Hong Kong vets report higher rates of poor health for online-bought cats, dogs

Hong Kong veterinarians are reporting higher rates of poor health among online-bought cats and dogs compared with those purchased at physical stores, the Consumer Council has said, adding that it suspected nearly all the internet-based canine sellers it had checked of illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding, among other issues.

In a report published on Thursday, the city’s consumer watchdog said it had conducted a study alongside the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), with the two organisations surveying registered veterinarians and targeting 18 online platforms in a mystery shopper operation.

“The survey results found that more cats and dogs purchased online were in poor health, with a significantly higher proportion than those purchased from physical pet shops,” said Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the council’s research and testing committee.

The survey found that, on average, five out of every 10 dogs and 5.5 out of every 10 cats bought online and presented for veterinary care were sick or in poor condition.

In comparison, the rates were 3.3 and 3.9 for dogs and cats bought at physical pet shops, respectively.

The most common diseases faced by online-bought pets included upper respiratory infections, diarrhoea and the canine parvovirus.