How To Buy A Dog Online Apr 2026

Avoid generic e-commerce marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, which are often hotspots for scammers. Instead, use established registries and professional networks.

Buying a dog online requires a careful balance of digital sleuthing and old-fashioned verification. While the internet makes it easy to find diverse breeds, approximately 80% of sponsored pet advertisements are estimated to be fraudulent. A safe purchase depends on identifying reputable sources, vetting them through direct communication, and ensuring all legal health and transport documentation is in order. Phase 1: Finding Reputable Sources how to buy a dog online

: Every breed has a "Parent Club" (e.g., the Golden Retriever Club of America ) that maintains breeder referral lists of members who adhere to strict codes of ethics and mandated health testing. While the internet makes it easy to find

: The AKC Marketplace is a primary resource for finding AKC-registrable puppies by breed and location. : The AKC Marketplace is a primary resource

A responsible breeder will "vet" you just as much as you vet them. Use these criteria to determine legitimacy: How Do I Find a Breeder? - American Kennel Club