Puppy Scams and How To Avoid Them
As we roll into this holiday season many will consider adding a new bundle of fluff to their home. Now I am not one that actually supports having that puppy magically show up under the tree for the kids, but that is a topic for another day.
What I do want to chat about today are the RED FLAG warnings that you as the consumer needs to be very aware of, when shopping for a puppy.
Red Flag Warnings When Buying a Puppy:
When searching online the same ad comes up again and again.
The seller is asking you to wire money or pay by sending gift cards. Once you wire money, there is no way of getting it back. Gift cards are just shady all around.
The seller is not willing to get on the phone with you and will only communicate by email. Fraudulent sellers are oftentimes outside of the US, hence they will not give a phone number.
The price is just too good to be true. Do your homework, find out what the going rate for the breed you are interested in is going for. If the price is too good to be true…it is too good to be true. If a breeder is saying that the dogs are registered with a purebred registry, you can call the registry to confirm.
Scammers love to take advantage of people when there is an emotional situation….what is more emotional that adding a bundle of love and slobber to your home?
Here are some tips to avoid puppy scammers!
#1 Contact a reputable breeder. How do you find a reputable breeder? Check with local breed clubs and purebred rescues (they know who is good and bad).
#2 Meet the breeder. This can be challenging in the day and age of computers. If you are purchasing from out of the area, be willing to travel, even if that means getting on a plane.
#3 Know the difference between a backyard breeder and a reputable breeder. There is a HUGE difference between the two, if you are not familiar it is time to do your research!
My biggest pet peeve are those that do not health test their breeding stock for hereditary problems (yes this is a HUGE problem and you should avoid anyone not testing…period).
Often times you will pay the same amount of money for a puppy from a backyard breeder, as you would from a reputable breeder. Knowing the signs can help you avoid potential health problems down the road.
The bottom line is, do your homework on the breed that you are considering. Make sure that the breeds characteristics fit your lifestyle (again another topic for another day), and purchase from a reputable source.
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