Veterinary tips when you are looking to get a new kitten or puppy in the UAE
Lately, we see again many clients bringing in puppies or kittens for an initial check-up after they have purchased these pets in a local shop or from a local breeder. Unfortunately, there are many things mis-presented when you go out there to find your ideal puppy or kitten and we think it is important you are aware, so you know what you get into and find the perfect match from honest and well-meaning shops – or individuals.
So let’s take a closer look:
- Puppies/kittens younger than 4 months cannot be imported into the UAE officially. Check the vaccination book (country of origin language)Microchipped or not? check the size of the puppy/kitten, is it expected this size at that age? Contact us for support.
- When the seller tells you that they know the pet is younger than on paper as this is the only way to bring in a young puppy/kitten is by altering the age, do understand that this baby is taken away from his mother at a too young age, that vaccinations which have to be done in order to travel are done at a too young age, therefore interfering with the maternal antibodies and leaving the pup/kitten without proper functioning immune system, whilst exposing them to an infected environment, a lot of stress and a sudden food change (mother milk to kibble), and emotional disturbance.
- When born in the UAE, it is good to understand there will not be a pedigree organisation behind this puppy or kitten’s background as we do not yet have pedigree organisations in the UAE. More about the importance of pedigree organisation.
- Being shown the mother/father animal does not necessarily mean these are really the parents.
- If the puppy or kitten is brought in from a local breeder to the shop for you to see it, it means it will have to undergo transport in a car, by a handler, who most likely also transports other puppies/kittens in this car, exposing them to stress and a possible contaminated environment. Ask yourself, why does the puppy/kitten travel and can we not visit the puppy/kitten litter?
- Puppies and kittens should be dewormed at the age of 3-4 weeks and monthly thereafter.
- Vaccination should be done at the age of 6-9-12 weeks. Check where the pet was vaccinated and at which time in his/her life, if the breeder lives in e.g. JBR, maybe it is not logic to have it vaccinated in Sharjah?
- A UAE vaccination booklet does not mean the puppy/kitten is born in the UAE, sellers are known to sometimes exchange the booklet, to offer more trust of a puppy or kitten born locally, and to avoid having to explain the difference in real age and booklet age.
9. A microchip should have been inserted so you know that the booklet and pet belong together (as much as this is possible to know for sure)
10. It is great if you get to see the full litter, so you can see and compare them to each other. A normal litter has puppies/kittens reasonably equal in size, sometimes a smaller “rant” or an extra-large individual is present. The pets should be similarly active and have an outgoing character (bit depending on the breed). Ask when they have eaten or see them eating so you know they have an appetite, or why they might come across as slow (just eaten and therefore sleepy). It is popular to choose the “rant” but understand that there is often a physical reason for this particular pet to be different in size, often not in favour of perfect health.
11. Check images online of the puppy/kitten breed and look them up at the age the seller tells you the puppy/kitten you will get to see is, this will give you a reasonable idea of what you look for, and what size they are approximately supposed to be, check also if certain special colors are indeed normal in this breed, and look for known inborn problems, ask the breeder if the parents were free from this prior to mating as pedigrees have a sort of warranty for this. We see a lot of “look-a-likes” being sold for serious money, and ending up a normal stray or mixed breed when fully grown.
12. Check eyes have no discharge, bottoms and ears are clean and puppies/kittens are not itching, or extremely sleepy when other litter mates are active
13. Always have the new addition checked by your chosen veterinarian on the day you buy it. Ensure there cannot be economical ties, and ensure you get independent advise.
14. Do not buy an obvious sick animal, no matter how sorry you are for them, this will encourage some sellers to continue this as it makes money.
15. Our Clinic offers a free consult, prior to you choosing a pet, to orient yourself on what you are looking for and what the implications are on your life and financial status, as well as special breed specifics, do they fit in your family or is it a fashionable idea to have especially this breed?
The list goes on and on, each day we see young puppies/kittens finding a new family. The above stated is not directed at any pet seller in the UAE but is general information on what we as Vets come across daily. An educated client can better protect its choice and together we can work towards a safe and respectful way of bringing in or breeding puppies/kittens so animal suffering is limited to non-existent.
We love to help and direct you to ask yourself the right questions, help you to prevent making emotional “in the moment” decisions and find the best possible solution for both you, your family, and the additional family member. Contact us for a consultation prior to finding this pet and ensure to have it checked as soon as you are allowed to take the pet home. We excel in advice, pet-care, and support you every step of the way to be the best Pet Parent you can be, for the luckiest pet on earth, your new family member!
PS with Christmas so close by, remember a Pet is not a Christmas gift but a lifelong commitment!
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
Email info@abvc.ae
Call 04-3408601
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WhatsApp 050-3440987
Written by Dr. Ellen Kruijning, ABVC Founding Partner and Veterinarian
