Originally published in 2022. This article is retained for historical reference. For the current framework, consult our animal law guides and 2026 briefing.
Our Check-List: Buy an animal and remember to be safe.
In case you are thinking about buying an animal, you shall be aware that in Germany the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture is currently warning against illegal puppy trade. The animals are bred in countries like Poland, the Czech Republic or Hungary under very poor conditions and are often sold sick. They suffer from severe viral diseases such as distemper or parvovirosis and have to be put down. Cases of illegal imports of pedigree cats are also becoming more common.
Even if the animals are or look healthy and lively and the sellers make a solid impression – it always makes sense as a buyer to contractually secure the purchase of a dog, cat or hamster.
Have a look at our purchase check-list:
- General information: Information on age, colour, pedigree and any tattoo or chip number;
- Health: Information on possible diseases and operations carried out. A list of all vaccinations is also important;
- Intended use: Is the animal to be used for breeding purposes? Hunt, Guard, Sport etc.
- Training level: In the case of show horses and, for example, guide dogs, it should be stated in the contract how long they have been trained and by whom;
- Purchase examination: A veterinary examination is customary before buying a horse. The certificate of the examination should be included in the purchase contract.
We are the animal law attorneys you were looking for. International purchase agreements are no strange to us. We will prepare all the contractual documentation for you, in order to make the best out of your animal purchase.
Practical supplement added 13 November 2026. The original article above retains its historical context. The following scenarios are hypothetical and are not additional findings of the court or events reported in that article.
Legal assessment and practical approach
In animal sales, the seller’s status, agreed characteristics and condition at the transfer of risk are central. Illness after delivery is not automatically a defect. Nor does calling a transaction a private sale settle the issue if the seller actually operates as a business.
Four practical examples
These are hypothetical scenarios illustrating issues to assess. They do not describe actual client matters or promise a particular outcome.
Practical example 1
A puppy falls ill days after delivery. Arrange the advertisement, contract and initial findings chronologically. Establish whether the seller acted commercially and what rights arise from a defect already present at delivery.
Practical example 2
A horse expressly sold as suitable for beginners shows dangerous behaviour. Specific promises and demonstrable facts matter. Dissatisfaction alone does not establish a breach of agreed characteristics.
Practical example 3
A buyer arranges non-urgent surgery without contacting the seller and seeks reimbursement. Review the opportunity to remedy, communications and urgency exceptions. Medical necessity and reimbursement under sales law are separate issues.
Practical example 4
A cross-border animal sale fails because documents are missing. Review document obligations, applicable law and jurisdiction. The animal’s location and safe care pending resolution are also practical priorities.
Prepare the relevant evidence
Provide complete documents and a concise chronology. Distinguish your observations from statements by others and unresolved questions. Include attachments, evidence of service and deadlines with official notices and correspondence. Preserve original files, images and message histories unchanged; an organised working copy assists review.