Puppy scams cost Canadians thousands. Here's how to avoid being ripped off
CBC News | Posted: March 23, 2021 5:19 PM | Last Updated: March 23, 2021
'Take the necessary steps to ensure the breeder is legitimate and ethical,' says Better Business Bureau
Puppy scams have cost Canadians more than $105,000 since January 2020, according to the Better Business Bureau.
To help mark National Puppy Day on Tuesday, the non-profit group put together a list of tips to help people avoid getting taken in by scammers as they shop for a new dog.
Mary O'Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of BBB for southern Alberta and B.C.'s East Kootenay region, says consumers need to be especially diligent if they are trying to purchase a puppy online.
"Ask for references from other satisfied customers, set up a live video call to meet the breeder and the puppy, and ask for detailed information about the dog and its health," she said in a release.
"Take the necessary steps to ensure the breeder is legitimate and ethical. Don't become the victim of a scammer."
The Better Business Bureau says Canadians have reported losses totalling more than $105,000 on its BBB Scam Tracker due to puppy scams since the start of last year.
Some things to look out for:
- Legitimate breeders normally have a permanent website, not just a Facebook page.
- Breeder websites normally list and show individual breeding dogs — not just pictures of cute puppies.
- Look for show titles, health clearances and highlights of a breeding program.
- If a dog is advertised as "purebred" in Canada, it must be registered by the breeder, not the owner, with the Canadian Kennel Club.
- Be wary if you're asked to pay before you see the animal in person. Pre-paid shipping often results in a ripoff. It's best to shop where you can visit the breeder or the place of the dog's birth.
- The puppy should come with a veterinarian health check and its first shots and be eight weeks old so that it's properly weaned.
- Ask for references and follow up with them.
- Avoid third-party transportation arrangements. It's better to choose a breeder who lives close enough for you to travel to.