Like almost everything else, animals can also be purchased online.
The anonymity of the internet facilitates illegal animal trade. Even though animal welfare and animal protection hold a high priority in the EU, regulations on buying animals online vary considerably across member states. The European Consumer Centre Germany explains how to recognise illegal animal trade and what the regulations on animal sales look like in some European countries.
Illegal Animal Trade in the European Union
Photos of cute floppy ears and big round eyes are designed to tempt buyers: illegal online animal trading is booming. Animals are traded between member states across the EU. The four-legged creatures are often separated from their mothers far too early, raised under conditions that violate animal welfare standards, and then transported across the continent — frequently without adequate food or water. Before they even arrive at their new home, these animals are already weakened or even ill.
How do I recognise illegal animal trade?
Dogs and cats being brought into another member state must be identifiable by microchip or tattoo and must have valid rabies vaccination protection. Both requirements must be documented in the EU pet passport. An official health certificate is also required. Reputable sellers additionally comply with the EU transport regulations for animals. If a seller cannot or will not meet these requirements, buyers should be on their guard.
If animals are offered online at rock-bottom prices, it is safe to assume that profit matters more than the welfare of the animals. However, dubious dealers now often charge just as much as reputable breeders. “You should never pay for an animal before actually receiving it”, advises Julia Kreidel, legal expert at the European Consumer Centre Germany (EVZ).
This applies in particular to alleged additional costs. It is often claimed that money is needed for transport, food, or insurance. In reality, this is what is known as advance-fee fraud. Victims are pressured into making an upfront payment — yet they wait in vain for the long-awaited pet. And the money is gone.
Anyone who suspects they have fallen victim to illegal animal trafficking should report it to the police immediately.
What rules apply when buying animals online in other EU countries?
Even in cases that do not involve fraud, buyers need to be aware: purchasing animals online is not permitted everywhere in the EU.
For animal welfare reasons, France, for example, has introduced strict regulations: only breeders and pet shops are permitted to sell animals via the internet. Furthermore, buyers must be explicitly informed before concluding a contract that purchasing an animal is a decision that should be carefully considered, as it involves taking on long-term responsibility for a living being.
Poland goes even further. There, it is generally prohibited to buy or sell dogs and cats outside the location where they were bred. Initial contact may be made via the internet, but an online sale is not permitted.
In most other EU countries, just as in Germany, the buying or selling of animals online is not prohibited and is less strictly regulated. When animals are sold commercially, official authorisation is required. However, no specific regulations apply to sales between private individuals.
Nevertheless, some online marketplaces have chosen to prohibit the sale of animals in their own general terms and conditions.
In Austria, private individuals are also permitted to offer individual animals for sale, but only under certain conditions. Dogs, for example, must already have been registered in a pet database for at least 16 weeks.
If you have a problem with a commercial animal trader from another EU country, Iceland, Norway, or the United Kingdom, you can contact the European Consumer Centre Germany for assistance.
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