If your online shopping days have transformed from endless scrolling of your favourite fashion brands and department store websites to a detailed investigation of the best accessories and essentials for your pet, you’ve arrived in the right place.
You can go ahead and exit that concertinaed selection of tabs on what to buy and where for we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to the best online pet shops for all your needs. Whether it be pet beds, speciality food, leads, trackers, toys, feeding mats, bowls, protective gear, or anything else under the sun that you and your furry friend could need.
While the internet is a wonderful place to conduct research for your next companion, you should never purchase an animal online. Consumers are always at risk of being deceived, and poor practices behind the scenes put animals at risk.
The third-party sale of puppies and kittens has been banned in England since 2020, and in Wales and Scotland since 2021. This ban is commonly known as Lucy’s Law – named after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Lucy who was rescued from a puppy farm where she endured horrific conditions. You should only buy pets directly from registered breeders, or adopt from a reputable rehoming centre.
What about reptiles and exotic/ non-domestic pets?
Reptiles and exotic pets come with an array of specialist needs, and some even require a licence to keep. While some make brilliant pets, others don’t – and you should always conduct extensive research if you’re considering providing a home to a reptile, insect or exotic animal. You’ll also need access to a local vet with the necessary expertise, which may not be viable.
While it is legal in the UK to buy reptiles and certain exotic pets online, these sellers may not always provide accurate information. The 2018 Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations require that licensed sellers include their license number and the pet’s country of origin and residence in any advert, so always keep an eye out for necessary documentation. For more information, the RSPCA has detailed pages on the keeping and care of exotic pets.
Now that we’ve (hopefully) convinced you to avoid purchasing animals online, we can get into the bones of this article – which is all about where to shop for your pet, not for a pet.
Keep scrolling for the best online pet shops in the UK.
