How to Avoid Pet Scams in the UK

With the rise of online pet sales, unfortunately, there’s also been a rise in pet scams—fraudulent listings, fake breeders, and people trying to take advantage of animal lovers. Whether you’re buying or rehoming a pet, staying informed can help you avoid heartbreak and financial loss.

Here’s how to spot and avoid pet scams in the UK.

🚩 1. Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Deals

Scammers often post listings for purebred puppies or kittens at very low prices—or even offer them “free to a good home” if you pay for transport. If the price is much lower than average or the story seems overly emotional (e.g. “I’m a missionary overseas and can’t keep them”), take caution.

Tip: Always research the average market price for the breed in the UK before committing.

🛡️ 2. Use Trusted UK Pet Platforms

Stick to well-established UK-based pet websites that implement safety measures:

• ✅ Pets4Homes.co.uk
• ✅ Preloved.co.uk
• ✅ Gumtree Pets (with caution and buyer verification)
• ✅ Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme

Avoid buying from random social media posts or unverified sellers in Facebook groups.

👀 3. Always See the Pet in Person

Never send money without seeing the pet in person, ideally in the seller’s home. If the seller refuses an in-person meeting or makes excuses (e.g. “I’m travelling” or “I’ll send via courier only”), it’s a major red flag.

If visiting in person isn’t possible due to location, consider using a friend or local vet to verify the pet’s existence.

📄 4. Ask for Proper Documentation

A legitimate UK breeder or seller should provide:

• Microchip number and registration details
• Vaccination and deworming records
• Vet health checks
• Breeder licence number (if applicable)
• Pet’s age, breed history, and parents’ details

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, breeders selling more than 3 litters per year must be licensed by their local authority.

❌ 5. Never Pay via Bank Transfer or Cryptocurrency

Scammers often ask for payment via bank transfer or crypto—methods that are hard to trace. Instead, use PayPal (Goods & Services) or other secure payment methods that offer buyer protection.

📞 6. Verify Phone Numbers and Emails

Search the seller’s phone number and email online. If they appear on scam warning websites or forums, avoid the transaction. You can also request a video call to meet the pet and seller virtually before proceeding.

🔍 7. Look Out for These Common Scam Signs:

• Stock photos used in the ad (you can reverse search them on Google)
• Poor grammar or spelling in messages
• A push for fast payment
• Refusal to let you see the pet or its parents
• “Delivery only” policies with no option to collect

🐕 What To Do If You’re Unsure

If something feels off, trust your instincts. You can:

• Contact the RSPCA or local council
• Report suspicious ads to the platform you found them on
• Visit Action Fraud to report online scams

Final Thoughts

Scammers prey on emotions—don’t let your love for animals lead you into a trap. Always take your time, ask the right questions, and buy or adopt from trusted sources.

By staying cautious and informed, you can protect yourself and help shut down unethical and illegal practices in the UK’s pet world.