One in three pups get sick or die in first year as convenience culture 'cancer' exposed in new research

Convenience culture is fuelling a puppy welfare crisis, according to new research released today (21 August) by The Kennel Club, which shows almost a third (31%) of puppies get sick or die in their first year, and four in ten owners (40%) fear they bought from a puppy farm after spending little time researching.

The statistics, released as part of The Kennel Club's 'Be Puppywise' campaign, show that a quarter (25%) won't travel more than an hour for their puppy and spend less than a day researching their decision and the breeder (29%).

This convenience-driven puppy buying behaviour is having dramatic consequences for our nation's pets, with one in five (19%) pups getting sick or dying before their first birthday – increasing sharply to nearly one in three (31%) for those pups bought based on little research.

Amongst owners who spent less than a day researching, almost two in three (62%) experienced other complications – including their puppy developing unexpected behavioural issues – and 39% faced unexpectedly high financial costs to take care of their dog's health.

Further, as part of this culture of instant gratification, nearly half (48%) of owners who didn't travel more than hour for their pup said convenience was a factor and that they prioritised finding a puppy close to them, potentially contributing to a puppy buying postcode lottery – with rogue breeders cashing in on this convenience craze.   

Overall in the UK, more than one in four (28%) puppy buyers admit their pet may have unintentionally been purchased from a puppy farm.

"This research paints an alarming picture of a nation of puppy buyers making quick and sometimes careless decisions when it comes to where and how to get a dog," commented Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health at The Kennel Club, which is urging responsible buying via its 'Be Puppywise' campaign. "Though it may be unintentional, this behaviour is enabling duplicitous rogue puppy sellers to flourish and operate with little scrutiny – and with devastating consequences for puppy welfare. Millions are ending up with a sick dog and paying the price in heartache and vets bills, all for the profit of rogue breeders and puppy farmers."

Despite being prepared to buy their puppy with minimal research or effort – with a third (34%) unwilling to travel outside of their county for a pup – a quarter (26%) admit that they couldn't spot a rogue breeder or puppy selling scam, and 70% of those who prioritised a breeder who was close by think they may have bought their dog from a puppy farm.

Of those who only travelled an hour for their pup, The Kennel Club's research has found thousands are also missing red flags, leaving a yawning knowledge gap about how their pup has been bred and by whom:

• More than one in two (56%) didn't see their puppy interacting with its mum, or the puppy's breeding environment and where they slept, ate or played (53%);
• Around two thirds (63%) didn't see their puppy's vaccination certificates;
• And more than three quarters (77%) weren't asked about suitability for puppy ownership – indicating an increasing likelihood of impulse pup purchases without buyers understanding the full responsibilities and commitment of ownership.

The research also suggests this impulsive purchasing could be fuelled by the lure of 'puppy dog eyes' on social media and trends driven by celebrities, with almost half (46%) of all UK puppy buyers saying their main motivation for their puppy choice was either how they look, or because they saw the type of dog on television, social media or with a celebrity.

Charlotte added: "This dangerous convenience culture has become a cancer for puppy welfare. Getting a dog is a long-term commitment and any decision should not be made lightly, superficially or without effort. We absolutely urge anyone thinking of getting a puppy take the time to do proper, careful and extensive research and make sure the pup is right for you, and that you can spot the signs of a bad breeder. Be willing to wait and go the distance for the sake of your new family member. The more time you spend, the more likely you are to bring home a happy, healthy puppy, rather than fuelling untold suffering and heartache."

Following this urgent warning, The Kennel Club is providing advice and practical resources for would-be owners to help them be 'puppywise' as part of its campaign: thekennelclub.org.uk/bepuppywise.