Adding a new puppy to the family can be a very exciting time. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for your new best friend on our site that can help to make your experience safer and more enjoyable.
Photo by Don Agnello
If it looks too good to be true – it probably is
First of all, and most importantly – always buy the puppy in person. This will give you the opportunity to inspect the health of the puppy, the cleanliness and safety of the location, and best of all, you’ll see if you have a good rapport with the pet. While a picture may be worth a thousand words, a real live pet will tell the story.
Reputable breeders or owners will never ask you to send or wire money. No matter how good the deal seems or how cute the animal is, always pay once you’ve inspected the pet and asked the breeder all of your questions. Only then should you pay.
Don’t send money without seeing the puppy
If the seller is unwilling to allow you to see the puppy in person or have a third party assess the puppy’s health and temperament, it is a red flag.
Check for warning signs
Some warning signs of a suspicious puppy for sale ad include vague or incomplete information about the puppy or the seller, poor grammar or spelling, and requests for payment through wire transfer or prepaid debit cards.
Do your homework
Take a look at the pictures in the ad. Do they look like they might be generic photos downloaded off the internet? Do not be afraid to ask for more information or pictures of the animal.
It’s in the details
When picking up or viewing the puppy, always ask to check out their living conditions. If there are more than 3 dog breeds being raised in that location, be wary as it may be a puppy mill and you may end up with an animal that is not in the best of health.
Is the address posted local? They may have posted on a particular site but live in another province so shipping will be necessary. This will open up many possibilities for scams.
Use your instincts
If something about the ad or the seller seems off, trust your gut and look for another puppy. It is better to be cautious and take the time to find a reputable breeder than to risk falling victim to a scam.
Conclusion
When looking to add a new puppy to your family, it’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Always buy the puppy in person, inspect the puppy’s health and cleanliness of the location, and only pay once you’ve asked all your questions and inspected the pet.
Avoid sending money without seeing the puppy, and look out for warning signs such as vague information, poor grammar, and requests for payment through wire transfer or prepaid debit cards. Do your homework and check the pictures and living conditions of the puppy.
Use your instincts and trust your gut if something about the ad or the seller seems off. Remember, it’s better to be cautious and take the time to find a reputable breeder than to risk falling victim to a scam.