How to Buy a Dog Online

There is nothing that you cannot find and buy online these days. Dating services, schools, you can even visit a virtual doctor's office. People do grocery shopping online; I personally know a woman who has not set foot in a mall in well over four years- she points, clicks and then waits for delivery. Simple, right? But what if you are buying something a lot more precious than a diamond ring or the latest pair of shoes? What if you want to add to your family? How do you buy a dog online?

Since you cannot actually look at or play with a dog you are considering online, you really must go with your first instinct. If you think that the deal is too good to be true, it probably is and you should pass it by. There are countless scams out there, so be careful and document every single conversation and money exchange for your records and your safety. This documentation may make the difference if you have to file a lawsuit should a problem arise, it may sadly be your only recourse.

The most dangerous method of buying a dog online would be through an independent person. These people post an advertisement online for a "purebred" dog and accept your offer. You send the money and then hopefully your dog arrives- but it is not the dog that you saw pictures of, nor is it a purebred dog by any stretch of the imagination. A vet check reveals that the dog is ill or injured and you return home and try to contact this seller. Are you at all shocked that this person is no longer available? You have just learned a valuable lesson, and are more than likely stuck with a dog that could likely run up a very expensive vet bill, or the even worse option, will need to be euthanized. The lesson you should have walked away with here is: know who you are dealing with and only buy from established, reputable breeders.

When buying your dog online, try to stick with the established sites, and always check for negative comments and feedback on the page. Do not agree to pay for this dog sight unseen, and don't rely on pictures alone. Ask for a recent vet check as well to prevent being stuck with a dog that has serious and potentially very expensive health care concerns. Make sure that the person that you are dealing with has been established for awhile and ask for at least one alternative number to contact with questions or concerns after the sale is completed.

Before you consider the sale actually completed, have the dog rechecked at the vet and make sure that the findings match up with the previous vet's findings. If there is any discrepancy, speak to the seller and discuss what (if anything) needs to be done. There is a chance that the original vet check was indeed valid, and if it is only a minor injury or slight issue, keeping the dog might not be that big of a deal, but you should have part of your purchase price refunded to offset this medical care. Be careful, know what you are looking for and be wary of any thing that sounds far too good to be true.