To assist mark Nationwide Pet Day on Tuesday, the non-profit group put collectively a listing of ideas to assist individuals keep away from getting taken in by scammers as they store for a brand new canine.
Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of BBB for southern Alberta and B.C.’s East Kootenay area, says customers must be particularly diligent if they’re making an attempt to buy a pet on-line.
“Ask for references from different happy prospects, arrange a stay video name to fulfill the breeder and the pet, and ask for detailed details about the canine and its well being,” she stated in a launch.
“Take the required steps to make sure the breeder is official and moral. Do not grow to be the sufferer of a scammer.”
The Higher Enterprise Bureau says Canadians have reported losses totalling greater than $105,000 on its BBB Rip-off Tracker on account of pet scams because the begin of final 12 months.
Some issues to look out for:
- Reputable breeders usually have a everlasting web site, not only a Fb web page.
- Breeder web sites usually record and present particular person breeding canine — not simply footage of cute puppies.
- Search for present titles, well being clearances and highlights of a breeding program.
- If a canine is marketed as “purebred” in Canada, it have to be registered by the breeder, not the proprietor, with the Canadian Kennel Membership.
- Be cautious in case you’re requested to pay earlier than you see the animal in particular person. Pre-paid delivery usually leads to a ripoff. It is best to buy the place you possibly can go to the breeder or the place of the canine’s start.
- The pet ought to include a veterinarian well being test and its first pictures and be eight weeks previous in order that it is correctly weaned.
- Ask for references and comply with up with them.
- Keep away from third-party transportation preparations. It is higher to decide on a breeder who lives shut sufficient so that you can journey to.
