How To Avoid Pet Scams: Protect Yourself and Your Future Pet

Image by Birgit from Pixabay

These days, it is not unusual to see a slew of company advertisements flaunting animal services. Unfortunately, a growing number of these ads are actually pet scams, some seeming very authentic and sophisticated, making it difficult for pet owners to spot. While many of these scams involve so-called adoptions, some of them also involve animal transport services. Anyone who is looking for a reliable pet shipping company needs to be on the lookout. Here are a few ways to spot a potential scam and help ensure that pets get to where they need to be safe, healthy, and unharmed.

Be Wary of Transport Companies Offering Other Services

A legitimate pet transport company is typically precise about its business logistics. In short, if transport services are the base of what it does, the odds are low that it will offer other pet services, such as sales. The logistics industry often involves complex and precise tasks to make sure that everything arrives at its destination in a timely manner. This is particularly true with pet transport. Animals require extra attention and care when traveling. A dedicated transport company will put all of its efforts and expertise into the task. So, if a transport company offers something like pet sales, it is a huge red flag.

Watch Out for Third-Party Vendors

If a pet shipping company uses a third-party vendor for transactions, it doesn’t necessarily mean that business dealings will be suspicious. However, it is a sign that consumers might want to be a bit more cautious about using the service. Third-party vendors are independent businesses that sometimes are legitimate payment portals for viable companies. However, there is rarely an effective way to manage how they process payment or what they do with the received funds. Unfortunately, many scams have hit the market because of the difficulty of managing third-party vendors and demanding money wires. Finding a pet shipping company that invoices and processes payment directly could be best.

Assume The Worst…But Prepare For the Best!

With up to 80 percent of pet-related advertisements being scams, an overwhelming sense of dread and pessimism can loom over the hopes of a successful pet transport. However, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. A no-frills, careful approach to choosing a company is the key. When consumers are prepared for what can happen and have the tools to avoid potential scams, their odds of making a safe and solid choice increase substantially!

It is always possible to counter a fake deal. Be diligent. Thoroughly research pet shipping companies before deciding who will be responsible for a pet baby. Take stock of the time frame when transport services will be needed. If shipping services will be required within a few months, use that time to vet a service. One of the greatest deterrents to scammers is an alert and aware consumer. Use these tips to avoid scams and ensure that pets arrive safely to their destinations.

Conclusion

While it can be disheartening to realize there are people who exploit the love for animals, being informed is the best defense against pet scams. By doing your research, verifying the legitimacy of sellers, and staying alert to common scam tactics, you can protect yourself from fraud and ensure that your search for a new pet is both safe and successful.