How to Buy a Pet Online

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Categories: Animals | Pets | How Tos

  • The internet is a wonderful tool, bringing all types of information into your home. While you can begin your search for a pet online, you should always conclude the transaction in person. Adding a pet to your family is a serious commitment and should always be undertaken with care and deliberation. Read on to learn how to buy a pet online.

  • Introduction

    • The internet has replaced the newspaper's classified ads as a means of locating information about pets for sale. While it's a great place to begin your search, you should never purchase a pet online. All transactions should be concluded in person, after you've fully investigated the seller and the animal.

  • Step 1: What Type of Pet is Right for You?

    • The first step in your pet search is determining which type of pet is best suited to you and your lifestyle. The internet can be very useful in researching the habits and needs of different pets. In addition to the traditional dogs and cats, some pets you may wish to consider are:
    1. Birds
    2. Ferrets
    3. Guinea Pigs
    4. Hamsters
    5. Rabbit
    6. Mice
    7. Rats
    8. Snakes
    9. Lizards
    10. Frogs
    11. Potbellied Pigs

  • Step 2: Ways to Locate a Pet Online

    • There are a number of ways you can locate a pet online:
    1. Scan the online classifieds of local and regional newspapers. Within minutes you can access ads from papers in any towns within driving distance.
    2. Checkout Craigslist for your city.
    3. If there are breed associations or specialty hobby groups for the type of pet you're interested in, you can locate their website online. These will usually provide a link or phone number you can use to locate reputable breeders in your area.
    4. Some breeds have rescue groups that place older animals in good homes. You can find information about these groups online as well.
    5. Online tools such as PetFinder can also be helpful.

  • Step 3: Connect With the Breeder in Person

    • After locating information about available pets online, you need to proceed with caution.
    1. Check references, including previous buyers and the breeder's veterinarian.
    2. Personally inspect the facilities.
    3. Make sure any agreement you sign permits you to return the pet after your vet has done an exam.

  • Step 4: Don'ts of Buying a Pet Online

    1. Don't actually purchase a pet online; only use the internet for research.
    2. Don't sign a contract before meeting the breeder and the pet.
    3. never have a pet shipped to you.




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