Pets in Moray:- Has the pandemic puppy demand slowed?

Vets are concerned the pandemic puppy boom is persisting – meaning added pressure to their services.

The Royal Veterinary College is therefore calling on puppy owners to take part in a national online survey.

The RVC is investigating whether the number of people buying young dogs has returned to pre-Covid levels, or whether that extra demand is continuing.

Dr Rowena Packer, a lecturer in companion animal behaviour with the organisation, said: "The pandemic led to changes in the way many of us bought our household goods, with online ordering and delivery a common feature of lockdown life.

"The pandemic also led to changes in the way people bought puppies during 2020, due to the many restrictions to travel and social contact during this period.

"Many of these so-called ‘Pandemic Puppies’ became much-cherished companions, helping households cope with lockdown life.

"However, there are concerns that some owners were duped into buying from unscrupulous breeders.

"We are interested in whether pandemic-related changes in puppy buying persisted into 2021, so we can best support owners.

"We would love to hear from anyone who purchased a puppy during 2021 to share their experiences."

Last year's RVC survey revealed owners were more likely than before to:

• Have paid more than £2000
• Have paid a deposit without seeing their puppy
• Be first-time dog owners
• Have children in their household
• Have seen their puppy without its litter-mates

• Have had it delivered to their homes

The RVC says pandemic-related changes, such as viewing and buying puppies online, then having them delivered directly may be perceived as ‘convenient’.

However the organisation says such methods can potentially threaten canine welfare.

It says a key goal of the survey will be to gain a greater understanding of whether this online culture is preferred by consumers.

For more information about the survey, or to take part, visit HERE