Avoiding Puppy Scams: Protecting Yourself When Buying a New Pet

Introduction

Adopting a puppy is an exciting and heartwarming experience, but unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals out there who prey on unsuspecting pet lovers. Puppy scams have become increasingly common, with fraudsters posing as breeders or sellers and taking advantage of people’s emotions and trust. To ensure you don’t fall victim to a puppy scam, it’s crucial to be vigilant and take necessary precautions. In this blog, we’ll discuss essential tips to help you avoid puppy scams and find a legitimate, responsible source for your new furry friend.

1. Research, Research, Research Before even considering adopting a puppy, invest time in thorough research. Start by gathering information about different breeds, their specific needs, and characteristics. This knowledge will help you spot any red flags or inconsistencies during the adoption process. Additionally, research reputable breeders or adoption centers in your area and check their reviews, ratings, and reputation. Look for breed-specific clubs or organizations that can provide recommendations or referrals to trusted breeders.
2. Visit in Person (or if not possible request a video call) One of the most effective ways to avoid puppy scams is to visit the breeder or seller in person. Request a physical meeting at their location and see the puppies firsthand. While many breeders don’t allow visits until a deposit has at least been made (and some not at all), responsible breeders will gladly welcome at a minimum video calls where you can view the puppies and parents, allowing you to observe the living conditions, health of the puppies, and the environment in which they’re raised. Be wary of sellers who refuse or make excuses for not allowing this. Pre-recorded video is not enough, it must be a live call.
3. Ask for References and Documentation Legitimate breeders will have references from previous buyers or veterinary professionals who can vouch for their credibility. Don’t hesitate to ask for such references and contact them to verify their experiences. Additionally, request documentation related to the parents and puppy’s health, vaccination records and health testing. Genuine breeders will readily provide these documents to ensure transparency and build trust.
4. Be Wary of Unusually Low Prices If the price of a puppy seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure potential buyers with unrealistically low prices to entice them into making quick decisions. Quality breeders invest significant time, effort, and resources into breeding and raising healthy puppies. They have a thorough understanding of their breed’s value and will price their puppies accordingly. Exercise caution and be skeptical of excessively low prices.
5. Be Wary of Breeders with many different breeds and options Ethical breeders may have a few different breeds at once but they are not supermarkets and high volumes of puppies, choices and availability may indicate a scam (or a puppy farm). In Australia be wary of the term ‘for adoption’ outside shelters as this can be an indicator.
6. Avoid Unsecured Payment Methods Scammers frequently insist on wire transfers or unconventional payment methods, such as prepaid debit cards or cryptocurrency. These methods offer minimal recourse if you become a victim of fraud. Use secure payment options such as credit cards or reputable payment platforms that offer buyer protection. Never send money or provide financial information to someone you haven’t thoroughly vetted and trust.
7. Trust Your Instincts Your instincts can be powerful tools when it comes to avoiding scams. If something feels off or raises suspicion during your interactions with a breeder or seller, trust your gut feeling and proceed with caution. Signs of potential scams include high-pressure sales tactics, inconsistent information, evasiveness when asked questions, and reluctance to provide necessary documentation.
8. Seek Recommendations and Utilise Reputable Platforms Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or local pet communities when searching for a reputable breeder or adoption center. These personal referrals can provide peace of mind and help you connect with trusted sources. Additionally, utilise reputable online platforms dedicated to ethical breeders, as they often have strict verification processes and policies in place to ensure the legitimacy of the sellers. In Australia, there is a wonderful group of volunteers known as Puppy Scam Awareness Australia who have a list of verified breeders and also a facebook group you can join to ask the group whether something is likely to be a scam before proceeding. They also have some useful information on How to Spot a Fake Website.

Conclusion

By taking proactive measures and being diligent in your research and interactions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to puppy scams. Remember to thoroughly investigate breeders, visit them in person, ask for references and documentation, be cautious of unusually low prices, use secure payment methods, and trust your instincts. Finding a legitimate and responsible source for your new furry companion ensures a safe and fulfilling adoption process, leading to a lifetime of love and companionship.