UK Puppy Buyers Unaware of Risks Behind Imported Dogs, RVC Studies Reveal

Two major studies from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have uncovered widespread public confusion and lack of awareness surrounding the importation of puppies into the UK—especially from European Union countries. As demand for puppies continues to soar, the findings highlight serious risks to animal welfare and public health, and call for urgent education and policy reform.

A Growing Problem

The UK’s annual demand for puppies is estimated at around 950,000, yet only 20% are believed to come from registered domestic breeders. This shortfall has fueled a booming trade in imported puppies—many of which are brought in illegally. The illegal puppy trade is now considered the third most profitable criminal activity in the EU.

Puppies involved in this trade often come from low-welfare breeding environments, increasing their risk of disease, behavioral issues, and poor long-term health. Some may carry dangerous “exotic” diseases like rabies, Brucella canis, and Leishmania infantum—posing threats not only to other dogs but also to humans.

What the Public Doesn’t Know

The first RVC study surveyed over 7,000 UK residents, mostly dog owners, to assess their understanding of puppy import laws and disease risks. Key findings include:

• Only 30% knew that EU Pet Passports can no longer be issued in the UK post-Brexit.
• Over half were unaware that importing an 8-week-old puppy from the EU is illegal; the minimum legal age is 15 weeks.
• 13% mistakenly believed a Pet Passport guarantees disease testing, while 40% weren’t sure.
• Nearly 1% hadn’t heard of rabies, and 35% were unfamiliar with Brucella canis.
• Awareness of disease risks to humans was significantly lower than awareness of risks to dogs.

Spotlight on Romanian Imports

The second study focused on public attitudes toward puppies imported from Romania—a common source for UK puppy sales. Among 4,000 respondents:

• Nearly 70% saw no difference between buying an EU-born puppy and a UK-bred one.
• Over 20% believed buying an imported puppy felt like “rescuing” it, despite commercial sale.
• Only 40% recognized that imported puppies may be harder to care for.
• Fewer than 20% considered disease risks to humans.
• Just 2% acknowledged that imported puppies might struggle to find suitable homes in the UK.

Expert Voices

Dr. Rowena Packer, senior author on both studies, warned: “Our results show that many well-meaning buyers may be unknowingly supporting the illegal puppy trade. While banning imports of puppies under six months is a step forward, it must be paired with public education.”

Dr. Zoe Belshaw, lead author, added: “Even those who suspect their puppy was imported often underestimate the risks. More needs to be done to inform the public about the dangers of exotic diseases and low-welfare breeding.”

MP and vet Danny Chambers, who introduced the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, emphasized: “Legislation is vital, but not enough. We need a national awareness campaign to help buyers make informed, responsible choices.”

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