Lesson Learned: Thoroughly Research Dog Breeders Before Purchasing

We all want to believe that the world is full of good-hearted people. Neighbors bake each other cookies and every passing face wears a smile. Unfortunately, most of us learn by kindergarten that society revolves around the word “me.” People want what is best for them individually, despite the negativities this places on others. This is why customers often leave poor tips at restaurants and why drivers get behind the wheel after a night of drinking. This is also the reasoning behind the word “scam.” Merchants sell cheap products for absurd prices. Knockoff brands are sold as designers. Dog breeders give you pets with worms and fake health certificates. Wait…what?

Photo from Flickr.com, Uploaded by Jen's Art & Soul

I heard once that in a perfect world every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog. There’s a reason why dogs are named man’s best friend. Just ask Carrie Underwood, who claims the more boys she meets the more she likes her dog. The decision of whether or not to own a dog is simple. The answer is yes. The tough part is deciding where to get that dog.

I was told by respectable dog owners to avoid puppy stores if at all possible. Puppy stores most often get their dogs from puppy mills. Puppy mills are essentially facilities devoted to forcing repetitive k-9 intercourse. These dogs are exposed to poor living and health conditions and often come equipped with socialization problems. By getting your dog from another source, you can help put an end to this injustice, I was told. I believed them, and I still do.

This left me with two options. Go to the animal shelter or find a reputable breeder. My first choice was to turn to the animal shelter. By adopting from the SPCA you can save a life. Additionally, prices are considerably less. I paid three visits to my local animal shelter. To my dismay, they did not often get puppies. I wanted a puppy so I turned to breeders.

Dog breeding isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Some breeders provide their dogs with proper living conditions, allowing for ample attention and maintenance. In the dog world, purity is a big deal. Pure breeds are often derived from breeders. However, my advice to future dog owners? Never underestimate the power of research. I’ll leave out the dirty details, but long story short, my research wasn’t thorough enough and I now find myself a victim of a scam. I have been told not to blame myself, this was the first time my family and I have purchased a dog and there was no way we could have known better. The breeder was convincing and it is a common mistake. Convincing or not, this should not be a frequent affair. Below are a list of warning signs and tips to make sure you too don’t find yourself a victim of a scamming dog breeder.

Research, Research, Research
Ask potential breeders whether or not he/she is a member of the AKC-affiliated club. This membership can be verified by calling the club at 919-233-9767. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints about the breeder. The breeder should be able and willing to provide you with references from past purchasers. Be especially careful of breeders who request money to be wired or cash only and make sure you get a receipt.

Health Certificates
All original copies of health documentation and vaccination records should be in possession of the pet owner. If the breeder tries to tell you that the vet keeps the original copy this is a red flag, and also a falsity. Examine the paperwork thoroughly before taking the puppy. Call the vet listed on the paperwork while with the breeder and make sure it is legitimate.

Visit Their Home
If the breeder doesn’t let you meet the puppy at their home, they have something to hide. No matter how believable the story is, you must visit the home. The breeder should allow you to see the conditions the puppies are kept in and meet the parents before you make any kind of decision. Never buy a puppy online.

Take Your Time
Familiarize yourself with the breeder, the conditions, and the puppy before making any promises. Finding the perfect match for your family will take time. There is no need to buy the puppy at first meeting. Several visits may be better for formulating educated decisions and purchases.

Unfortunately, some people embrace cruel intentions and aim to take advantage of you. Look for the red flags that are commonly associated with a scamming breeder and don’t let yourself get caught in the same trap that myself and many other pet owners have been caught in.

***Personally scammed by Chelsea Dower, currently operating under the pseudonym “Emily Jones.” Her website is: http://www.snowangelshuskies.com/. Do not make purchases from her.