Can you tell the difference between a scam advert and one placed by a genuine puppy breeder? You might be surprised. The illegal puppy trade is booming, with unscrupulous sellers finding increasingly ingenious ways to dupe the public into buying a puppy which may have been raised in suboptimal welfare conditions in the UK and, increasingly, overseas. This talk will cover the scale of the problem, some of the tactics used by illegal sellers, review their links to organised crime and consider the short and longer term implications of these acquisitions for canine welfare. We will also discuss our recent research into the UK public (and veterinary professions’) understanding of the legalities, benefits and risks associated with buying puppies born abroad. This session will end with a quiz so you can test your ability to spot the red flags in puppy adverts, and discuss ways you can help your clients avoid being scammed.