Puppy Buyers: Tips to Avoid Puppy Mills and Scams
- Monnybrook Labradors
- Sep 19
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 15
This article offers advice on how to avoid scams and puppy mills when buying a puppy.
It also offers valuable resources, including Australian websites and animal welfare laws that you may not be aware of.
This writing reflects my perspectives and beliefs on the topics discussed. However, it aims to raise questions and hopefully spark a curiosity for further research to ensure that your experience of purchasing a puppy is pleasurable. Some parts of this piece may stir uncomfortable emotions for some readers, but I urge you to stay open-minded and ready to engage with what follows.
Below is a cautionary tale, written to make prospective puppy buyers reflect.
Our puppy-buying adventure begins when you spot those small white hairs on your jacket.
They remind you of Buddy, who would place his fluffy paws on your lap and gaze into your eyes as if to say, “Come on, mate, let’s go.”
Now, you’re overflowing with ideas to bring back that cosy feeling again, but with so many options to choose from... which one will you select?
You can make a difference by volunteering, fostering, dog-sitting, or even adopting an older dog—but your imagination runs wild with a puppy by your side!
Ouch! That hurt, just like a puppy’s sharp teeth. Those little nips from a puppy seem trivial now, as you recall saying, “Buddy, your paw print will forever remain in my heart.”
We continue to follow a young girl who buys an Australian Kelpie online and receives a different dog! What can be learnt from this tale?
Did she make a mistake, or was she misled? What could she have done differently?
Let’s explore her journey to learn more. It begins with the young girl feeling sad and bored.
To lift her spirits, she started browsing the Marketplace. Online shopping had previously brightened her outlook, so why not explore the options? After all, shopping, selling, and browsing online were easy and convenient, so she often did them to pass the time.
While browsing, she stumbled upon some puppies for sale.
The cute puppy photos brought back fond memories, and now she longed for a furry friend to fill her lonely void.
“Dogs are more loyal than partners,” she mused. This idea led the girl to message the contact person about purchasing a puppy from the adorable tri-coloured Australian Kelpie litter. By the end of the chat, she had purchased a puppy, and afterwards, she could only access photos online. Three weeks later, the girl met someone at a designated location who handed her a puppy from inside their car.
That’s odd, the girl thought to herself. Where are the pedigree papers or health reports?
She couldn’t recall the individual markings of each puppy in the litter, but one saving grace was that this puppy had a tricolour face.
How old is that puppy, and have its vaccinations, worming, and micro-chipping been done?
These are all critical questions that this young girl should have answers to before she takes her puppy home. But she forgot to ask them as the puppy’s soft tongue licked her face, pleading for attention. Her heart swelled with joy in that precious moment as she found her new companion—her own Romeo. Any doubts she might have had about the breeder’s reliability faded as she cradled the little puppy.
As the months passed, Romeo’s height and strength exceeded her expectations. This was the first sign of things to come!
His playful spirit and eagerness to learn charmed her. Sunlight glinted off his fur coat and multicoloured face, and his eyes sparkled with intelligence and mischief.
The girl and her puppy are smitten with one another!
When folks at the dog park asked about his breed, the girl would puff up inside, smile and say, “Romeo is an Australian Kelpie, a breed known for herding cattle.”
One day, a bloke with his agile Blue Heeler stood beside her. As they watched their dogs zooming around the other dogs in the dusty oval as if herding them, he turned to the girl and said, “Honey, I have doubts about him being a Kelpie - your dog is much bigger than the Kelpies I’ve seen, and besides, he has a thunderous bark on him.”
Despite the guys’ comments, the girl remained unfazed because she believed Romeo was a Kelpie.
As time passed, doubts arose, prompting the girl to research the different breeds of dogs developed for herding cattle and sheep. Eventually, she realised that Romeo’s features resembled the images she had found of the New Zealand Huntaway breed.
Could the online breeder have sold her a Kelpie but delivered another pup instead?
Anything’s possible, especially since both breeds can have tri-coloured faces.
The young girl continued to encounter challenges with her new puppy.
He had boundless energy and often got into mischief by chewing on shoes, stealing food, and making messes throughout her small apartment. She was fortunate that her landlord overlooked the damage Romeo had caused to the carpet and let them both stay.
Despite these antics, her affection for the fast-growing dog deepened; his soulful gaze always melted her heart.
If the girl had been told to leave the rented accommodation or get rid of the dog, she might have faced an unpleasant decision. One where Romeo could have ended up at a shelter waiting to be re-homed, or worse, who knows?
What do you believe is a lesson to be learned from this girl's experience?
Initially, the girl did not confirm the breeder's credibility or the sale's legitimacy, which placed her in a difficult situation.
Therefore, messages from this story include
It’s worthwhile to undertake research
Take time to think through your actions before buying your puppy.
You should also remain vigilant about potential scams
Choose a trustworthy breeder
and select a suitable dog breed for your lifestyle.
Some may find the puppy-buying process challenging.
Some prospective buyers are unsure where to find a purebred puppy or older dog. If this resonates with you, don’t panic; reading this article and being careful with your choices will make the journey easier.
Impulsive Decision-Making: Often Happens
According to Holland’s 2019 study, many people buy dogs on impulse. The appearance of puppies sways buyer interest and decisions. However, impulsive pet buyers often neglect lifestyle, breed health, and breeder checks.
Regulated breeding practices: Are you familiar with them?
Australia has laws to protect cats, dogs, and those involved in their purchase and breeding.
However, some dog breeders and sellers occasionally ignore animal welfare laws, thinking that buyers will not report them.
Sadly, many puppy buyers remain unaware of current legislation or how they can contribute to its enforcement. This article aims to correct that misconception.
Ignoring your concerns enables scammers, irresponsible breeders, and harmful practices to continue. Puppy mills and scams not only abuse animals but also reduce the joy of bringing a new puppy into your home. Therefore, being informed and responsible when buying a puppy is essential!
Low-cost dogs from pet shops and online—what is behind that low price?
Visit the OSCARS LAW website for answers: https://www.oscarslaw.org/
Alert: The website features unforgettable images, including one of Oscar, a neglected stud dog rescued from a puppy mill.
Imagine a filthy, tiny kennel with two empty bowls and a shivering figure on a cold concrete floor! That was Oscar’s life for five of his sixteen years!
Please ensure you:
# Avoid purchasing dogs from sources that mistreat them.
# If you witness animal abuse or neglect, please report it using the RSPCA ‘Report Cruelty’ button. This will support registered breeders who treat their dogs and puppies with the respect they deserve, benefiting you as well!
Resources: Helpful and informative
Websites
Verified dog breeders use the first two websites to market puppies, while the RSPCA features dogs needing rehoming. All three sites offer valuable resources, including informative articles and engaging blogs.
Animal welfare laws
Many puppy buyers are unaware of the regulations dog breeders must follow in each Australian state. These regulations protect animals, breeders, sellers, and buyers and include:
The Australian Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and the Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines 2018 mandate registration, proper care, detailed record-keeping, and sales permits for breeders and sellers.
In Queensland, the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 requires people to ensure the safety and comfort of their dogs by securing them properly during transportation in vehicles, trays, or trailers.
Responsible Labrador Retriever breeders prioritise excellent care for their dogs and puppies. The 2018 Labrador Retriever Standard and Extension document is essential for breeding programs and informs potential buyers about Labrador expectations.
Responsible dog breeders adhere to legislation, standards, and guidelines, cherish their breeds, help dogs find loving homes, and support new owners and fellow breeders.
Unethical practices: How can you put an end to them?
Increase your grasp of animal welfare rules, laws, and benchmarks.
Check a breeder or seller’s trustworthiness before buying.
Protect yourself from puppy scams, puppy mills, and unethical breeders.
Take a stand to stop scammers, puppy mills, and breeders who aren’t responsible.
Alert authorities about unsafe conditions and unlawful actions harming dogs and puppies.
Consult the RSPCA advice in “The Smart Puppy Buyer’s Guide. “
Who should I contact if I have concerns about a breeder or their practices?
Contact the RSPCA if you want to report animal abuse, as they investigate and ensure animal welfare laws are being followed. This organisation also saves animals and encourages proper pet care.
Recommended further reading
A March 2025 Australian animal blog reported that puppy mills continue to exist, ignoring current legislation. This supports my point that puppy buyers should research and make informed choices and decisions. Click the link here to read their article: https://animalsaustralia.org/our-work/companion-animals/puppy-farms-in-australia/
Dogz-online blogs have helped identify trustworthy Australian dog breeders (2024) and prevent online pet scams (2023). For these articles, click the following link: https://www.dogzonline.com.au/resources/
Perfect Pets published “Fighting Online Pet Scams” and Dr Kennedy’s “Top Things Before Getting a Puppy” in 2025. In 2024, they published an article highlighting identity theft from registered breeders. Accessible from: https://perfectpets.com.au/best-pet-blog
In 2024, the RSPCA also focused on how to avoid puppy farms in articles sourced from its Knowledge Base and published a well-researched “Smart Puppy Buyers Guide.”
Both are accessible from the following links:
To learn more about Labrador Retrievers and the animal welfare standards in Queensland, please visit the website of the Labrador Retriever Club of Queensland: https://www.labradorclubqld.com/
If you enjoyed this article, please share it to help educate others.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
References:
Acquiring a Pet Dog: A review of factors affecting the decision-making of prospective dog owners. Katrina Holland (2019) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6523466/
Oscar’s Law aims to protect animals from mistreatment and abuse. https://www.oscarslaw.org/
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