Thanks to the internet, making purchases online has become more convenient. You can practically buy anything on the internet. Yes, that includes pets. There are even apps designed for selling dogs online. But before you get all excited about having a new puppy that you bought online, read some of these important tips first.

One thing we want to avoid is being scammed online. Buying dogs online should be made from reputable dog breeders. Your payment should be secured and protected. What do you need to do as a buyer?

Do Your Research

Nothing beats having the right knowledge before making any purchase. This is part of your due diligence as a buyer. What are the things you should be reading about?

Breeders' reputation - Make sure to look at online reviews, and check the breeder's certifications, business permits, accreditations, and affiliations. You can also reach out to previous buyers. This is one way of getting first-hand information about their experience dealing with the breeder. If possible and if you have the time, you can ask the breeder if you can personally visit their place. This will give you a basis for the environment where the puppy is being raised.
Be vigilant if the seller seems reluctant in showing documents and certifications are proof of their credibility. The breeder must also provide certification that the dog has received up-to-date vaccination. Also if the breeder doesn’t answer your questions or seems to stall, you should be concerned.
Breeding practice - Read about the breeding practices of the seller. Make sure to ask for documents, photos, and videos of the puppy you are interested in getting. These days everything can be photoshopped. Make sure to check the authenticity of the photos and videos being sent to you. One creative way to get acquitted to your breeder and the pup is to have a video conference. Trusted breeders will be happy to accommodate requests such as this.

2. Find Reputable Breeders

You can ask friends and family members for their recommendation of a nearby breeder. You can start finding out more about them through online searches. You can also ask the local vets for any recommendations.

If you can’t get any recommendations from people you trust, do online research. You can join online groups for people wanting to buy pets. You can also join online communities reviewing dog breeders. Read about their services, certificates, and other documents. It is also important to go through their customer’s feedback/review page. This will give you a better sense of the type of service they offer.

3. Know What You’re Paying For

If you are an experienced researcher, it is easy for you to do scrutinize and assess breeders before making a decision. But, even if you are not, you can simply inquire with 4-5 breeders and compare their price rates on the dog you want. It doesn’t hurt to shop around and ask for the best price before making a purchase. Remember, buying a dog is only part of the expense. But, just after purchasing the dog, you would need to get other supplies. Dog food, medicines, and toys are just a few of the expenses you need to be ready for.

One thing you also need to avoid are pet scams. There are several types of scams online. Some of these include breeders posting to be credible breeders but the truth is they are not. There is also a proliferation of fake websites and advertisements online. Moreover, you should be wary of fake listings on social media sites.

The goal is to purchase from a trusted breeder. Some pet owners lost their pets just a few weeks after purchasing due to medical conditions. Breeders should advise buyers of the medical issues of the dog before purchase.

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4. Request Proof Of Health Tests And Results

When making the purchase online, you can’t physically see the dog’s condition. Some genetic issues can be obvious to the naked eye. But, some malformations can only be traced through genetic testing. As a buyer, it is important to ask for documents showing that your dog has undergone proper medical testing.

5. Ask For A Written Contract and Guarantee of a Buyback Agreement

Make sure that you read about the Health Guarantee of the breeder you are buying from. At Stokehire Designer Doodles, we offer a 2-week full guarantee of a monetary refund if the doodle you got has a congenital health defect upon preliminary examination.

Having a written contract is your protection. There will be sellers out there who will try to trick you into paying more than what was originally agreed. Scammers may ask you to pay extra fees to cover the special travel costs, vet bills, vaccination costs, and other last-minute payments. They won’t be making the delivery unless these additional payments are covered. This is the reason why reading the terms and conditions and asking for a written contract is important.

A written contract is essential in getting information about your puppy. This includes information such as a dog’s breed, age, weight, medical tests, and vet visits for screening,

Always make sure to read about the buyback agreement, different breeders may have different provisions when it comes to buyback agreements. You wouldn't want to waste your hard-earned money purchasing something that's not worth it in the end. If it is too good to be true, it may be a false deal.

In conclusion, make sure that you are not buying a dog based on impulse, trend, or pressure. Getting a dog requires you to have an informed decision. Purchasing a dog should be an exciting, and pleasant experience.