How To Buy a Puppy Safely Online – How To Do It
Buy Puppies Safely Online – How To Do It
Buy puppies safely online – How To Do It. Is it even possible? It depends on who you ask.
If you ask someone who has never gone through finding a puppy they will say, “Probably not, and there’s that awful puppy-mill problem too.”
Ask someone who’s already tried and had a bad experience and they’ll say, “No way.”
Ask me (the breeders for our two Springer Spaniels were contacted online), I’d say, “Yes, but it depends.” Depends on what? Read on.
Buy a Puppy – Where To Start?
If you decide that purchasing a puppy directly from a breeder is the best option for your family, the Internet can be a useful tool to make that happen.
Choose the Right Breed
Breeds are different in so many ways that you really need to pick one that fits your family and your style of living. If you pick a breed whose needs and personality fit into your family, it’s more likely that it will be for life. Many of the dogs in shelters are from families who have made poor breed choices and ultimately gave up trying to make it work. Avoid this. Don’t put your family through this experience and add yet another unwanted dog in a shelter. Choose the right breed.
The American Kennel Club site is a great starting point. You can read all about breeds, register a litter, find homes for your puppies in their AKC Marketplace, register a puppy, and more.
Choose the Right Breeder – A Personal Story
My family has two English Springer Spaniels, bought from two different breeders, both found online.
Our first Springer, a male – Kody (now 9-years-old), was air-shipped as an eight-week-old puppy from a family in Kansas to Chicago.
Our second, a female – Kaly (now 9-months-old), was picked up on a farm that was a 2 1/2-hour-drive from our home.
Both of our Springers came from families – known as hobby breeders. We spoke with both the families several times before we made our decisions. In the case of our 2nd Springer Kaly, my daughters received many photos and videos of her and the litter along with both parents.
The girls had already decided on her because one of the markings on her back was the shape of a heart. When we got there, they told us that we could choose any of the 8 puppies in the litter, among those that were not yet spoken for. We stayed for almost an hour talking about our mutual affinity for English Springer Spaniels, all the while watching the parents caring for their adorable brood while the puppies played on. We settled on the female and named her Kaly. It was hard to leave the other puppies behind. We wanted all of them.
Make Your New Puppy Story a Good One
There are thousand of stories like ours happening every day.
But unscrupulous breeders, and con artists, will continue to exploit the Internet to sell their puppies. By following a few simple steps and using common sense, you can successfully find your new best friend online.
Make Your New Puppy Story a Good One
The best way to stop puppy mills is to never buy a puppy from one. And the best way to never buy a puppy from a puppy mill is to do your homework and follow these guidelines:
1. Consider Adoption First
Remember, there are thousands of dogs waiting for homes. Rescue centers are overcrowded and many wonderful animals are waiting for their forever homes. Shelters and rescue centers have young puppies for adoption and well as older dogs. It’s well worth taking a trip to visit with one before you make any purchases. Remember, adopting a puppy from a shelter or rescue center will give a save loving home to an unwanted puppy. It is a sad fact that one half of the animals waiting for adoption are euthanized each year.
2. Find a Reliable Breeder
Finding a reliable breeder online – within driving distance, if possible, is always the best method.
3. Call and Email the Breeder
Ask all your initial questions and address your concerns. A reputable breeder will always take the time to assist you. Do not communicate primarily through texting.
4. Ask the Breeder to Send You Pictures
Ask the breeder to send you pictures of the parents and video clips of the puppy.
5. Ask For References
If the breeder is not within driving distance, ask for references of other happy puppy parents.
6. Ask For Testimonials
Ask for testimonials from happy customers.
7. Check the Breeder’s Credentials
Check the breeder’s credentials through the registry that they use, such as AKC, ACA, and others.
8. Avoid Using Western Union or Sending Money Orders
Avoid using Western Union or sending money orders as they provide no way to protect your transaction.
9. Use a Credit or Debit Card
Use a credit or debit card should you need to leave a deposit on your puppy.
10. Do Not Send Money to a Different Country
If you are asked to send money to another country, discontinue the sale immediately.
11. Too Good To Be True
One last thing. No legitimate deal is too good to be true, and no deal is a guarantee. You won’t find a Yorkie or a Bulldog for $200 when they normally sell for $2,000 – $3000. Use common sense. Be as cautious as you would be in any financial transaction. Many scammers are relentless and will do anything to get your money.
Think You’ve Got a Scan on Your Hands?
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 the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IC3).
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