Buying a puppy online can be exciting as it sounds with the thought of adding a new member to your family. You can find many sellers online, but you can find many fake ones too! It is important that you look for red flags before you do a transaction online since there has been a rise in puppy scams, especially with the pandemic. From breeders to local shelters, you may want to do your research because you become a victim of puppy scams. It is safe to buy online if you are smart about it. There are precautions that you should take when buying a puppy online.
Payment should be made securely using a credit card or Paypal. If you pay with your credit card you can have the transaction reversed if you do not receive your puppy.
What method of payment should we avoid when paying for a puppy online?
Never send a payment with a money order or through Western Union. These are not safe methods of payment. Also never send bitcoin or gift cards.
Remember to look for red flags on potential breeders’ websites, like spelling errors and stock photographs lifted from other websites. Speak with breeders in person or over the phone and ask for references.
So if ever you’re looking into the details, and you want to be sure that the breeder you are speaking to is legit, check these pointers out on what is the best way to pay for a puppy online.
1. Paypal is the safest way to pay for a puppy
Scammers mostly use sketchy and unsecured payment methods such as wiring money or gift cards. If you do send a deposit, make sure it is through Paypal invoice versus sending your credit card details so there would be less chance of fraudulent transactions. It is also easy to get a payment refunded with PayPal in that matter.
2. Know more about the dog breeder before paying
Get to know more about the breeder and the puppy’s lifestyle. You also have the right to talk to the breeder’s veterinarian office. Ask all the questions you can think of so that there is less doubt in the transaction. Other specific questions you can ask are if the pup had their shots and a genetic warranty. A responsible breeder will have this in writing so you will know what to expect when you receive your new puppy.
3. Make sure the puppy is at its site or possession.
Legitimate websites have watermarks in their photos for copyright and claims. This is to prevent scammers from stealing pictures and trying to sell the puppies when they don’t even have them. If you feel uncomfortable about a puppy picture, have the breeder take a picture of the puppy with your name on an index card in it for proof. This will show that he/she actually has possession of the puppy.
We also suggest that you should know how to track down a scammer in this other article with tips such as search Google images.
4. Look at the puppy’s price range
Research about the average cost of the pup’s breed so you would have a basis. No deal is a guarantee and you won’t find a Yorkie or a bulldog for $200 when they normally sell for $2,000 – $3,000. Be cautious as you would in any financial transaction.
5. Paying with Credit Card for a pup is preferred
Many legitimate breeders prefer safe transactions like bank transfers or wire (because of lower transaction fees). One advantage of paying via credit card is that you can initiate a reverse transaction or chargeback if you think you have been scammed. E-transfers will have a record of both parties, however, wire transfers do not have and are riskier since you cannot retrieve the money back. You can also pay by escrow that offers a service of getting verification from both parties (buyer and responsible breeders).
Many of these scammers will do anything to get your money and make a living out of it. If you think you’ve got a scam on your hands, contact the FTC toll-free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357) or visit them at the FTC, or Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IC3.gov). These are some suggestions from our article on ways to get your money back if you have been a victim of a puppy scam.
Meeting the seller/buyer in person will ease the problem, and is the best practice to avoid a scam. If a buyer/seller is very hesitant to meet face-to-face, you’re likely dealing with a scammer. NEVER give out any of your personal information, including Paypal information and other online financial details. NEVER wire funds using Western Union or Moneygram. If you suspect a puppy scammer, you may report the scam and we will have it published in our website to warn other prospective puppy buyers.
Paying by credit card or PayPal Goods & Services are typically the safest options. Price is too good to be true. Research the prices for the breed you are considering ahead of time. Purebred dogs sold at deeply discounted prices are typically frauds.
Don't agree to wire money for a pet purchase or to pay via prepaid debit card. Instead, ask if you can pay with a credit card. This way, you'll have purchase protection and a way to back out of the transaction if the deal goes sideways. Don't send money for a pet purchase before you actually see the animal in reality.
Yes, if you can. Whether you're adopting or buying a pet, experts say it's a good idea to use plastic to pay the adoption fee or purchase price. In addition to the convenience factor, credit cards offer some consumer protections you don't get with other methods of payment.
Pet financing provides an affordable payment solution for purchasing a pet or emergencies, surgeries, routine care, and more. Pets grow to be some of the best friends we have in life. ...
There are many reasons why you may need to take out a pet loan. ...
If you have bad credit, you may still qualify for a pet loan.
Once you send money this way, it's almost impossible to get it back. On the other hand, reputable breeders typically accept checks, credit cards, or other secure and traceable payment methods.
Although there is no single safest way to pay online, credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and traditional bank transfers are the best 4 safest ways to pay when shopping online.
Time To Pet Mobile App offers a secure and hassle-free way to handle payments. The app supports various payment methods, including credit cards and digital wallets, ensuring that transactions are smooth and effortless. You can also view your payment history, invoices, and any outstanding balances all in one place.
“If you buy a puppy online, it's very likely you're getting scammed,” said John Goodwin, senior director of the Humane Society of the United States' Stop Puppy Mills campaign. “Even if you get the puppy you ordered, it may have come from a puppy mill and they won't show you the deplorable conditions they're kept in.
If your breeder's interactions, photos/videos, and references all check out, then you should feel safe sending in a deposit. Your breeder should confirm they have received your deposit continue to communicate with you regularly as your pup grows up!
Puppy financing can make sense for families who understand and can manage financial commitment. However, it's important to consider not just the immediate joy a puppy can bring, but also the long-term financial and ethical implications. If possible, consider other options like saving up or adopting from a shelter.
You should expect a dog to cost you at least £5,200 but, depending on the breed of the dog, their cost could be a minimum of £15,700 over their whole lifetime: Small dog breeds: At least £5,200 - £10,000. Medium dog breeds: At least £7,500 - £11,800. Large dog breeds: At least £6,900 - £15,700.
Make Sure You are Looking at Reputable Sources. There are a lot of ways for someone to advertise puppies online and connect with people who want to buy them. ...
Affirm allows you to spread out your payments over time with a repayment schedule that works for you. If you can find a breeder or pet store who accepts Affirm, you may be able to utilize this service for the purchase of a new dog.
Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
