Avoiding scams when buying a puppy is crucial to ensure you’re not only getting a healthy and happy pet but also protecting yourself from fraudulent breeders or unethical practices. Unfortunately, the puppy market has its fair share of scams, ranging from fraudulent breeders selling sick or unvaccinated puppies to dishonest individuals posing as reputable sellers.

Here are key ways to avoid puppy scams and make an informed purchase…

Research the Breeder or Seller Thoroughly

Check Reputation

• Reputable Breeders – Always buy from a breeder with a solid reputation. Look for breeders who are members of reputable breed clubs or organizations, such as the AKC (American Kennel Club), UKC (United Kennel Club), or other recognized breed-specific clubs. These breeders follow ethical guidelines and ensure that their dogs meet breed standards.
• Online Reviews and References – Look for reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from previous puppy buyers. Ask the breeder for references from past customers, and make sure the breeder has a history of happy customers.
• Word-of-Mouth Recommendations – If possible, ask for recommendations from veterinarians, local pet owners, or training professionals who have experience with the breeder.

Ask for Verification of the Breeder’s Credentials

• Ask the breeder for proof of registration with recognized organizations, as well as any veterinary certifications for the puppy’s health. A reputable breeder should be transparent about their breeding practices and open to answering your questions.

Avoid Red Flags in Online Listings

Too Good to Be True

• If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of listings that offer purebred puppies at an unusually low price, especially from unknown breeders or “rescue” groups. Scammers often lure buyers in with very low prices, only to later pressure them into sending money upfront or shipping the puppy without proper documentation.

Unrealistic Pictures and Videos

• Scammers often use stock photos or images from the internet to sell puppies. If you suspect the pictures are too professional or seem too polished, ask for recent, live video calls or photos of the actual puppy you’re interested in. Legitimate breeders will have no problem providing these.

No In-Person Meeting

• If the seller refuses to allow you to meet the puppy in person or visit their breeding facility, it’s a huge red flag. Always meet the puppy in person before making any financial commitment. If they insist on sending the puppy by mail or only offer to send pictures, that’s often a scam.

Meet the Puppy and Visit the Environment

Visit the Breeder’s Facility

• Always visit the breeder’s home or facility before buying a puppy. See where the puppies are raised and make sure the environment is clean, safe, and nurturing. Puppies should be living in a well-kept, humane environment with proper care from their mother and breeder.
• If the breeder refuses to let you visit the premises or insists on meeting at a location that is not their home or facility, walk away. Scammers often operate from fake locations or make excuses not to meet in person.

Meet the Puppy’s Parents

• A responsible breeder will allow you to meet the puppy’s mother and possibly the father as well. This helps ensure that the parents are healthy and well-socialized, and you can gauge the temperament and behavior of the dogs. It’s a red flag if the seller doesn’t want you to meet the parents or if they claim the mother is “in another location.”

Look for Socialization

• A healthy, well-adjusted puppy should be curious and approachable. Puppies that are withdrawn, overly fearful, or aggressive could indicate poor socialization or health problems. Be cautious if the puppy seems sick, too shy, or not appropriately interacting with people.

Request Health Documentation and Vet Records

Health Clearances

• A legitimate breeder should provide documentation proving that the puppy has received the necessary vaccinations, deworming treatments, and health checks from a licensed veterinarian. Ask for the puppy’s veterinary records, including proof of vaccinations, deworming, and any health clearances for common breed-specific conditions.
• Request clear documentation of the puppy’s microchip, vaccination history, and proof of health screenings for conditions like hip dysplasia or genetic issues.

Contract and Guarantees

• A reputable breeder will have a written contract that outlines the terms of the sale, including health guarantees, refund or replacement policies in case the puppy becomes ill or has genetic issues, and any return policies. Be wary of any breeder who doesn’t provide a contract or who is unwilling to offer a guarantee of any kind.
• Make sure the contract outlines your rights as a buyer and the breeder’s obligations. It’s often a scam if the breeder is unwilling to put anything in writing.

Beware of “Puppy Mills” and Overbreeding

Signs of a Puppy Mill

• A puppy mill is an unethical breeding facility where dogs are bred in poor conditions for profit, with little regard for their health, temperament, or well-being.
• Signs of puppy mills include…
  • Multiple litters of puppies available at once with little to no attention paid to the care of the puppies or their parents.
  • Poor living conditions for the dogs (e.g., dogs in cages with little space to move, unsanitary environments, etc.).
  • Overbreeding of dogs without concern for genetic health issues.
  • No clear socialization or interaction with humans.
• Always ask questions about the breeding practices, and take time to observe the conditions in which the puppies are raised. Ethical breeders care about the welfare of their animals and are not just interested in making a sale.

Avoid Online Payment Scams

Secure Payment Methods

• Avoid paying for a puppy via unsecured methods like Western Union, MoneyGram, or gift cards. These payment methods are commonly used by scammers because they are hard to trace and provide little recourse if the transaction turns out to be fraudulent.
• Instead, use credit cards or PayPal (with buyer protection) to provide an additional layer of security. Always verify the seller’s legitimacy before sending any money.

Avoid Overpayment or Extra Fees

• Scammers often ask for “extra” fees or claim that additional payments are required for shipping, vaccinations, or paperwork. If the seller asks you to pay additional fees once the purchase is made, that’s a red flag.

Trust Your Instincts

• Gut Feeling – If something feels off, trust your instincts. Scammers often try to rush or pressure you into making a decision quickly, so take your time.
• Don’t Settle for Red Flags – If you encounter any warning signs or feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to walk away. A good breeder will welcome your questions, concerns, and need for due diligence.

Consider Adoption from Shelters or Rescues

• Adopting from a shelter or rescue is another great way to find a puppy while avoiding scams. Shelters and rescues are typically more transparent about the dogs’ health, backgrounds, and behaviors, and they often provide the puppy’s medical records. Many also offer post-adoption support, which is helpful for first-time dog owners.

To avoid scams when buying a puppy, always research the breeder, meet the puppy in person, ask for health documentation, and never settle for deals that seem “too good to be true.” Be cautious about online listings and take steps to verify the seller’s legitimacy before making any financial commitments. Visit the breeder’s facility, ensure the puppy’s living conditions are appropriate, and get all agreements in writing. Finally, trust your instincts and never rush into a decision. Ethical breeders will always prioritize the health, well-being, and temperament of the puppies they raise.