RESOURCE LIBRARY

Privacy of Personal Information

How is my personal information protected when I communicate with breeders on this platform?
AmericanBreeder.com ensures secure communication by anonymizing messages sent through the platform. Personal contact details, like email and phone numbers, are not shared with breeders unless explicitly provided by the user. Data transmission is encrypted for added security.

What privacy settings are available to control who can view my profile information and message me?
Users can customize privacy settings in their account dashboard, restricting profile visibility to specific groups (e.g., breeders, buyers, or community members). Messaging permissions can also be tailored to allow only verified breeders or specific users to contact you.

Can I control what personal details are visible to other users or breeders in my profile?
Yes, you can choose which personal details (e.g., location, interests) are displayed publicly. Sensitive information, such as contact details, remains hidden unless you choose to share it in your settings.

How does the platform prevent breeders from accessing my contact information, such as email and phone number, if I haven’t shared it?
AmericanBreeder.com’s messaging system keeps communication within the platform. Breeders cannot access your contact information unless you provide it directly in a message or profile field.

If I prefer to remain anonymous, what profile and communication settings should I adjust?
To maintain anonymity, set your profile to private, disable location visibility, and allow messages only from verified users. Avoid including identifying details in your profile or messages.

Scheduling and Confirming Appointments

How can I schedule an appointment to meet a breeder and view the animals listed on the platform?

To schedule an appointment on AmericanBreeder.com, start by browsing breeder listings for the desired species or breed using the platform's search or category navigation options. Once you've found a breeder, click on their username in the ad listing to visit their profile. Use the "Email the Breeder" button or the contact details provided, such as phone number, website, or social media links, to initiate a conversation.

When contacting the breeder, introduce yourself, specify the animal(s) you're interested in, and suggest a few preferred dates and times for a visit. For convenience, registered users can save listings to their favorites, making it easy to revisit them when planning appointments.

Are there steps I need to follow on the platform to confirm a viewing appointment with a breeder?

Yes. After discussing potential dates with the breeder, follow these steps to confirm the appointment:

1. Communicate Clearly: Confirm the agreed-upon date, time, and location directly with the breeder. Use the messaging history feature in your email or save a screenshot of any agreed details.
2. Double-Check Contact Info: Verify the breeder’s address and contact details provided in their listing to avoid confusion.
3. Request a Confirmation: Politely ask the breeder to confirm the appointment via email, text, or phone to ensure clarity.
4. Refer to the Fraud Prevention Guide: Review the site’s fraud prevention tips to confirm you’re meeting a reputable breeder in a safe, public, or agreed-upon location.

What’s the typical response time for appointment requests, and how much notice should I give a breeder to schedule a visit?

Response times vary depending on the breeder's availability and communication preferences. Many breeders respond within 24–48 hours. However, it’s recommended to provide at least 3–7 days' notice when requesting an appointment to allow sufficient time for scheduling. For high-demand breeders or rare species, consider reaching out earlier to ensure availability.

Is there a way to confirm the appointment details, such as time and location, and does the platform offer reminders?

Currently, AmericanBreeder.com does not have an integrated appointment management tool or automated reminders. However, here’s how you can confirm and stay organized:

Verifying Breeder Identity and Legitimacy

How can I verify the identity of a breeder through email to ensure they are legitimate and trustworthy?

To verify a breeder's identity via email on AmericanBreeder.com:

1. Use the "Email the Breeder" Button: Only contact breeders through the platform’s dedicated "Email the Breeder" button available on each ad. This ensures your message is securely routed to the verified email associated with the breeder's profile.
2. Check Profile Consistency: Before engaging further, review the breeder's profile details. You can do this by clicking their username in their ad listing. Look for consistency in location, breed expertise, and contact details.
3. Review Listing Details: Verify that the information shared in the email aligns with the breeder’s ads or profile, such as pricing, breed availability, and services offered.

Is it appropriate to ask a breeder for additional forms of verification, such as certifications or professional affiliations, via email?

Yes, it’s appropriate and encouraged to ask for additional verification to establish trust. Consider requesting the following:

• Certifications: Request documents like AKC registration, veterinary health certificates, or breeding licenses to verify authenticity.
• Professional Affiliations: Ask about memberships with reputable organizations such as breed-specific clubs or animal welfare associations.
• References or Reviews: Request testimonials from previous buyers or references who can vouch for the breeder’s credibility.
  When making these requests, remain polite and professional, emphasizing your interest in ensuring ethical and responsible practices.

Can I verify that the breeder's email matches their profile information on the platform to avoid scams?

Yes, AmericanBreeder.com provides tools to help users verify a breeder’s authenticity:

1. Compare Email Details: Confirm that the email address used in correspondence matches the one linked to the breeder’s profile. Use the "Email the Breeder" feature to avoid spoofed addresses.
2. Review Profile Listings: Check the breeder’s other ads or profile to ensure consistency across communication details, such as location and contact information.
3. Use the AI Chat for Verification: If in doubt, ask the AI Chat feature on the website for guidance on validating a breeder’s profile and email credentials.

If I receive an email with suspicious language, links, or attachments from a breeder, how should I proceed to ensure my safety?

Suspicious emails require immediate caution. Follow these steps:

1. Do Not Click Links or Open Attachments: Avoid interacting with any links or attachments unless you can verify their authenticity.
2. Cross-Check Content: Log in to your AmericanBreeder.com account and review the breeder’s profile and ad listing. Verify that the email aligns with their profile information.
3. Report Suspicious Activity: Use the "Contact Us" form under the SUPPORT menu to report suspicious emails to the AmericanBreeder.com team. Include the email details and any relevant screenshots for investigation.
4. Enable Fraud Prevention Tips: Refer to the Fraud and Prevention Guide on the site to educate yourself about identifying red flags in breeder communication.
5. Flag Emails Through Your Email Provider: Mark the email as spam or phishing to alert your email provider of potential fraud.

AmericanBreeder.com prioritizes your safety and encourages users to leverage platform features such as the fraud prevention guide, AI chat, and breeder profile tools to ensure secure and informed communication.

Safe Communication and Privacy

What are best practices for safely communicating with breeders while protecting my privacy and personal information?

To ensure safe communication while using AmericanBreeder.com:

1. Use the platform's messaging system to contact breeders, as this keeps conversations secure and protects your contact details from being shared directly.
2. Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as your full address, financial details, or personal identifiers (e.g., Social Security number) during initial conversations.
3. Leverage privacy tools, such as limiting visibility of your profile details where available.

Refer to the Fraud and Prevention Guide in the Resource Library to familiarize yourself with common red flags and scams, and always verify breeder credibility before proceeding with transactions.

How can I limit my personal details when responding to breeders on this platform?

1. Create a free buyer account to communicate via the site’s messaging system rather than using personal email or phone numbers.
2. Avoid linking external accounts, such as social media, unless absolutely necessary, and only after verifying the breeder’s credibility.
3. Use the "Add to Favorites" feature to track listings of interest instead of sharing details to remember them.

The Improved Login Module ensures secure access to your account, allowing you to control your information effectively.

Are there specific topics I should avoid discussing with breeders to maintain privacy and security?

When interacting with breeders:

1. Avoid discussing financial arrangements until you have verified the breeder's legitimacy and reviewed their terms and conditions.
2. Refrain from sharing personal schedules, such as vacation plans or frequent absences, which can pose security risks.
3. Do not disclose private family details like the presence of children or vulnerable individuals in your home.

Focus discussions on the pet's care requirements, breed information, and breeder credentials.