Beware of Pet Travel Scams
Are you looking for a pet online? Don’t get scammed! Unfortunately, pet scams do exist and can happen to anyone. It’s essential to learn how to spot a pet scam; otherwise, you could become a victim. Pet-Express is America’s most trusted pet transport company, and we transport beloved family pets across the globe daily. If you believe you have encountered or been scammed by a fraudulent pet sales or transport site, file a complaint online with the Better Business Bureau, who will conduct a formal investigation. It’s important to remember that we do not sell pets.
How to spot a pet travel scam
Identifying a fraudulent pet shipping company involves recognizing warning signs, such as insufficient website content, misusing well-known brands in their logos, and relying on third-party domains and payment methods. These companies often employ a combination of these tactics. Pet owners must conduct thorough research before committing to any service that claims to offer pet transportation.
What to look out for?
False Credibility
Criminal scammers often use the names of legitimate pet shippers such as Pet-Express, using pirate websites and the logos of these companies to appear genuine. The difference is that correspondence will often come from a third-party domain, such as gmail.com, rather than the company URL (for example, info@pet-express.com). We recommend contacting them via email or phone to ensure they are credible.
Copied content from reputable websites
Fake shipping companies often steal content directly from accredited, legitimate businesses to make themselves sound genuine. Scammers usually make minimal changes and just alter the company name. A simple way to detect this is by copying a portion of their content and pasting it into a search engine to see if it matches another company’s site.
Questionable payment methods
Scammers also regularly use Western Union or MoneyGram as a payment method. Unlike PayPal’s recognized credit card merchant system, Western Union and MoneyGram payments are often untraceable and non-refundable. Legitimate pet transport companies will use an accredited payment system that provides tax invoices.
Lack of communication
Many scammers don’t provide a general enquiry form or contact number, which is an immediate sign that they aren’t genuine. Before sending any money, it is best to contact the company directly, preferably over the phone, as that is a harder thing to fake.
How to spot puppy scammers
Fraudulent pet sales websites generally offer free or inexpensive puppies, charging just for the price of shipping. There is usually no dog or shipment, so please take precautions before paying for services that may not exist. Other animals frequently offered include purebred cats, monkeys, birds, snakes, and small exotic animals.
Informal Advertisements
Pet scammers often use websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to advertise pets that do not exist. Expensive animals, like Bulldogs or toy breeds, are offered at discounted prices or no cost—all you have to do is pay for the shipping. If you see an advertisement like this, chances are it is a scam.
Very low prices
Exceptionally low prices for purebred dogs, especially those typically expensive like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Dachshunds, are often too good to be true. Scammers frequently offer these high-demand breeds at deeply discounted rates, which are unlikely to be found elsewhere. This is a strong indicator of a scam, and it is crucial to thoroughly research the seller or company before making any purchases.
Pay only for shipping
Some pet scams, particularly those advertised on social media, lure buyers by offering a deal where they only need to pay for shipping. This tactic makes it appear like they’re getting a bargain on a new pet.
Missing paperwork
Many puppy scams fail to provide formal veterinary, breeding, or registry paperwork, indicating that the pet may not exist. Often, these scams use stolen photos from a local animal shelter or social media. Conduct thorough research and use reverse image search tools to verify authenticity if you cannot see the puppy in person.
Real online pet sales will provide the right paperwork and go through the right channels to advertise, collect payment, and organize shipping, so if you think it is a scam, it most likely is, and it is advised to contact the Better Business Bureau to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
Always do your research before sending money online
If you see an offer that seems too good to be true, it usually is. We advise that before purchasing or organizing pet shipping online, you should thoroughly research the company before making a payment.
For more helpful information on how to spot a pet scammer, please visit the International Pet and Animal Transport Association (IPATA) website.
To report a scam, visit:
