Puppy and Kitten Scams
Scammers know our love for cute furry things.
Beware the Fake Puppy (and Kitten) Scammers
Scammers know nothing melts hearts faster than cute animal photos. They steal pictures of real pets, slap them on fake ads, price them way below market value, and then tug at your emotions until your money is gone and the “pet” never shows up.
One Family’s Heartbreaking Story
“My daughter had been begging for a Cavalier King Charles puppy. We found the perfect one online—beautiful photos, amazing price, and the seller was so sweet and responsive. They said the puppy was in Ohio and would be flown to us. We paid $750 for the pup plus ‘USDA-approved shipping.’ Then came the extra fees: crate upgrade, temperature-controlled travel, insurance deposit. Each time we paid, hoping the next one was the last. Total loss: $2,900. The ‘breeder’s’ number went dead, the website vanished, and my daughter cried for weeks. There never was a puppy.”
How to Avoid the Pet Scam Trap
Always see the pet live before you pay a dime Insist on an in-person visit or a real-time video call where you can see the animal and its surroundings. No video? Walk away.
Never pay with irreversible methods Wire transfers, gift cards, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, Bitcoin—once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Legit sellers accept credit cards or PayPal Goods & Services (which offer buyer protection).
Research the seller like your money depends on it (because it does) Google their name/phone/email + “scam.” Check reviews on BBB, Reddit, and pet-specific sites. Real breeders have years of history and references.
Run from “too good to be true” prices A purebred puppy with papers rarely costs $400 with “free shipping.” Unrealistically low prices are the #1 bait scammers use.
Your love for animals is beautiful—don’t let crooks weaponize it. A real puppy is worth waiting for and buying the safe way.
