How to Avoid Fake Pet Shipping Companies and Puppy Scams
Fake pet shipping companies and fraudulent puppy scams are extremely prevalent in our. As the demand for puppies and kittens continues to rise, so do the number of scams aimed at unsuspecting buyers. The Better Business Bureau tracks the reported Pet Scams cases below. These scams not only result in financial loss but can also leave buyers without a new furry friend.
We will be outlining the following sections below to combat fraudulent pet industry scams.
1. Research the Company Thoroughly
Before even considering purchasing a puppy, do your research on the breed you're interested in and what to expect in terms of price and availability. Good Dog and AKC have lists of vetted breeders that must pass inspections yearly inspections where the legitimacy of the operation and qulaity of life of the pups You should also research reputable breeders in your area or online. Check out their website and read reviews from previous customers. A trustworthy breeder will have nothing to hide and will be happy to provide references.
Before booking a pet transporter, the company should have reviews, a social media presence, and a website that looks legit. A company should have a minimum of 20 reviews that you should be able to look through without generic summaries from the customer.
2. Talk To Someone on the Phone: Ask For References
TALK TO THE BREEDER OR PET TRANSPORT COMPANY ON THE PHONE! This act alone will let you know if the company is legit. Did the breeder/company deny your phone call request? Is the transport company marketing that they are based in the USA but have accents on the phone? If either of these occur, you are dealing with a scam almost 100% of the time. You should immeadiately cut ties with that operation.
If you're not sure about a breeder’s or pet transporter's reliability, ask for references from previous customers. If they are legit, they will be more than happy to provide you with references. You should be able to contact their previous customers to get an idea of their experience with the company.
3. Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices
Scammers often lure in customers with low prices and unrealistic offers. If a breeder is offering puppies at a much lower price than what is typical for the breed, you are most likely talking to a fraudulent breeding operation or a puppy mill. This is why it is imperative that you do market research to know what the average price of a puppy is that you are looking to get. For instance, French Bulldogs normally sell from anywhere betweeen $2500-$7500. You should be skeptical of a breeder selling a frenchie for $600.00
The price for ground pet shipping should be between $0.65- $1.00/mile for economic transport and $1.85-2.50/mile for private transport. If someone is offering you $400.00 to ground transport a puppy from Los Angeles to New York City, it is not going to be a good experience. That trip is almost 2800 miles. there are only two possible options. They are below:
3a. It is a fake pet shipping company. They are asking an insanely low price in hopes to get a $200.00 initial deposit from you. After that, they will block you and keep your money.
3b. You will receive your pet in 1-3 weeks. A coast to coast pet transport trip should take 3-5 days for an operation that has 3-7 other pups aboard at a time. Most legitimate pet transport rigs cost anywhere from $1.20-$1.50/mile to run when you include gas, car payments, insurance, and paying drivers. So the transporters cost to go across country is around $3600-$4500 for a 3000 mile trip. A transporter charging flat rates of $400 to ship across country will need to have at least 9-12 dogs on at all times just to break even. This means they will have to make a lot more stops along the way and will leave your pet on for a much longer time than companies that charge more but provide a 10X better service. Also, puppies that do not have all of their vaccinations are at a much greater risk of contracting a disease the more dogs that are aboard with them.
4. Avoid Wire Transfers or Prepaid Cards
Scammers often ask for payment through wire transfers or prepaid cards. These payment methods are untraceable, making it nearly impossible to recover your money if you are scammed. Always use a payment method that provides some level of protection, such as a credit card, Venmo, Cashapp, or Paypal. We also use Zelle at Delifurry as there are no extra processing fees associated with it. However, be sure you trust the company or breeder you are using before you send money via Zelle as it also is nearly impossible to get your money back once it is sent.
5. Ask for Pictures and Videos
A reputable breeder will be more than happy to provide you with pictures and videos of the puppies and their parents. If the breeder is reluctant to provide these, it could be a sign that they are not legitimate. Also, don’t hesitate to call and speak to them at length with any questions you have. It isn’t too far out of the norm to ask to Facetime/Video Chat to see the breeder and the pups together as this can help show the living environment for instances you will not pickup your puppy.
Transport companies should have pictures of their setups to show the environment pets are transported in and videos of previous passengers. Be sure to request these as well to ensure your pet will be in a situation both you and your pet will be comfortable in.
6. Don't Fall for Emotional Manipulation
Buying a pet and pet transport are both big industries. Legitimate breeders and companies should be able to provide a friendly and professional experience just like any other business without forcing you into a purchase. If you have an uneasy feeling about the person you are communicating with, hang up and find someone that can ease your worries.
Scammers may try to manipulate you emotionally by making you feel guilty or scared about your pet's well-being. They may tell you that your pet is in danger or that they won't be able to transport them unless you pay more money. Stay firm in your decision and don't let anyone pressure you into making a decision you're not comfortable with.
7. Ask Questions
Don't be afraid to ask the breeder questions about the puppy and their parents. A trustworthy breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed and the lineage of the puppies they are selling. If the breeder seems vague or avoids your questions, it could be a red flag. Same thing goes for transporters.
Ask any and every question that you may have about setup, time frames, and environmental conditions.
8. Avoid Urgency
Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to pressure buyers into making a quick decision. Don't let anyone rush you into making a purchase, and always take the time to research and ask questions before committing to a purchase.
Puppy scams and fake pet shipping companies can be devastating for both your finances and your emotional well-being. By following these tips and trusting your instincts, you can avoid falling victim to a puppy scam and find the perfect furry friend for your family. Remember, a reputable breeder will be happy to answer your questions, provide references, and will never rush you into making a purchase. With the right breeder and best pet transporter, your furry friend can enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey.