dogs purchased online may have been imported illegally. Since their background information cannot be verified, buyers are left without any protection.
Unlike pet stores, pets purchased online are generally not implemented with microchips, and buyers may not have the opportunity to inspect the pet before purchase. Consequently, the pet a buyer receives may not be the one they originally chose through online photos or videos.
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.
Cats and dogs purchased online may appear health at first, but they often originate from illicit breeding facilities characterized by substandard conditions. These animals may harbor contagious diseases during the incubation period, resulting in illness or mortality soon after being brought home, thereby causing emotional turmoil and financial hardship for their owners.
The health or vaccination records provided by the seller may be forged or not issued by a registered veterinarian in Hong Kong, making it difficult for buyers to verify the petโs true health conditions.
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 pets survive illness, the owners may face high medical expenses, causing heavy economic burdens.
Some online sellers claim to provide owners with health guarantees lasting several months, promising that if the pet develops health issues during the coverage period and a veterinary certificate is presented, the owner can unconditionally exchange the pet once. However, when the pet falls ill, unscrupulous sellers make excuses such as poor care by the buyer to avoid fulfilling their promise. Moreover, even if they do exchange the pet, these sellers may not provide treatment for the sick animal, violating principles of animal welfare.
Online purchases of cats and dogs lack after-sales protection, and unscrupulous sellers may even disappear after learning that the pet is sick, making it difficult for buyers to hold them accountable.
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
