Buying and selling pets online has become the primary method for acquiring companion animals, with approximately in Australia alone, most of them via the internet. While digital platforms offer ease and accessibility, the lack of transparency poses significant risks to animal welfare and consumer security. The Rise of the Online Pet Market
: The onset of the pandemic saw a surge in pet acquisition costs; pre-pandemic, only 16% of dogs cost more than $2,000, but by late 2022, that figure rose to 34%. Critical Risks and "Red Flags" buy and sell pets online
: Platforms range from community classifieds like Gumtree and Trading Post to specialized sites like Pets4Homes . Buying and selling pets online has become the
: Research indicates that online advertisements are now the most common way people find pets. with approximately in Australia alone