RSPCA Policy A3 Acquiring a companion animal

The RSPCA advocates that acquiring a companion animal should be the result of careful planning (see A2). The prospective owners should have a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved for the animal’s lifetime.

Prospective owners should consider adopting an animal from the RSPCA or another reputable animal welfare, rehoming, or rescue organisation.

If an animal is being acquired from somewhere other than an animal welfare organisation, where possible, the animal should be acquired directly from the place where they were born and/or reared. This minimises stress to the animal and allows prospective owners to assess factors which impact the animal’s welfare such as how the animals at the property are kept (including the condition and behaviour of other animals present), and to learn about the specific needs of the species or type/breed of animal.

Caution is advised for potential owners considering acquiring animals through websites or in any way where there is no face-to-face contact with the breeder, seller, rehomer, or (potential) new companion animal or their parents. Acquiring animals in this way can result in prospective owners acquiring animals who have been inappropriately bred or kept, or being targeted by fraud, and does not allow the prospective owner to assess factors which impact the welfare of the animal (see A3.3).

People breeding, selling, or rehoming animals have a responsibility to ensure that prospective owners are made aware of the long term physical and mental needs of the animal, before the animal is transferred to the new owner. This includes any known health problems or heritable disorders (e.g. arising from exaggerated physical features), the associated health and welfare issues, and the potential costs associated with managing such problems.

The RSPCA advocates for regulation and registration associated with mandatory standards for all outlets selling or rearing companion animals providing for the conditions under which the animals are kept and presented for sale.