Buying a puppy,
safely.
Bringing home a puppy should be one of the happiest things you do — not a gamble. Pet Records is built to make breeders accountable, but a few habits keep you safe anywhere you shop.
Start with a verified kennel
Every kennel on Pet Records is a real, registered account — not an anonymous post. Favor higher verification tiers, and read the record before you fall for the photo.
Insist on seeing the puppy in context
Ask for a live video call that shows the puppy with its litter, the dam, and where they're raised. A responsible breeder is happy to show you around; a scammer will make excuses.
Ask for the health record
Request the vaccination and deworming history, the vet health certificate, the microchip number, and any genetic or OFA testing on the parents. On Pet Records these are attached to the listing — confirm they match.
Meet the breeder, not a middleman
You should be talking to the person who raised the puppy. Be wary of anyone who only communicates by text, can't answer basic questions about the breed, or pressures you to decide immediately.
Never wire money or pay in gift cards
Pet Records never holds your payment. Pay a deposit only under a written contract you both sign, through a method with buyer protection. Untraceable payments (wire transfer, gift cards, crypto, peer-to-peer cash apps) are the #1 sign of a scam.
Get everything in writing
A real breeder provides a written sales contract and a health guarantee. Read the spay/neuter terms, the return/take-back policy, and what happens if a health issue appears. Keep copies of every message and receipt.
Watch for prices that are too good to be true
Scammers lure buyers with rare colors at bargain prices, then add surprise fees for crates, insurance, or shipping. A fair price for a health-tested, well-raised puppy reflects the work behind it.
Trust your gut — and report it
If something feels off, slow down. You can walk away from any deal. And if a listing looks fraudulent or misleading, report it so our team can review it and protect other families.
See something
that isn't right?
If a listing looks fraudulent, misleading, or unsafe, tell us. Our team reviews every report — it's one of the ways we keep Pet Records a place you can trust.