Today, most things that you might want to buy are usually available online, from houses and cars to basic groceries. So it makes sense that if you have decided to add a pet to your family, the internet is likely to be the first place that you are going to look.
5 Expert Thoughts for Buying a Pet Online
Buying a pet can be a very fulfilling experience and whether you get a puppy, kitten, rabbit, or a hamster they are going to be an important part of your family for a long time. However, there can also be many pitfalls of buying a pet online, so keep these tips in mind.
Use a Reputable Site:
Sadly, not everybody who sells pets online is reputable. Some mistreat their animals which will lead to bigger problems in the future while others are just out to scam you and don’t actually have any puppies or kittens available at all and will just run away with your deposit.
Because of this isn’t important to avoid buying any pets that you have seen advertised at places like social media or Craigslist. Stick to reputable pet sites that are designed specifically for finding loving homes for animals.
Do Your Research:
Seen a really cute, cuddly pet that you want to buy and bring home as soon as possible? Don’t hand over your money just yet. You can use Nuwber to do your research into the person selling the pet and make sure that they are actually legitimate.
You can use this site by simply entering a name, email, phone number, or address which will bring up any records; if somebody has been arrested for things like fraud or animal abuse you know that it’s better not to buy a pet from them.
Buy From Reputable Breeders:
If you want to buy a puppy, kitten, or another baby animal then you are always better off buying from a reputable breeder. Of course, you might be in a situation where somebody you know is selling puppies or kittens and that is usually OK as long as you know or trust the person. But otherwise, stick to regulated breeders since you know that their animals will be well-cared-for.
Consider Rescues:
Another great way to get a pet for your family is to rescue an animal who does not have a home. Be sure to check out rescue center websites since they often list the pets that they have available with cute and irresistible photographs. Rescuing a pet is often much cheaper than purchasing one from a breeder and it comes with a lot of satisfaction and reward.
Visit First:
Never hand over payment for a pet, either purchasing or rescuing, without first going to see the animal and meet them beforehand. Not only does this give you a chance to decide if this is actually the right pet for you, but it also allows you to see their environment and get a good idea of how they are being treated.
If somebody is breeding puppies or kittens and you’d like to buy one, going around to see them and see the mother of the litter will also give you a good chance at seeing what you can expect your pet to be like when they grow up, too.
Before you buy a pet online, keep these tips in mind to make sure that you’re getting the best furry friend for your family.