Puppy / Kitten 'Adoption + Shipping' Non-Delivery
An adorable pet is offered cheap or free 'just pay shipping,' then endless add-on fees (crate, insurance, vet) pile up for an animal that doesn't exist.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You find a purebred puppy, kitten, or other pet online at a low price or 'free to a good home, just pay shipping.' After you pay, a fake 'pet shipping company' demands escalating fees — a special climate-controlled crate (refundable!), insurance, vaccinations, customs — each 'required' before the pet can travel. The animal doesn't exist; each fee is the scam, and the tears and love for a pet keep victims paying. No pet arrives.
What it usually looks like
- A cheap/free pet with heartwarming photos.
- Payment for 'shipping' via app/wire, then more fees.
- A 'pet shipping company' demanding crate/insurance/vet fees.
- Promises the fees are refundable.
Common warning signs
- Escalating fees before the pet can 'ship.'
- Payment by app, wire, or gift card to strangers.
- Inability to see the pet in person or on live video.
- Photos found elsewhere online.
Example wording scammers use
“Free AKC puppy to a loving home — just cover $350 shipping!”
“The airline requires a $700 climate crate (fully refundable on arrival). Send it to release your puppy.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Escalating 'shipping/crate/insurance' fees.
- Irreversible payments for a nonexistent pet.
- To exploit love for animals.
What to do
- See the pet in person or on a live video call before paying anything.
- Buy from reputable, verifiable breeders/shelters; meet the animal.
- Never pay escalating 'shipping' fees to strangers by app/wire.
- Reverse-image-search the pet photos.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your payment app/bank to try to reverse it.
- Report to the platform and Petscams.com/BBB.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.