Petplan suspends automated breeder registration
Petplan said a full review of its registration process is underway but it has made a series of immediate changes.
Pet insurer Petplan has suspended the automated registration process for its breeder scheme, and introduced new measures to help ensure the authenticity of breeders.
The move follows a recent Mail On Sunday article that suggested puppy farmers could be using the scheme to lure buyers with four weeks’ free Petplan insurance, which breeders on the scheme are able to offer puppy buyers.
Six journalists said they were able to successfully register for the breeder scheme using false names. The Mail also reported it had learned of at least two cases of criminal puppy farming gangs that were signed up to the scheme.
Petplan said a full review of its registration process is underway but it has made a series of immediate changes, including the suspension of its automated system. Going forward, there will now be a two-stage registration process whereby breeders register their interest online. Full registration will only be confirmed following a telephone conversation with a Petplan representative.
In addition, the company said it now captures additional information from breeders at the point of registration and breeders who expect to breed five litters or more per year are subject to an additional review.
A spokesperson said: “One of Petplan’s key goals is to ensure that the health and welfare of pets is protected at all times, particularly during periods of high vulnerability such as the transition period as a pet leaves the breeder or rehoming centre and settles into its new home.
“Petplan provides four weeks’ free insurance which includes £4,000 veterinary fee cover to help encourage new owners to seek veterinary treatment at the earliest opportunity and to ensure they have financial help available to cover the cost of any unexpected treatment the pet needs.
“Given that this is an unregulated industry, we are taking further steps to help ensure the authenticity of breeders issuing Petplan insurance.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
