Buying A Pet Online Is Risky Business: The Many Reasons That You Might Be Significantly Far Better Off To Obtain A Dog Locally Or Adopt

 

Presently, internet classified giant Kijiji has, in Toronto alone, roughly 1000 cat and 3000 dog advertisements. A lot of of the advertisers list themselves as breeders, while others give next to no facts at all (besides astronomical prices). Naturally, thousands flock to internet classifieds every single day, hoping to acquire a brand new family members member and finding a "deal", as they're unable to afford the cost of numerous pets available at breeders. To those individuals, I can't not stress enough the time tested adage, "BUYER BEWARE"!

The list of horror stories from people that have purchased their pets by way of Kijiji (along with other world wide web classified sites) is limitless. Take for example the story of Catherine Rogi, a woman who had a puppy thrust upon her by eager Kijiji sellers, and who was naive enough to not do enough investigating in to the puppy's circumstances. The outcome? A physically ill puppy with a much less than desirable temperment. Once more in Calgary, just last week a lady met with a kijiji seller in a parking lot of all places, and adopted small Bishon puppy. The puppy was wearing a coat, and by the time the lady eliminated the coat (long right after the seller had disappeared), signs of lengthy term negligence and abuse were clearly visible. It is believed that an person originally adopted the puppy (along with yet another) from a lady who could no longer look right after him. That individual then turned to kijiji to sell the dog for a profit (and evidently got away with this in a parking lot). The latter story resulted in the Calgary Humane Society issuing a warning to individuals searching to buy or adopt on the internet.

Horror stories for example this aren't one sided, as people who take to internet classifieds to either sell or rehome their pets are generally also at risk. Questions abound with regard towards the motivation of a lot of on the internet purchasers, from accusations of dogs being bought with intention of fighting, to smaller pets, even kittens, being bought with the intention of feeding them to snakes. The bottom line is, unless you have performed substantial homework, you are unlikely to know the true circumstances surrounding a kijiji pet transaction.

For those nevertheless intent on making use of web sites to adopt or purchase a brand new pet, here are some tips :

-If an advertiser is presenting themselves as a breeder, check credentials. Do they have a site? Are they registered with the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club)? Ask for a minimum of two references from folks the seller has already sold a pet to.

-If the pet is being rehomed, engage in a highly detailed discussion of the circumstances. Is the animal sick? Has it ever shown signs of aggression? How many homes has this pet lived in? Once more, beware of receiving false information and facts.

-If you are wary of the truthfulness of any of the above answers, ask to go to the pet in the home of the seller, and take a buddy or household member with you. No well intentioned seller need to have a dilemma with you visiting their location of residence to greet a potential pet. Conversely, if you are selling an animal, ensure to get references from your purchaser. If they're serious about buying or adopting an animal, they will most likely answer any questions you might have. Once more, have some1 with you when you meet them.

-Never, EVER give out your personal details unless you are completely sure that you have obtained sufficient info to engage with a potential buyer or seller.

If anyone has something to add, please comment, and always remember that there are so a lot of needy rescue groups and shelters that are always looking to rehome pets.

"Why shop when you can adopt?"