Scout's Paw Tracks

Saturday, December 01, 2007

AKC Syndicated News Consumer Alert

Consumer Alert!

© 2007 The American Kennel Club, Inc.

The AKC and the Council of Better Business Bureaus have received an alarming number of reports over the past few months from consumers who have lost money after responding to online or newspaper classified ad offering free or inexpensive puppies.

Consumers are taken in by the sincerity of the scammer, who will claim to only care about finding a good home for their beloved puppy. Before consumers realize that they are being conned, they will have paid hundreds of dollars in shipping fees for a puppy that will never arrive.

“This is certainly not the only scam to be aware of, but it is a common one,” says AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Because of the emotional investment, consumers are more vulnerable to being taken advantage of when it comes to a cute cuddly puppy than with any other purchase.”

In an attempt to protect other potential puppy buyers from being scammed, the AKC and CBBB offer the following advice:

Do your research. Ask if the breeder is a member of an AKC-affiliated club and contact that club to verify membership. Request references and speak to other people who have purchased dogs from this breeder—especially if the breeder does not live near you.

Beware of breeders who seem overly concerned with getting paid. Any reputable breeder will be far more concerned with the appropriateness of the potential pet home than what and when they are getting paid.

Don’t be fooled by a slick web site. At the very least speak with the breeder on the telephone and ideally meet the breeder, the puppy and the dam in person. If you locate a breeder online, never send money without checking their references and credentials first.

Take your time. Beware of breeders who claim to have multiple breeds ready to ship immediately. It’s highly unlikely that your perfect puppy will be available for shipping on the very day you call.

Report a scam. Anyone who has experienced a dog-related scam should report it to their local authorities as well as their local BBB (http://www.bbb.org) to file a complaint. Consumers can also direct questions and concerns to AKC Customer Service at 919-233-9767, or e-mail .

“If you are sure you are dealing with an actual breeder who has a dog to sell, there are still things to be aware of,” adds Peterson. “If you expect the dog you are buying to be AKC-registrable, you must obtain documentation when you pick up the dog. Wait until you receive it before you pay for and take home your puppy. Once you have completed the financial aspect of the transaction, there is little recourse for an unsatisfied buyer.”