How to Buy Pets for Sale Safely?

Buying a pet safely requires verification of the seller’s credentials, in-person inspection of the animal and facilities, and a written contract with health guarantees. The process involves checking licensing through organizations like the American Kennel Club, meeting the pet before purchase, and avoiding payment methods that can’t be traced or reversed.

Understanding Pet Purchase Risks

The online pet marketplace has expanded significantly, but so have the associated risks. Over 60% of prospective pet buyers encountered a scam listing in 2021, with puppies representing 80% of these scams, and the Better Business Bureau received nearly 10,000 reports of scams involving sellers claiming to have puppies and dogs for sale in the last three years. 70% of people targeted by pet scams ended up losing money, with a median cost in 2020 of $750.

These scams typically follow a predictable pattern. Scammers often offer pets for free or at drastically reduced prices, requesting only shipping costs, then continually demand additional money for temperature-controlled crates, shipping insurance, additional paperwork, or veterinary care. Some even threaten buyers with animal abandonment charges if payments stop.

Beyond outright scams, legitimate-seeming sellers may operate puppy mills where animals are bred in poor conditions. Many people who purchased puppies online found their new pets were sick and often died from health problems, with some not knowing they were dealing with someone outside the U.S. or that their puppy was born overseas.

Verify Seller Credentials Before Contact

Start by checking official registries and databases before engaging with any seller.

Check Legitimate Kennel Registries

The easiest way to find reputable and trustable dog breeders is by checking legitimate kennel registries such as the American Kennel Club, The Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the Federation Cynologique Internationale. For cats, verify membership with the Cat Fancier’s Association.

Not all registries carry equal weight. Verify the breeder’s license through USDA or Kennel Club directories, and check that certifications are from recognized institutions that ensure breeders comply with proper standards.

Verify USDA Licensing

For commercial breeders selling pets, federal law requires USDA licensing. However, a “USDA Inspected” breeder does not necessarily mean a good breeder, as the USDA certification requires adherence only to minimum standards based on the Animal Welfare Act, largely intended for commercial breeding. Use USDA licensing as a baseline requirement, not a quality guarantee.

Research Breeder Reputation

Most reputable dog breeders will have a reference book or records of their clients’ opinions and feedback. Search online for the breeder’s name along with words like “review,” “scam,” or “complaint” to see what others are saying.

Long-time breeders will often have waiting lists of repeat customers, and looking through their social media pages or website will give you a sense of their reputation, including comments from other well-established and reputable breeders and testimonials from people who have gotten dogs from them in the past.

Recognize Red Flags Early

Identifying warning signs early can save you from scams and poor-quality sellers.

Communication Red Flags

If the breeder only communicates through email and refuses to speak on the phone or video call, chances are good they are running a scam. Reputable breeders should be willing to have multiple forms of communication, including phone calls and video chats.

Be wary if the supposed seller only wants to communicate through certain messaging apps, cannot answer basic questions about the pet’s background, refuses video calls or in-person meet-ups, and insists on payment through hard-to-trace peer-to-peer money transfer apps.

Pricing Red Flags

Many fake breeders will charge ridiculously low prices to draw buyers in, so research the breed you’re looking at and see the usual price – if there is a drastic difference between the usual price and the price offered by the breeder, it is probably a scam.

Purebred pets offered at steeply discounted rates that don’t align with typical pricing for that breed can signal a scam attempt. Popular breeds like French Bulldogs typically cost $2,000-$4,000 from reputable breeders; anything significantly lower warrants suspicion.

Photo and Listing Red Flags

Pet scammers often find photos online and pass them off as their own, so consider performing a reverse image search with the picture of the pet – if the same picture appears on multiple or stock image websites, immediately cut off communication with the seller.

Potential red flags include the same ad posted in multiple Craigslist localities, presented as if it were local to each. Scammers often copy-paste identical listings across multiple cities to cast a wider net.

Shipping and Meeting Red Flags

If the only way to get a dog is via shipment, stop – reputable breeders do not put puppies on planes. While some legitimate long-distance transactions exist, most reputable breeders prefer buyers who can visit in person or will use professional pet transportation services that you arrange yourself.

Red flags include insisting on meeting at a public location rather than the seller’s home, having a third-party person deliver the animal, no opportunity to meet and interact with the animal prior to taking them home, and claiming the animal must be shipped from a remote location.

Conduct In-Person Inspections

Meeting the pet and seeing their living conditions is essential for safe purchases.

Visit the Breeder’s Facilities

If the answer to “Can I visit the facilities where you house your breeding dogs or cats?” is “no,” it’s likely they have something to hide – this would be a good reason to look elsewhere.

Visit the breeder’s home or kennel, where the premises should be clean and smell good – avoid breeders who have large numbers of dogs and puppies kept in kennels or runs, as this could be a puppy mill masquerading as a breeder.

During your visit, observe:

  • Cleanliness of living areas
  • Space available for animals to move and play
  • Access to fresh water and food
  • Ventilation and lighting conditions
  • Overall smell and sanitation

Meet the Parent Animals

If the answer to “Can I meet the litter of puppies or kittens and their mother?” is “no,” walk away. Ask to see the whole litter and at least one of the parents – the animals should look healthy and well-fed, with no runny eyes or noses.

Meeting parent animals helps you assess:

  • Adult size and temperament you can expect
  • Health conditions that may be hereditary
  • How animals are treated in the breeding program
  • Socialization and behavior patterns

Assess Health and Temperament

The breeder should have a good working relationship with a respected veterinarian who examines each pup and provides immunizations and parasite control according to medical standards, readily providing a complete medical record on each pup.

Look for puppies or kittens that are:

  • Alert and playful
  • Responsive to human interaction
  • Clean with bright eyes
  • Appropriate weight for their age
  • Free from coughing, sneezing, or lethargy

Verify Health Documentation

Proper health records are non-negotiable for safe pet purchases.

Required Veterinary Records

The breeder should be able to produce veterinary records of the puppies and their parents – if the breeder cannot produce these or if the puppies or kittens haven’t been vaccinated or dewormed with no plans to do so, look elsewhere.

Essential health documentation includes:

  • Vaccination records with specific vaccines and dates
  • Deworming treatments and schedule
  • Veterinary examination certificates
  • Microchip registration number
  • Health screening results for breed-specific conditions

Genetic Health Testing

Organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) maintain databases of the tests that breeders do on their dogs – be sure to look not just for your potential puppy’s parents, but their siblings and ancestors.

When appropriate, the breeder should present documentation illustrating that the pup’s parents/grandparents were screened for hereditary breed problems such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart conditions, and should practice responsible mating, taking genetic predispositions into account to reduce potential inherited problems.

Common breed-specific screenings include:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia (large breeds)
  • Eye certifications (CERF or OFA)
  • Cardiac evaluations
  • Genetic disease panels (varies by breed)
  • Thyroid function tests

Age-Appropriate Care

Good breeders keep puppies or kittens until they’re at least 6 weeks old, though 8 to 12 weeks is preferable. Responsible breeders do not separate offspring from their mother before 6-8 weeks of age.

Puppies and kittens need this time with their mother and littermates for proper socialization, learning bite inhibition, and developing appropriate behaviors.

Review and Negotiate Contracts

A written contract protects both you and the animal.

Essential Contract Elements

Breeders require buyers to sign a contract that outlines the basics about the puppy including the names of both parents and the puppy’s AKC registration number, and will always include a return-to-breeder clause.

Basic contract elements should include confirmation that the seller has done everything possible to maintain the medical care of the dog, and outline obligations such as the purchaser keeping the dog as a household pet, providing adequate shelter, medical care, water, food, and affection.

Key contract provisions to look for:

  • Purchase price and payment terms
  • Registration information and papers
  • Health guarantee terms and duration
  • Return or refund policies
  • Spay/neuter requirements (if pet-quality)
  • Breeder’s responsibilities
  • Buyer’s care commitments

Health Guarantee Terms

Some contracts include a guarantee against all genetic defects (usually up to a certain age), while others guarantee against specific ailments such as heart problems, sometimes under certain conditions that may affect a breed.

Typical guarantees provide warranty against debilitating congenital defects for a period of 2 years after the date of sale, though coverage for genetic/disease conditions may vary.

Important health guarantee details:

  • Time frame for veterinary examination (usually 48-72 hours)
  • What conditions are covered
  • What conditions are excluded (parasites, minor illnesses)
  • Remedy options (replacement, refund, or reimbursement)
  • Conditions that void the guarantee
  • Who pays for diagnostic testing

Return-to-Breeder Clause

Reputable breeders require that any dog they bred be returned to them no matter how old the dog or what the reason, keeping track of and taking responsibility for all the dogs they have brought into this world.

Reputable breeders will require you to sign a contract that includes a return-to-breeder clause requiring any puppy who needs to be rehomed be returned to them, regardless of age, health, or other reason, showing the breeder stands behind their dogs for life and is concerned about their well-being.

This clause demonstrates the breeder’s commitment to their animals’ lifetime welfare and prevents pets from ending up in shelters.

Choose Safe Payment Methods

How you pay significantly impacts your ability to recover money if something goes wrong.

Avoid Untraceable Payments

Only scammers say you must pay with gift cards, a payment app, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram since it’s hard to get your money back.

Some unethical sellers may request an “adoption fee” paid in a manner that’s deliberately difficult for the adopter to recover in case of fraud, such as cash, wire transfer, or gift cards.

Never use these payment methods:

  • Gift cards of any kind
  • Wire transfers (Western Union, MoneyGram)
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Cash for large amounts
  • Money orders to distant sellers

Use Protected Payment Methods

Credit cards offer the strongest buyer protection. Avoid dealing with someone who won’t take payment by credit card, which offers you far greater protection in case of fraud or dispute.

Recommended payment methods:

  • Credit cards (best protection through chargebacks)
  • PayPal Goods & Services (offers buyer protection)
  • Escrow services for high-value transactions
  • Personal check for local transactions where you meet in person

Deposit and Payment Schedule

Legitimate breeders often require a deposit to reserve a puppy. This is normal practice, but:

  • Deposit should be 10-25% of purchase price
  • Get a written receipt specifying what the deposit covers
  • Understand refund policies if you change your mind
  • Final payment should occur only when you take possession
  • Never pay full price months in advance

Consider Alternative Adoption Sources

Shelters and rescues offer safe alternatives to purchasing from breeders.

Benefits of Shelter Adoption

There are more than 130,000 dogs and puppies ready for adoption through Petfinder, and adoption fees are often just a fraction of what you’d pay for shipping a puppy, typically ranging from being waived to a few hundred dollars.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 25% of dogs in shelters are purebred, meaning you can often find specific breeds through rescue organizations rather than breeders.

Shelter adoption advantages:

  • Lower cost with health care often included
  • Animals are health-checked and vaccinated
  • Temperament testing is typically performed
  • Adult animals available (skip the puppy phase)
  • You’re saving a life and supporting animal welfare

Finding Breed-Specific Rescues

If you want a specific breed, search for breed-specific rescue organizations. These groups specialize in rehoming particular breeds and can match you with dogs that fit your needs. They often have extensive knowledge of the breed’s requirements and can provide ongoing support.

Ask the Right Questions

Thorough questioning helps identify reputable sellers and avoid problems.

Questions About the Breeder

Ask “How many breeding animals do you own?” as this answer should prompt more questions about the conditions the animals are raised in.

A reputable breeder should know the puppy’s information as well as the back of their hand, and if you do not get the feeling they are excited to talk about their line, it may not be a good fit.

Critical breeder questions:

  • How long have you been breeding this breed?
  • Are you a member of the breed’s national club?
  • How many litters do you produce per year?
  • What health testing do you perform on parents?
  • Can I speak with previous puppy buyers?
  • What support do you provide after purchase?

Questions About the Puppy

You want a breeder who can tell you all the ways they’re making an effort to socialize their puppies, such as positive exposure to grooming and handling or getting them used to being around other people and pets.

Essential puppy questions:

  • What is the puppy’s exact birth date?
  • What vaccinations has the puppy received?
  • Has the puppy been dewormed? When?
  • What is the puppy currently eating?
  • How has the puppy been socialized?
  • What is the puppy’s temperament like?
  • Are there any known health issues?

Questions About Parents

Ask detailed questions about both parent animals:

  • Can I meet both parents?
  • What health clearances do the parents have?
  • What are the parents’ temperaments like?
  • How old are the parents?
  • How many litters has the mother had?
  • Are the parents working dogs or companions?

If the breeder claims registration or affiliations, independently confirm these claims with the stated organizations.

Understand What to Expect

Knowing the standards helps you evaluate whether a seller is legitimate.

Socialization Practices

Reputable breeders know that socialization is an important part of puppy development and spend one-on-one time with their pups, providing toys, fun, exercise, and lots of love for each pup.

Properly socialized puppies should:

  • Be comfortable with human handling
  • Show curiosity rather than fear
  • Have experience with various sounds and stimuli
  • Play appropriately with littermates
  • Be exposed to different surfaces and environments

Breeder Involvement

Good breeders will be concerned about the animal for a lifetime, may ask you to sign a contract specifying your responsibility in taking good care of your new dog, and expect follow-up on how the animal is doing even after you’ve taken the pet home.

The breeder should offer to be available to answer any questions you have after you take the pup home.

Signs of a committed breeder:

  • They interview you about your lifestyle and experience
  • They ask about your home environment
  • They want to ensure a good match
  • They offer ongoing support and advice
  • They stay in contact with puppy buyers
  • They maintain a relationship with their dogs’ families

Waiting Lists

Conscientious breeders give their dams a rest between litters to avoid over-breeding them, so the wait for a pup may be over a year. This is actually a good sign – breeders focused on quality over quantity often have waiting lists.

Be wary of breeders who:

  • Always have puppies available immediately
  • Breed every heat cycle
  • Have multiple litters of different breeds
  • Can’t tell you when the next litter is expected
  • Pressure you to buy quickly

Take Action When You Encounter Fraud

If you suspect or experience a scam, report it to help protect others.

Where to Report

If you spot a pet scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 or report it with the AARP Scam Tracking Map.

Additional reporting resources:

  • Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
  • Your state’s Attorney General office
  • Local law enforcement
  • IPATA (International Pet & Animal Transportation Association) maintains a list of known scammers

Attempting Recovery

If you paid with cash, contact the Postal Inspection Service if you mailed cash or money orders – they may be able to use tracking numbers to help in your fraud case, though if they’ve already received your cash, chances of getting it back are slim.

You may be able to reverse a wire transfer if you contact the company you used to send it right away, letting them know the payment was fraudulent and requesting they recover your money.

If you paid with a gift card, contact the company that issued the card right away – they may be able to cancel the card and give you a refund.

Special Considerations for Online Purchases

Digital transactions require extra precautions.

Virtual Inspections

Many breeders now welcome potential dog owners virtually via Zoom or FaceTime, where you can still learn a lot about the quality of the operation if you know what to look for.

During video calls:

  • Request a tour of the facilities
  • Ask to see all puppies in the litter
  • Observe the mother if possible
  • Check cleanliness and space
  • Watch how puppies interact
  • Look for health and energy levels
  • Note the breeder’s willingness to show everything

Verifying Website Legitimacy

Don’t be swayed by authentic-looking websites – scammers swipe photos, videos and testimonials from legitimate pet sites and create detailed web pages for fake transport companies.

Website verification steps:

  • Check domain age (use WHOIS lookup)
  • Look for contact information beyond email
  • Verify physical address via Google Maps
  • Check for professional email addresses
  • Search for independent reviews
  • Verify any certifications or memberships claimed
  • Look for consistent information across platforms

Safe Long-Distance Transactions

If buying from a distance is unavoidable:

  • Use video calls extensively before committing
  • Request recent photos with date verification (ask for photo with today’s newspaper)
  • Have an independent vet examine the pet before shipping
  • Arrange your own transportation rather than using the seller’s shipper
  • Use escrow services for payment
  • Get all promises in writing
  • Have a veterinarian examination completed immediately upon arrival

Make an Informed Decision

Take your time and trust your instincts throughout the process.

As you interact with the prospective breeder, consider how you feel – you need to feel comfortable with them, and should ask yourself if you would feel comfortable calling this breeder in the future if you had a midnight emergency with your puppy.

Before committing to purchase:

  • Visit at least twice if possible
  • Meet the puppy on multiple occasions
  • Verify all documentation independently
  • Read and understand the entire contract
  • Check references from previous buyers
  • Ensure you’re financially prepared for pet ownership
  • Confirm your living situation allows pets
  • Consider whether the breed fits your lifestyle

Remember that a good rule of thumb is to not deal with anyone who claims to be a distant buyer, seller, or adopter, and if buying a puppy from a breeder, make sure you meet the breeder, meet the mother dog, and see where she lives.

Purchasing a pet is a long-term commitment that requires due diligence upfront. The time invested in verification, visits, and research helps ensure you bring home a healthy, well-adjusted companion while avoiding financial loss and heartbreak. Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, it probably is.