Pandemic Pets: Covid-19's 2020 Impact on UK Pet Sales

To say that 2020 was an unusual year would be an understatement, much like pointing out that puppies are adorable. The puppy market and overall pet trade experienced unexpected shifts as the Covid-19 pandemic swept through the UK.

This comprehensive article explores the pandemic's effect on the UK's pet sales, particularly focusing on supply, demand, pricing trends, popular breeds, risks like scams, and essential advice for responsible pet ownership.

Pandemic Pets at a Glance

• Demand for puppies for sale soared by 104% during the height of the first UK lockdown in May 2020 compared to 2019.
• Competition was fierce, with approximately 420 prospective buyers for every puppy offered in May 2020.
• The average price of puppies more than doubled from £808 in 2019 to £1,875 in 2020, a staggering 131% increase.
• The Cavapoo became the most sought-after pandemic puppy, facing 1,882 buyers per available puppy in 2020.
• Guinea pigs topped the list for small furry pets, with 4,179 sold between April and October 2020.
• Sadly, the heightened demand fuelled a rise in online scams, with over £282,000 lost to puppy sale fraud in just March and April 2020.

Supply and Demand Dynamics During the Pandemic

Lockdown fostered anxiety and isolation, prompting many to seek comfort through pet companionship. A University of York study revealed that 87% of pet owners found their animals helped them cope during this challenging period.

The surge led to an unprecedented demand, with 7 million UK residents searching for pets on Pets4Homes in 2020 — over 10% of the population. However, supply struggled to keep up due to breeding restrictions and limited access to veterinary services, creating a stark imbalance.

Puppy Popularity and Price Inflation

The pandemic’s combination of soaring demand and limited breeding capacity dramatically pushed up puppy prices. Restrictions prevented breeders from arranging new matings unless they owned both sire and dam, and emergency-only vet services obstructed routine care and litter production.

As a result, average puppy prices climbed to £1,912 by September 2020, marking a 134% increase from the previous year, making it a costly time to welcome a new canine companion.

Are High Puppy Prices Here to Stay?

Though supply and demand have begun to rebalance with more puppies becoming available and fewer buyers as restrictions eased, the market remains in the sellers’ favour. Prices have stabilised but remain considerably elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Prospective buyers should anticipate a sellers’ market for some time while maintaining due diligence on puppy sourcing and pricing.

The Rise of Scams in Pandemic Pet Buying

The lure of high-priced puppies and limited availability gave rise to an increase in fraudulent sellers and cons operating online. Scammers took advantage of social distancing by promoting non-existent puppies through images or videos, tricking eager buyers into sending deposits without any real transaction.

To combat this, Pets4Homes introduced a Safe Deposit Service to ensure greater security and trust within the pet-buying community.

Most Popular Pandemic Puppy: The Cavapoo

While the French Bulldog remains the UK’s overall favourite breed, pandemic buyers favoured the hybrid Cavapoo, a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. Its popularity surged dramatically, even though it ranked only 18th in general popularity before the pandemic.

Demand for Other Pets During the Pandemic

Interest in cats and kittens rose by 281%, with steady increases in supply smoothing out extreme price hikes seen in dogs. The average kitten price rose by 42%, a modest increase compared to puppies.

Small furry pets like ferrets, rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs also saw increased demand, but prior improvements in supply and their lower cost meant fewer price surges.

Between April and October 2020, Pets4Homes saw 125,000 cats, 51,000 rabbits, and 35,000 small rodents sold or rehomed, highlighting the diversification of pet ownership during lockdown.

How Prepared Were Lockdown Pet Buyers?

Contrary to media narratives, most buyers conducted thorough research. While 8% spent less than a week researching, over 70% took longer than a month, with 86% reading the Pets4Homes Safe Rehoming Checklist before purchase.

Encouragingly, the number of dogs offered for rehoming has not risen but declined post-pandemic, signalling responsible ownership and resilience among pandemic pet owners.

Is It a Good Time to Buy a Pet?

If you’re contemplating buying a pet in the aftermath of the pandemic, be prepared for higher prices and increased responsibility. It’s crucial to research thoroughly, consider your long-term ability to provide care, and avoid impulsive decisions driven by temporary circumstances.

Remember, pets are lifelong companions, not temporary solutions for lockdown loneliness. Always buy from reputable breeders or shelters and watch out for potential scams.

Summary

The Covid-19 pandemic led to a surge in UK pet demand, particularly puppies, doubling average prices and spawning a wave of scams. While supply is catching up, prices remain high and buyers need to prioritise responsible ownership. Research, patience, and ethical sourcing are key to a happy pet partnership.