Tips to Help Seniors Avoid Pet Scams

By Marina Pink | January 22, 2024 |

Pet scams are becoming more common, and seniors can end up losing a lot of money as well as having their hearts broken by a pet scam. If your senior parent has decided they want to get a furry friend they may go on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or other websites to find that friend.

But not everyone advertising a pet for adoption or for sale is legitimate. Seniors could get their heart set on a particular animal that doesn’t actually exist. Scammers are sophisticated. They may send photos or even videos of cute puppies and kittens and ask for a deposit to hold that animal even though the animal isn’t really up for adoption.

Having home care can help seniors avoid getting scammed. A home care provider can help seniors avoid getting scammed by helping seniors look for red flags. And a home care provider can help seniors use these tips to avoid pet scams:

Do Research

If your senior parent has their heart set on a particular breed of dog or cat they should do some research and know what those types of animals usually cost. If someone online is selling a purebred puppy or kitten for much less or much more than the breed usually goes for it’s probably a scam.

Adopt, Don’t Shop

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local ads on apps like Nextdoor aren’t regulated so it’s very easy for scammers to post ads on those platforms. A better way to look for a pet is to go through a reputable rescue, the ASPCA, the local humane society, or an app like Petfinder. Many pet stores hold adoption fairs on weekends where your senior parent can go meet a variety of pets and adopt one on the spot.

Verify Breeder or Seller Credentials

If your senior parent is set on buying a particular breed of puppy or cat they should check the breeder’s references and credentials. Legitimate breeders should be able to provide certifications, references, and a documented history of their pets. You should be able to visit the premises too. If the breeder doesn’t allow site visits that is a big red flag.

Meet and Greet

Your senior parent should be allowed to meet the pet before agreeing to the sale or adoption. Most rescues or humane societies insist on a trial adoption period to make sure that the pet and your senior parent are a good match. If the seller wants to just take the money and go that’s not a good sign.

Be Careful With Payment

If the seller asks for payment to be sent through a wire transfer or through some untraceable payment method that is another red flag. When adopting a pet or paying money for a pet your senior parent should use a credit card that has full buyer protection so that if the transaction is a scam they can get their money refunded. Never pay cash or send a large amount of money through a wire service for a pet.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care in Pasadena, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call us today at (888) 989-7388

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Marina Pink

Owner at Home Care Help

Marina Pink is the Owner at Home Care Help. Home Care Help is an innovator in providing services in a caring and professional manner. We have an exceptional history, spanning twenty-three years, of providing care to people in moments that matter most. It is our utmost priority to address every need in a timely manner; and, it is our goal, above all else, to give the level of support that enables our residents to have as much independence as possible with care and respect.