Buying a Pet Online? 5 Do's & Don'ts
Tags: date_June_2016 (10)Uncategorized (86)
People are increasingly turning to local internet searches for everything new for their home, and bringing a new pet home is no exception. Choosing to buy your pet online seems like an easy way to research and meet a cute puppy, kitten, or a lovable adult pet in need of a new home. Unfortunately, online pet scams are a growing problem and you don’t want to be another victim. Pet ads on craigslist is a trending topic on Google, so much so that PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has provided a statement for the site, which we encourage you to check out for well-informed caveats of online pet exchanges.To be extra cautious when choosing to buy a pet online, also check out our list of the top 5 Do’s and Don’ts and be prepared to spot the possible warning signs of a scam:
It's neither necessary nor kind to subject animals to long hauls for sale to remote buyers.
1. DO Know Where Your Pet’s REALLY Coming From
If you notice the same picture of that adorable puppy listed for sale on several websites, chances are that image was stolen and that particular animal is not really for sale. Breeders will generally watermark their images so this doesn’t happen. If you see blurred watermarks or photos from breeders without them, be wary. Thousands of dogs are shipped from puppy mills overseas and sold to American buyers online. Some of the puppies and kitties start showing signs of sickness as soon as they arrive and die from undisclosed health problems not long after. Ask where your pet was born and bred and stay away from distant sellers. Which leads us to our next Do.2. DO Visit Your Future Pet Before You Take Him/Her Home
It’s best to see how your potential pet gets along with you and other members of your family before you bring them home for good. Cats and dogs all have different temperaments—just like humans—and some breeds and personalities click better than others.Always visit an English bulldog or Yorkshire terrier breeder as these are the most commonly scammed breeds. Offer to pick up your pet instead of having them shipped to see where s/he really came from.
Certain breeds, like the English Bulldog, are favorites of scam artists online.
3. DON’T Get Scammed for More Money
Many potential pet owners have been scammed by sellers who claim to offer a free cat or dog if you pay for the shipping to get them to your home. What actually happens is that handsome puppy you think you’re rescuing doesn’t even really exist. According to the Humane Society, when you give those sellers the shipping costs they ask for, a few days later you’ll be informed that your pet is being held at the airport due to complications with customs officials. They’ll demand more money from you and then disappear when you send it.
Be careful of dodgy payment requests.