As the holiday season approaches and families search for new pets, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is warning consumers to be cautious of online pet adoption scams. Officials say these scams are surging, with fraudsters exploiting the holiday spirit and leaving victims out of money — and without the furry companions they hoped for.
The scams often lure victims with photos of adorable pets, offering popular breeds at low prices. However, once payment is made, the promised pet never arrives, and the seller disappears. According to the Better Business Bureau, as many as 80% of sponsored pet ads online may be fake.
“While many of us may dream of a magical holiday with the addition of a furry or feathered family member, consumers must be vigilant against scams or they’ll end up out of cash and without a puppy,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley.
The alert comes ahead of a new state law going into effect on Dec. 15, which bans retail pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits. The law aims to curb unethical breeding practices but may drive more consumers to search for pets online, where scams are more prevalent. Retail pet stores will still be allowed to partner with registered nonprofit rescue organizations to display adoptable animals.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball urged caution, emphasizing the importance of researching where a pet comes from. “I encourage New Yorkers to do their research when searching for a new pet to make sure that pets are safe, happy, and healthy when they arrive to their forever homes,” Ball said.
To avoid falling victim to a pet scam, officials provided several tips:
- Adopt from registered rescues or shelters: Ensure the organization is listed in the state Department of Agriculture and Markets database.
- Verify breeders or pet dealers: If purchasing from a breeder, check if they are licensed, especially if they sell more than 25 pets per year.
- Beware of online deals: Perform reverse image searches to check if pet photos are being used on multiple websites — a likely sign of a scam.
- Meet the pet in person or via live video: This helps confirm the pet’s existence and living conditions.
- Avoid unusual payment methods: Steer clear of prepaid gift cards, cash, or mobile payment apps, which are untraceable and difficult to dispute.
The Division of Consumer Protection encourages potential pet owners to ask detailed questions and request veterinary records. Vague descriptions or sellers who cannot provide specifics about an animal’s health or behavior should raise red flags.
Officials stress that staying informed and vigilant is the best way to ensure a joyful — and scam-free — pet adoption experience this holiday season.
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