Red Flags to Watch for When Buying a Dog Online
Do you want to buy a dog online? It is easy and fast, but not every seller is honest. Some people only want your money and do not care about the dog or you. That is why it is very important to be careful. If you are planning to buy a puppy online, we want to help you avoid scams. Here are some red flags to watch for when buying a dog online.
1. The Price is Too Low
One of the biggest red flags is a very low price. A French Bulldog, for example, is not cheap. If someone sells one for $300, it is probably a scam. Some people use low prices to catch your attention. Once you pay, they may disappear. Or they may ask for more money later. A good breeder knows the value of their puppies. They will give you a fair price, not a fake deal.
2. The Seller Asks for Money Right Away
A real breeder will not rush you. If someone asks for money before you even ask questions, be careful. Some sellers ask for a deposit through apps like Zelle or CashApp. These payments are hard to trace. If you lose your money, you may not get it back. Always ask for more details first. Make sure you know who you are dealing with.
3. No Phone Calls or Video Chats
This is a major red flag. A real breeder is open and happy to talk. They can show you the puppy on video. They can talk to you on the phone. If someone only texts or emails and refuses to talk, be careful. They may not even have the dog. Scammers avoid phone calls because they do not want to be found.
4. The Seller has no Website or Social Media
You should always check the seller online. A good breeder has a website, photos, reviews, and maybe even a blog. They want to show their dogs to the world. If someone gives you no photos or just a few random ones, that is a bad sign. You can ask for:
Real photos of the puppy from different angles
A photo of the puppy with today’s date on a paper
Social media accounts with regular updates
If they refuse, you should walk away.
5. Fake Shipping or Delivery Services
Some scammers pretend to offer “fast shipping” for dogs. They may say the dog is already at the airport. Then, they ask you to pay extra for a special crate or permit. These are fake charges. A good breeder will always talk to you first about how the dog will travel. They will explain everything and give real tracking information. Be careful if you see:
Requests for extra payments after the sale
New "urgent" fees that were not discussed before
A shipping company with no website or real contact
6. The Breeder Does Not Ask You Any Questions
This may sound strange, but it’s true. A caring breeder wants to know who you are. They will ask questions like:
Where do you live?
Do you have other pets?
Have you owned a dog before?
If the seller just wants to sell fast and does not ask anything about you, that is not a good sign. A real breeder cares where the puppy goes. They want a happy and safe home.
Looking for a Safe Way to Find Your New Puppy?
Check out Puppies Club. We connect families with trusted breeders and present a great variety of purebred puppies for sale in the USA. You can see real photos, read reviews, and ask questions. All breeders on Puppies Club are verified. Your new puppy is waiting — and we make sure the process is safe and happy.
Conclusion
Buying a dog online can be a great experience if you stay alert. Look out for the red flags we shared. Ask questions. Talk to the breeder. Take your time. A dog is a big part of your life. You want to start the journey the right way. At the end of the day, trust your heart — and your common sense.
