Gault Pups, Hamilton, Ontario

Buyer Beware

To all potential puppy buyers: When looking for a puppy/dog, you need to do your homework before buying. Here is some very important advice:

Go to the breeder's house to see for yourself the condition of the dogs - are their living quarters and the dogs themselves clean?

Ask to see the papers and pedigrees of both parents.

Never buy a dog from a breeder at what seems to be a low price. This should set off a red flag!

Never buy because the breeder seems to be nice. Do your homework. Remember the fact that although a puppy may be cute, it is no guarantee that it is healthy.

Visit more than one breeder to see the different living arrangements and to find out all you can about the breed you are interested in.

We always advise that you purchase your new pet from qualified registered breeders. No matter what breed you are looking into as your new companion. DO NOT PURCHASE FROM A PET STORE! Why? you ask. Pet Stores are known to purchase over 90% of the cute little puppies you see, from PUPPY MILLS. They cannot provide you with a history on your dog or a health guarantee. In fact, the puppies that make it out into a pet store are the lucky ones. They survived! But they could still cost you over $2000 in vet bills the first 8 months of their life! I have included a few links to some puppy mill information.
Prisoners of Greed- Pennsylvania - WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT!
Kismutt - Fighting Puppy Mills in Canada

Internet Scams

Over the past few years, scores of scams have cropped up all over the internet, all destined to part you from your hard earned dollar. 2 of the most recognizable are found in the classifieds all over the internet. There are many more and other variations!

The "FREE" ad - claiming that they have several purebred puppies, and they just can't keep them due to the fact, they are moving (or sick, or dying, or getting a new job). They only want a good home for their beloved babies. Often there is misspellings and the email address is usually a yahoo or hotmail. No phone number is usually given. The scam starts when they want to send you the animal (they are targeting all animals, including cats, parrots, reptiles and other pets), but they will need a certain amount for "shipping" or crates. DO NOT SEND YOUR MONEY! It goes on and on until they can'y get any more and the puppy never materilizes. REPORT THE AD everytime you see this, to the administrators of the ad site. This can cover any breed of any animal out there. Read this account. Pet Scam #1

The "Lost Pet" ads - Conartists read the lost pet ads, and respond saying they have found the animal, and require a certain amount to fly the animal home or cover vet costs or whatever. After the owner sends the money, their pet never materializes. Here is the story of a woman who had this happen. Pet Scan #2