Avoiding puppy scams requires vigilance and awareness. Sadly, some dishonest breeders and sellers exploit people’s love for puppies to take advantage of potential owners.

Here are several key steps you can take to avoid falling victim to a scam when purchasing a puppy…

Research the Breeder or Seller

• Reputable breeders or organizations will have a good reputation and be transparent in their practices.
• Look for reviews and references – Search online for reviews from previous puppy buyers. Look for feedback on platforms like the breeder’s website, pet forums, or social media.
• Check with organizations – Look for breeder certification from recognized associations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), or the breed club. Reputable breeders usually follow ethical standards and will be registered with these organizations.

Beware of Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers

• Unusually low prices – If the price is much lower than other breeders in your area or for the breed, be suspicious. Scammers often undercut prices to make the deal seem more appealing and trick people into committing.
• “Free” puppies or “giveaway” deals – If someone offers a “free” puppy with the condition of paying for shipping or medical records, it is likely a scam.
• Promising purebred or rare dogs at low prices – Be cautious of puppies from breeders offering “purebred” puppies at prices significantly lower than market norms.

Visit the Breeder in Person

• Meet in person – Avoid buying from online-only breeders or websites. If you’re able to, always visit the breeder’s premises and meet the puppies, parents, and the living conditions. A reputable breeder will be welcoming and transparent.
• Request to meet the puppy’s parents – The condition and temperament of the puppy’s parents will give you insight into the health and behavior of the puppies. A trustworthy breeder will show you the parents and be forthcoming about their health history.
• Examine the environment – Ensure the breeder’s environment is clean and well-kept. A dirty or unsanitary space is often a red flag for improper breeding practices or neglect.

Get Documentation

• Health certificates and vet records – Ask for proof that the puppy has been checked by a veterinarian and has received age-appropriate vaccinations. Legitimate breeders will have these documents ready for you.
• Ensure breeding practices are ethical – The breeder should be able to show you papers that outline their breeding standards and practices. If they seem evasive or uncomfortable, that’s a warning sign.

Be Cautious of Puppies That Seem Too Young

• 8 weeks or older – As previously discussed, reputable breeders won’t let puppies go to new homes before they reach 8 weeks old (typically 10-12 weeks for some breeds). Be wary of any breeder wanting to sell puppies younger than that.
• Look for inconsistencies – Ask questions about the puppy’s birth and any details about their health history. Be alert if their answers are vague or contradict each other.

Verify the Seller’s Identity and Contact Details

• Request a phone number – Scammers often use email or only respond through text. Having a direct phone conversation with the breeder will allow you to ask more detailed questions and confirm their legitimacy.
• Search the address – For breeders who offer to ship puppies from remote locations, use online mapping services to verify the physical location of their operation.
• Be cautious of shipping scams – Scammers sometimes offer to ship puppies, asking for upfront payment, only to disappear once they receive the money. Always insist on meeting the puppy in person, if possible.

Watch for Warning Signs in Communication

• Requests for upfront payment – Any breeder demanding full payment before allowing you to see the puppy, without clear agreements and contracts, is a red flag.
• Pressure tactics – Scammers may use high-pressure tactics, like telling you the puppy will “sell out fast” or you need to make a quick decision, in order to rush you into purchasing.
• Disengaged or evasive responses – If the breeder or seller doesn’t respond to your questions directly or seems disinterested in having an honest conversation, trust your instincts.

Use a Secure Payment Method

• Avoid wire transfers and gift cards – Legitimate breeders will allow secure payment methods such as credit cards, PayPal, or checks. Avoid wire transfers, money orders, or gift cards, which are often favored by scammers due to the difficulty of tracing them.

Do a Home Visit to See Where the Puppies Are Raised

• Visit the puppy’s environment – Spend time with the puppies in their home environment before committing. Scammers may be reluctant to allow you to meet the puppies in person or visit their homes.
• Evaluate the cleanliness and welfare – A reputable breeder’s space should look safe, well-maintained, and cared for. Healthy puppies should appear clean and well-socialized.

Avoid Puppy Mills

• Signs of a puppy mill – Puppy mills are high-volume breeding operations that prioritize profit over the health and well-being of the dogs. Red flags include…
  • Dogs living in unsanitary conditions.
  • Overcrowded cages or kennels.
  • Lack of appropriate veterinary care or health screening for puppies and breeding dogs.
• Research breeders – Always ask how many litters the breeder produces per year. A reputable breeder typically has only a few litters per year to ensure careful attention to the puppies’ welfare.

Trust Your Instincts

• Be cautious – If something feels off, trust your instincts. If you’re in a situation where you feel pressured or things don’t add up, it’s okay to walk away.

To avoid puppy scams

• Do thorough research on the breeder, checking credentials, reviews, and reputation.
• Always meet in person or visit the facility when possible.
• Verify health records and documentation.
• Watch out for deals that seem too good to be true, especially prices much lower than average.
• Take your time to make informed, cautious decisions, and don’t feel pressured into buying quickly.

By staying informed and being careful in your approach, you can avoid most puppy scams and ensure a healthy, happy puppy for your family.