Buyer Safety Guidelines and Best Practices

Verifying Seller Authenticity and Reliability

How can I verify the authenticity and trustworthiness of a seller before purchasing a pet on this platform?

What are the guidelines for confirming if a seller is a reputable breeder and has the necessary credentials?

Are there specific certifications or licenses a seller should have, especially when selling rare or exotic animals?

Can I request references from previous buyers to confirm a seller’s reliability?

Are there platform tools or resources for checking if a seller has any prior complaints or disputes with buyers?

Identifying and Avoiding Scams

What red flags should I watch out for to avoid scams when browsing pet listings?

How can I recognize and report fake or fraudulent pet listings on the website?

What steps can I take to protect myself from phishing scams when using the platform's messaging features?

How should I handle a situation where a seller pressures me to decide quickly or use unconventional payment methods?

What should I do if a seller becomes unresponsive after payment is made?

Safe Communication and Personal Information Protection

What are the platform’s guidelines for safely communicating with a seller to protect my personal information?

What personal data should I avoid sharing with sellers to protect my privacy and security?

How does the platform recommend handling situations where a seller tries to contact me outside of the website?

Payment Security and Financial Safety

Is it safe to send a deposit or make a payment before receiving a pet, and what protections are in place?

Are there platform guidelines on whether installment payments are safe or recommended?

What steps can I take to secure my payment information on the platform?

What should I consider or ask about if a seller requires a “non-refundable” deposit?

Buyer Protection and Support

How does the platform handle disputes between buyers and sellers if an issue arises post-purchase?

Can I contact customer support for assistance with questions about a listing’s accuracy or legitimacy?

What are the platform’s policies for obtaining a refund if the pet received does not match the listing description?

Does the platform provide buyer protection for overseas purchases, and what are the guidelines?

Confirming Pet Health and Authenticity

What questions should I ask a seller to confirm the health, temperament, and compatibility of a pet?

What are the recommended methods for confirming a pet’s health history, vaccination records, and microchip information?

How can I ensure that a pet has been ethically bred and raised before proceeding with a purchase?

How can I verify that a seller’s photos or videos of a pet are authentic?

What are the recommended practices for safely conducting a video call with a seller to view a pet remotely?

Are there guidelines for involving a third-party veterinarian in the buying process if I can't meet the pet in person?

Legal and Ethical Considerations

How can I ensure the pet I’m purchasing is legally allowed in my area or jurisdiction?

How can I be sure that the pet I’m purchasing has not been illegally imported or acquired?

What steps can I take if I believe a seller is misrepresenting a pet's breed, age, or health status?

How do I know if the breed or type of pet I'm interested in requires special permits or legal documentation?

What should I do if I suspect a seller is involved in illegal activities or unethical sourcing?

Safe Meeting Arrangements

What are the platform’s recommended best practices for arranging an in-person meeting with a seller?

Does the platform recommend visiting the seller’s premises to verify pet conditions before purchase?

What are the guidelines for verifying a pet’s health condition if I cannot visit the seller in person?

What options are available for vetting pet transport or shipping companies if I can’t meet the seller in person?

Additional Buyer Support Tools

Does the platform offer verification tools or resources to confirm a pet’s breed, age, or lineage?

Are there platform-specific tools to monitor a seller’s response rate and reliability?

Does the platform offer or recommend insurance options for new pet purchases?

Are there tools to help estimate fair market pricing for pets to avoid overpaying?