How Do You Not Get Scammed When Buying a Puppy Online?

There are a few things you can do to help ensure you don’t get scammed when buying a puppy online. First, be wary of anyone who asks you for money before you see the animal in person. Some scammers will take your money and never send you a puppy, or they may ship you a sick or dying animal. You should also always meet the breeder in person to get a better idea of their breeding practices and the health of the puppies.

You can also check to see if the seller has a website by using Google, Facebook and other search engines. Make sure they have a valid email address and phone number and try to connect with them in person if possible.

Be sure to get a written health guarantee from the breeder so you can return your puppy if it develops any health problems in the future. You should also be careful about paying for a dog through a gift card or wire transfer, as these are often used by scammers because they’re hard to trace.

Scammers often use stolen photos from other breeders or stock photo websites to represent nonexistent dogs. These scams can be difficult to spot, but if you are suspicious, try a reverse image search to see if the pictures you’ve been given look legit.

If the cost of the puppy is significantly lower than similar listings, it could be a sign that the dog isn’t from a reputable breeder or rescue. Reputable, responsible breeders don’t charge below the average cost of the breed and they don’t offer free puppies.

Another sign that the puppy might be a scam is if it’s too young for you to get. Reputable breeders want to know you’re ready for a puppy before putting it up for sale, according to Brandi Hunter Munden of the American Kennel Club. A reputable breeder will be ready to answer your questions, provide you with references and will even meet you at their home before shipping the puppy.

You should also look for any oddities, such as a free puppy but high shipping costs, or two puppies instead of one. These are red flags and should be addressed right away to avoid becoming a victim of a scam.

Don’t be afraid to ask for more photos of the puppy if you are suspicious. Reputable breeders and rescues will have a lot of photos for you to choose from. You can also ask to see the pups’ parents or littermates, which will give you a more accurate sense of what they’re like.

Lastly, be sure to follow up with your vet to make sure your new pet is fully vaccinated and hasn’t had any medical issues. Getting a puppy whose vaccinations are not up to date can be devastating for both you and your pet, so it’s important to ensure the puppy is protected.

There are many different ways to not get scammed when buying a puppy, but the most important thing is to do your research and listen to your instincts when you’re not sure whether or not you should trust someone. The Internet can be a scary place, but it’s also a great place to find your new best friend!