Buying a puppy is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. The animal will be with you for the next 10-15 years or more, so making the right choice means everything.
A few years ago, it was commonplace to buy dogs from newspaper ads or from signs displayed in your neighborhood. Nowadays it’s shifted to the online sphere, much like everything else.
As with most things online, it’s important to do your due diligence before making a final decision. This is especially true for such a large decision as getting a new puppy.
Here’s how you can buy a puppy online safely.
Seller Research
Making sure you’re getting a puppy from a trustworthy and responsible breeder or vendor requires doing your research on the seller. You might start by looking up the seller’s name or company name online to start your investigation. Check websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, or social media sites like Facebook and Twitter for reviews and comments left by prior clients.
Be cautious if you can’t discover any testimonials or comments. Asking the vendor for references and contacting them to confirm their veracity is another smart move. It’s a warning sign and you should think about going elsewhere if the vendor declines to offer references or other details.
The reputation of the breeder is an additional crucial consideration. Find breeders who are members of respectable associations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC). These organizations set high criteria for breeders and offer useful details about the background and experience of the breeder.
Asking the vendor about the puppy’s parentage is another smart move. Reputable breeders will be eager to give this information and will be well aware of the genetic background of the dog.
Health and Vaccination Records Requests
A critical step in making sure you’re getting a healthy puppy is to request the dog’s health and immunization records. This information will be available and readily given to you by a respectable breeder or supplier.
The history of the puppy’s health, including any ailments or injuries, as well as any treatments or drugs, should be included in the health records. A declaration from a qualified veterinarian stating that the puppy is healthy and free of any infectious illnesses should also be included in the documents.
The puppy’s vaccination records are crucial since they show that it has gotten all the shots required to defend against common infections. These documents must detail the puppy’s immunization history, including the date, kind, and veterinarian who provided each shot.
If the breeder or vendor cannot offer health and immunization documents, it’s a red sign, and you should reconsider your purchase. It’s also a good idea to check the accuracy of the seller’s statements by getting in touch with the vet who administered the puppy’s shots or offered other medical care.
In order to be sure that the puppy is not susceptible to hereditary illnesses or problems, you may also inquire with the breeder or vendor about any genetic testing that has been performed on the dog’s parents.
You may be sure you’re purchasing a healthy puppy with the required medical attention and vaccines to start its life off on the right foot by requesting health and vaccination records.
Avoiding Cash Payments
Avoiding cash payments when purchasing a puppy online is crucial to safeguarding yourself against fraud. Cash payments offer no buyer protection and are challenging to track down and recoup in the event of a problem.
It is much safer to make the payment with a credit card or PayPal. These payment options provide some buyer protection, and in the event of a disagreement, you can ask PayPal or your credit card provider for a chargeback.
Make sure you’re using a secure website when paying with a credit card. For proof that a website is encrypted and safe, look for the padlock icon in the URL bar. Also, make sure the website’s URL begins with “https” rather than “http,” which denotes a secure connection.
Choose the “Goods and Services” payment option when using PayPal since it provides additional buyer protection. If the dog does not match the seller’s description or is not delivered, you may lodge a claim using this payment method.
Keeping track of the payment process and any correspondence with the vendor, including emails, texts, and receipts, is also crucial. In the event of a disagreement, these documents may be useful.
Learn the Shipping Process
When purchasing a puppy online, it’s critical to comprehend the shipping procedure because it might be upsetting for both the animal and the new owner. Be sure the vendor has a plan in place for the puppy’s safe and pleasant transit if the puppy is being delivered to you.
Verify the reputation of the transportation provider by asking the seller about it and looking up reviews and testimonials from prior clients. To confirm that the business is authorized and has a strong safety record, you may also contact the Better Business Bureau or the Department of Transportation.
Make sure the puppy will have the proper amenities for the trip, such as a large enough kennel, food, water, and a cozy place to relax. The transportation schedule should also include regular stops so the puppy may get some fresh air and use the restroom.
Extreme temperatures may be damaging to the health of the puppy, so it’s necessary to take that into account as well. Make sure the puppy isn’t subjected to excessive cold or heat by checking that the transportation provider has temperature control mechanisms in place.
Finally, be ready to give the puppy a welcoming and secure home when it comes. Prepare all the required items, including food, water, bedding, and toys, in advance of the arrival of the puppy. A plan for the puppy’s care, including veterinary attention, training, and socialization, should also be in place.
Study the Breeder’s Reputation
When purchasing a puppy online, it is crucial to do background checks on the breeder or seller to make sure the animal is healthy and well-cared for. A reputable breeder or vendor will take good care of their puppies, be open and honest about their breeding methods, and have a positive reputation.
To learn more about the breeder or seller’s past and current breeding techniques, start by looking through their websites and social media accounts. Watch out for any warning signs, such as pups being offered for sale at a strangely cheap price or the vendor being secretive about their breeding methods.
Also, you may look for client reviews and comments on internet forums. Check for feedback on the breeder or seller’s communication skills, the quality of the puppies, and the whole experience of buying a puppy from them.
To view the conditions in which the pups are grown if at all feasible, try to visit the breeder or vendor in person. Make sure the pups are healthy and well-cared-for, and keep an eye out for indications of cleanliness and organization.
If you are unable to see the breeder or vendor in person, think about requesting a video call or more pictures of the puppy and its surroundings. This might give you a better idea of the puppy’s surroundings and the care it is getting.
Finally, be sure the breeder or seller is abiding with the rules and laws that govern breeding and selling pups in your region. This may entail obtaining a license, undergoing health and safety checks, and abiding by regional animal welfare rules.