A WARNING has been issued to potential new pet owners as scammers cash in on puppy purchases during the pandemic.

According to research from the Kennel Club, one in four puppy buyers spend less than two hours to decide on their puppy, with thousands then being duped by rogue breeders and online scams.

Instances of scams and rip-off merchants illegally selling puppies have sky-rocketed during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Kennel Club has issued the warning as thousands are making the quick decision on getting a new four-legged friend.

The welfare organisation has reported a 168 per cent increase in people searching for puppies via its ‘Find a Puppy’ tool since the beginning of lockdown until the end of May, compared to the same period in 2019.

May saw the biggest increase – 237 per cent – as many people continued to work from home.

The Kennel Club is concerned that more and more prospective owners aren’t doing their homework – meaning they are left completely vulnerable to being duped by rogue breeders and online scams.

“We are worried about this rather terrifying picture of a nation of people who are careless and impulsive when it comes to choosing where and how to buy a dog,” said Bill Lambert, Head of Health and Welfare at the Kennel Club.

“The result is puppies with all manner of health and behavioural problems being sold via the internet or social media to people who don’t know the true background of the pups and who pay the price in vet bills and heartache, as they watch their beloved pet suffer.

“This situation has certainly increased demand for puppies - and we are worried about this alongside the massive gap in consumer knowledge. We need to help people understand what a good dog breeder looks like, and encourage them to take their time, and wait if necessary, so they bring home a happy and healthy puppy which has been brought up with love and care.

“ At the very least we urge people to make themselves aware of the scams and tricks of the trade, so that they can spot the exploitative people who are putting puppy welfare at risk and simply cashing in on demand.”

According to the organisation’s research, one in three puppy buyers admit they are clueless about how to find a reputable source for their puppy and the scams that should ring alarm bells, while almost a third (30 per cent) say they could have bought from a puppy farm after not spending enough time doing their research.

A total of 44 per cent of people did not see the puppy with their mum, 90 per cent were not asked any questions by the breeder about the suitability of their ownership, and 83 per cent did not see any relevant health tests for the puppy’s parents.