The single most effective rule in buying a pet online is also the simplest: never send money before you've met the animal in person, or at minimum verified the seller over a live video call. Everything else in this checklist supports that one rule.

Before you message a seller

• [ ] Does the listing include specific location details (city, general area) rather than being vague?
• [ ] Are there multiple, unedited photos of the actual animal — not stock or watermarked images?
• [ ] Is the price in a realistic range for the breed and region? (Suspiciously low is a red flag, not a deal.)

Before you agree to anything

• [ ] Has the seller agreed to a live video call showing the actual animal, on request?
• [ ] Can they answer specific questions about vaccination status, deworming, and health guarantees — not just "yes, all done"?
• [ ] If CKC registered, have they shown you documentation?
• [ ] Are they willing to meet in person, at a safe public location or their home, before any payment?
• [ ] Do they have an established profile or listing history, rather than an account created the same day?

During the in-person meeting

• [ ] Meet in daylight, ideally with another person with you.
• [ ] Ask to see the puppy or pet interact with its mother/littermates if it's very young — this tells you a lot about temperament and health.
• [ ] Check the animal's eyes, coat, and energy level for obvious signs of illness or neglect.
• [ ] Confirm any documentation (vaccination records, CKC papers) matches what was described.

The checklist only works if you're willing to walk away when something doesn't add up.

After you've verified everything

Only once you've physically met the animal and confirmed the seller's claims should payment change hands — and even then, cash or a payment method with buyer protection is safer than an e-transfer for a stranger you've just met.

For more on the specific patterns scammers use, read our companion post: How to Spot a Pet Scam in Canada.