The Risks and Rewards of Online Dog Purchases
Buying a dog online has become increasingly popular, with over 86% of pet owners now shopping for their pets on the internet (https://explodingtopics.com/blog/pet-industry-stats). The convenience and selection are big draws, but there are also risks when you can’t meet the dog or breeder in person. This guide will explore the pros and cons, provide tips for spotting warning signs, and alternatives for finding your perfect pup.
Pros of Online Dog Purchases
Buying a dog online offers several advantages over purchasing from a local breeder or pet store:
Convenience
The convenience of being able to search for and purchase a dog entirely online is a major benefit for many buyers. Instead of having to travel to multiple breeders or shelters, you can browse adoptable dogs from the comfort of your home on your own schedule (source). This saves time and eliminates the need to arrange visits.
Wider Selection
Searching online opens up more possibilities in terms of breed, age, location, and other factors. You are not limited only to the dogs available locally and can expand your search across states or even countries. This increases your chances of finding the perfect dog for your home (source).
Reviews and Ratings
Reputable online dog sellers will have reviews and ratings from past buyers. This provides social proof and allows you to assess the seller based on other customers’ experiences. Reviewing feedback helps avoid scam artists and identifies sellers known for healthy, high-quality dogs.
Cons of Online Dog Purchases
One of the biggest downsides of purchasing a dog online is that you can’t meet the dog or breeder in-person ahead of time. This makes it much easier for unethical breeders to scam potential buyers or hide any health or behavior issues the dog may have. According to The Risks of Buying Pets Online, many dogs purchased online come from “unreliable dealers breeding and selling puppies that are ill, injured, and poorly socialised.” Without seeing the dog in-person first, you won’t be able to properly evaluate its health, temperament, or how it’s been raised.
Another risk of buying a dog online is falling victim to a scam. Fake dog breeders may post photos of dogs they don’t actually own or provide fraudulent certifications. You could end up sending money for a dog that doesn’t exist or isn’t what was advertised. According to a Quora article, unless the dog comes from a reputable breeder, there’s a good chance the sale is a scam.
Because you can’t meet the breeder and inspect their facilities, there’s also no way to verify how the puppy was raised or if the parents were screened for genetic issues. Irresponsible breeding practices can lead to behavioral problems or congenital health conditions that may not appear until later in the dog’s life. Overall, the lack of in-person interaction makes it much harder to verify the dog’s background and care when purchasing online.
Warning Signs of an Untrustworthy Seller
When searching for a dog to purchase online, it’s important to watch out for signs that a seller may be untrustworthy or unethical. According to Country Living, some key red flags include:
No reviews or references. Reputable sellers will have reviews and references from past customers available. The lack of any reviews could indicate a scam.
Vague health guarantees. Responsible breeders will have detailed health guarantees about genetic conditions common in the breed. Vague guarantees could hide health problems.
Won’t let you visit. Ethical sellers will welcome or even encourage visits to see the puppies and breeding facility. Refusing visits is a major red flag.
As reported by Reader’s Digest, additional warning signs are things like constant availability of puppies, no questions asked about your home, and reluctance to show pedigree papers. Doing thorough research and asking lots of questions is key to avoiding untrustworthy sellers online.
Questions to Ask
When buying a dog online, it’s important to ask the seller detailed questions to ensure you’re getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a responsible breeder. Here are some key questions to ask:
About the puppy’s health and parents:
- Have the puppy’s parents been health tested for issues common to the breed? Ask for proof of testing (1)
- Can you provide veterinary records showing the puppy is up-to-date on vaccines and deworming? (1)
- Are the parents registered with a kennel club? Ask for documentation. (2)
- Can I see photos of the parents? This helps verify their health and breed. (3)
About early socialization and care:
- How have you socialized the puppy to become comfortable around people and other animals? (1)
- Is the puppy litter still with their mother? Pups should stay with mom until 8-12 weeks. (2)
- What food are you currently feeding the puppy? Get details to transition food. (3)
About guarantees and returns:
- What is your health guarantee if issues arise? Get warranty details in writing. (1)
- Under what circumstances can I return the puppy? Know the refund/return policies. (2)
Asking the right questions helps ensure you find a healthy, socialized puppy from an ethical source. Do your homework before buying a dog online.
How to Spot Red Flags
When buying a dog online, it’s important to closely analyze the photos provided by the seller. Scammers often use stock photos or images stolen from other websites to misrepresent the dog they are selling. Do a reverse image search on Google to see if the photo appears elsewhere online. If so, that’s a major red flag.
Also be sure to Google search the supposed breeder’s name, website, and phone number. Scammers frequently create fake websites and listings. If you can’t find any online presence or reviews for the breeder, that should raise suspicions.
According to the AKC, some other signs of an untrustworthy seller include:[1]
- Pushing for a quick sale without vetting you as a buyer
- Unwilling or unable to show you the actual puppy, its parents, or premises
- Offers many different breeds of puppies
- Prices that are much lower than average market rate for that breed
- Wants payment in advance via wire service or prepaid card
Being vigilant and doing your research is key to avoiding falling victim to an online puppy scam.
Safety Tips
To keep yourself protected when buying a dog online, follow these safety tips:
Use an escrow service. An escrow service acts as a third party to hold your payment until you receive the dog and confirm it is as described. This protects you in case the seller does not send the dog or misrepresents it. Popular pet escrow services include TrusteD Escrow and Petscams Escrow.
Pay with a credit card. Paying with a credit card gives you the ability to dispute the charges if the seller misrepresents the dog. Debit cards and other payment methods offer less protection.
Get a vet check after the dog arrives. Have a veterinarian examine the dog as soon as possible once you receive it. This allows you to confirm the dog’s health and age as described by the seller.
Alternatives to Online Purchase
There are several great alternatives to buying a dog online that allow you to find your perfect canine companion while avoiding the risks of online purchases.
One of the best options is adopting from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Shelters and rescues have many benefits: you can meet dogs in person, adoption fees typically cover initial vet care, and you’re giving a home to a dog in need. Check listings on sites like Petfinder to find adoptable dogs in your area.
Searching for reputable local breeders is another alternative. Responsible breeders focus on breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies and screening potential buyers rather than profits. Try checking breed-specific rescues and clubs for breeder referrals.
You can also use pet-finding services like Adopets and BarkBuddy to get matched with available dogs in your vicinity. These services let you search locally while avoiding risks of online sellers.
The bottom line is there are many ways to find your perfect pup through trustworthy local sources. Taking the adoption route not only avoids potential online scams but saves a loving dog in need of a home.
Success Stories
Many people have had positive experiences buying dogs online. Here are a few examples:
Jane from California purchased a labrador retriever puppy from Dogs Are Deserving Rescue. She said the adoption process was smooth and the nonprofit organization provided excellent support. Her puppy arrived healthy and the breed matched the description online. Jane couldn’t be happier with her experience.
Mark in Texas bought a German Shepherd puppy from an online breeder. According to Mark, the breeder was very responsive over email and sent photos and videos of the puppy ahead of delivery. When the puppy arrived it was just as described. Mark felt assured about the health and breed legitimacy based on the breeder’s thorough communication.
Sarah in New York had success adopting a mixed breed dog from an online rescue organization. The application process was rigorous but she appreciated their dedication to finding good homes. Once approved, Sarah was sent photos and information about dog options. She fell in love with one dog’s photos and adopted him. The dog fit Sarah’s lifestyle perfectly.
The Bottom Line
Buying a dog online can work with proper research and caution, but there are both benefits and risks to consider. On the plus side, you open up your search to reputable breeders across the country, beyond just your local area. This increases your chances of finding the right breed and temperament for your family. Online communication allows you to ask questions and get to know the breeder before committing. Some sites also offer guarantees, vet checks, and ways to verify breeder reviews.
However, there are definitely scammers masquerading as breeders online, so you must do your due diligence. Request video chats to view the puppy, ask for vet records, and reverse image search photos to spot red flags. Only use secure payment methods and beware of ridiculously low prices. Consider hiring an escrow service so you don’t release payment until receiving the dog. While more risky than an in-person purchase, with proper precautions buying a puppy online can absolutely be done safely.