Finding a Breeder You Can Trust
How to Avoid Puppy Scams

Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s great joys. Whether you’ve been dreaming about your new companion for years or simply fell in love with an irresistible face online, the excitement is real.

Unfortunately, so are puppy scams.

Every year, families lose hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars to dishonest sellers who advertise puppies that don’t exist, steal photos from legitimate breeders, or disappear the moment a deposit is sent. Others receive a puppy that looks nothing like what they were promised.

Sadly, It Happens More Often Than You Think

In recent years, several of my breeder friends and I have spoken with heartbroken families who lost thousands of dollars to puppy scammers.

One story has stayed with me.

A young man had saved for months to buy his dream puppy. His grandmother had even helped by giving him money toward the purchase. After he sent a deposit, he got a phone call from someone claiming to be at the airport with his puppy. They explained there was an unexpected fee for a special airline-approved crate. Wanting to make sure his puppy arrived safely, he sent the money.

An hour later, the calls started again—this time asking for additional paperwork fees and cargo charges.

That was the heartbreaking moment he realized there had never been a puppy.

The money was gone, and because the scammer was operating from another country, there was little that could be done to recover it.

Sadly, this story isn’t unique. Puppy scammers know exactly how to create urgency and tug at people’s emotions. That’s why taking the time to verify a breeder before sending money is one of the most important steps you can take. 

The good news? Most scams can be avoided with a little patience, research, and an understanding of what responsible breeders do differently.

Here are a few tips to help you find not just a puppy, but on finding a breeder you can trust.

 

Look Beyond the Puppy Pictures

Let’s face it—Australian Labradoodle puppies are adorable. A single photo can melt your heart.

But choosing a breeder based only on cute puppy pictures is a bit like choosing a doctor because they have a nice website.

In a 2025 update, the Better Business Bureau said more than half of the pet scams reported to BBB Scam Tracker originated from a website found through a search engine or social media. The BBB also warns that fraudulent sites can look highly professional and may even appear prominently in search results.

Google does not vet websites or breeders.

The person raising your puppy matters just as much as the puppy itself.

Look for a breeder who shares information about health, temperament, puppy development, and why they made particular breeding decisions. Great breeders enjoy educating families because they care deeply about the future of every puppy they produce.

Visit Whenever Possible

Responsible breeders are proud of how they raise their puppies.

Whenever possible, arrange to visit the breeder’s home or kennel. If distance makes that impossible, ask for a live video call where you can meet the puppies, see the mother dog, and observe the environment where the puppies are growing up.

A live video call is very different from a few photos sent by text.

Ask About Health Testing

Health begins long before puppies are born.

Responsible breeders perform appropriate health testing on their breeding dogs and are happy to explain why those tests matter.

Ask about:

• Hip evaluations
• Elbow evaluations
• Eye examinations
• DNA testing for inherited diseases
• The health history of parents and close relatives

Good breeders welcome these questions.

Notice Who Is Asking the Questions

One of the easiest ways to recognize a responsible breeder is that they interview you, too.

Expect questions such as:

• Tell me about your family.
• Have you owned dogs before?
• What are you looking for in a companion?
• How active is your lifestyle?

Responsible breeders aren’t trying to be difficult. They’re trying to make the best possible match between each puppy and its future family.

Be Careful with Deposits

Never feel pressured to send money immediately.

Before placing a deposit:

• Verify the breeder’s identity.
• Read the purchase agreement.
• Confirm contact information.
• Make sure the breeder has an established online presence.
• Ask for references if you have concerns.

A reputable breeder understands your caution.

Finding a Breeder You Can Trust Means Homework First

Spend a little time researching.

Visit the breeder’s website.

Read educational articles they’ve written.

Browse social media.

Look for consistency over time—not just polished puppy photos.

The most trustworthy breeders often openly share both the joys and the challenges of breeding.

Shipping Isn’t a Red Flag—Lack of Transparency Is

Many responsible breeders safely transport puppies across the country and around the world.

Shipping itself isn’t the concern.

What matters is transparency.

A responsible breeder will gladly show you the puppy, answer your questions, explain the transportation process, and remain in contact throughout the journey.

Scammers often avoid live conversations and make excuses about why you can’t see the puppy.

A Relationship That Lasts

One of the greatest differences between a responsible breeder and a scammer is what happens after the puppy goes home.

Ethical breeders don’t disappear.

They celebrate birthdays.

Answer questions.

Help with training issues or diet concerns.

Share in your joys.

Sometimes they even cry with you when, many years later, it’s time to say goodbye.

That lifelong relationship is a hallmark of responsible breeding.

Watch for These Red Flags

• Puppies always “available now.”
• Multiple unrelated breeds for sale.
• Refusal to show the puppies or mother.
• No health testing documentation.
• Pressure to send money immediately.
• Requests for unusual payment methods.
• Poor communication or evasive answers.
• Stock photos or inconsistent puppy pictures.
• Promises that sound too good to be true.

Trust Your Instincts

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore that feeling.

Responsible breeders understand that bringing a puppy into your family is a major decision. They will encourage your questions, respect your caution, and never pressure you into making a quick commitment.

Sometimes the hardest part is waiting for the right puppy.

But waiting a few extra weeks—or even a few extra months—is far better than rushing into a decision you’ll regret.

The GALA Philosophy

At GALA, we believe finding the right breeder is every bit as important as finding the right puppy.

Responsible breeders invest years studying genetics, health, temperament, and puppy development. They health test their dogs, raise puppies with care, support families for the life of the dog, and never stop learning.

Because in the end, they aren’t simply placing puppies.

They’re helping create lifelong friendships between people and dogs.

At GALA, our mission is to preserve and improve the Australian Labradoodle through responsible breeding, education, collaboration, and transparency. We believe informed families make the best lifelong homes, and we hope our educational library helps you make confident decisions for both you and your canine companions.

Written by Anoeska DeBekker and Anita Main for GALA Education

Anoeska and Anita are co-founders of the Global Australian Labradoodle Association (GALA). Together they have over 30 years of experience in breeding the ALD. They are both passionate about preserving the breed through responsible breeding, education, and genetic diversity.

Reviewed by the GALA Education Committee

Resources & Further Reading

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Getting a Pet? Avoid Scams. Guidance for identifying fraudulent pet advertisements, researching sellers, recognizing suspicious payment requests, and reporting fraud.
  FTC Consumer Advice: Avoid Pet Scams
• Better Business Bureau (BBB). Puppy Scams Study and 2025 Update. Research into online puppy scams, including fake websites and social-media listings, stolen photographs, payment schemes, and requests for additional shipping or crate fees.
  BBB Puppy Scam Research
• Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker. A searchable database consumers can use to investigate and report suspected pet scams.
  BBB Scam Tracker – Pet Scams
• Global Australian Labradoodle Association (GALA). The GALA Standard of Responsible Breeding.