Should It Be Illegal to Sell Dogs Online?
In recent years, the question of whether it should be illegal to advertise dogs for sale online has become more urgent — and more complex. With dog overpopulation, unethical breeding practices, and animal welfare concerns on the rise, some believe that banning online dog sales could be a necessary step in reshaping the pet industry. Others worry it could simply drive bad practices further underground. So, what would it actually mean if we stopped allowing dogs to be advertised for sale online — and is there a better alternative?
The Case for Banning Online Dog Sales
Online platforms — from dedicated classifieds to general-purpose marketplaces — are now the most common way people buy and sell dogs. But this convenience comes at a cost. These platforms are largely unregulated, and the barrier to entry is dangerously low. Anyone, anywhere, can create an ad, upload a few photos, and sell a dog with little to no scrutiny.
This has led to a number of serious problems:
Backyard breeders and puppy farms use online listings to reach a broad, unsuspecting audience while concealing poor breeding conditions.
Impulse buying is rampant, as people fall for cute photos with no understanding of the breed or the animal’s needs.
False advertising is common — buyers may receive a dog very different from what was promised (in age, breed, health, or temperament).
No aftercare or accountability is offered — if the dog becomes ill, unmanageable, or is returned, there is no structure to provide support.
In essence, online sales have made it too easy to get a dog — often with devastating results for both people and animals.
Would Banning Online Sales Help?
Eliminating online ads for dogs could significantly disrupt the unethical breeding industry by removing its most effective sales channel. Without the visibility and reach of the internet, many large-scale breeders and illegal sellers would struggle to continue at the same scale.
This approach has some precedent. In Ireland, for example, many pet shops have stopped selling rabbits and guinea pigs, leading to a marked drop in abandonment and welfare cases. These species are now more commonly rehomed through shelters or small, regulated rescues — a system that emphasises education, matching, and follow-up.
A similar framework could benefit dogs. By shifting dog acquisition away from anonymous sales and towards responsible, ethical sourcing, we could help tackle not just poor breeding but also reduce rehoming rates and behavioural issues rooted in early-life trauma.
What Could Ethical Sourcing Look Like?
Rather than banning dog acquisition altogether, the focus should shift toward regulated, traceable, and welfare-first methods. Some alternatives include:
Rescue organisations and shelters
Dogs in shelters should be behaviourally and medically assessed, and adopters are carefully matched to ensure a successful placement. Shelters should also be held to the same standards as verified breeders, including mandatory licensing and oversight. A baseline level of education in canine welfare and behaviour should be required for anyone involved in rehoming dogs to ensure consistent, ethical practices.Licensed, verified breeders
Breeders should be required to register with a national database, undergo regular inspections, and provide clear evidence that their dogs receive breed-appropriate care and early socialisation. In addition, all breeders should be required to pass a theory-based qualification on canine welfare, behaviour, and responsible breeding practices. Education is essential — breeding dogs should not be something anyone can do without proper knowledge and oversight.Third-party ethical marketplaces
If online platforms are used at all, they could function as closed systems, listing only pre-vetted breeders or rescue groups who meet clear welfare standards.Public education campaigns
Raising awareness about the risks of buying dogs online and encouraging people to adopt or go through regulated breeders can reshape demand at its source.Mandatory Online Course
A certified course should be made available to provide essential, baseline education in dog training, behaviour, breeding, and general care for anyone working professionally with animals. This course should be offered free of charge to rescue and shelter staff, and made available to others at a low, accessible cost to encourage widespread participation and raise industry standards.
The Dog Industry After a Ban
Critics argue that banning online ads might push unscrupulous sellers to more hidden channels, such as WhatsApp groups or unregulated social media pages. But with proper enforcement and support systems in place, banning online dog sales doesn’t need to close the door — just redirect people to a better one.
It would also raise the perceived value of dogs, encouraging potential owners to view dogs not as commodities but as long-term commitments requiring planning, patience, and understanding.
Banning online dog sales wouldn't fix everything overnight. But it could be a meaningful step in reducing unethical breeding and improving overall dog welfare. When it’s as easy to buy a dog than it is to purchase child’s toy from a safety-conscious retailer, we need to ask whether convenience has outpaced our responsibility.
It’s time we re-evaluate how dogs enter our lives — and whether we’re doing enough to ensure they stay in them for good.