Adopting From a Private Owner? Watch for These Red Flags

If you’re considering applying for a pet listed by a private owner on Adopt a Pet, that’s great news. And while we want to expect the best, we also want to help you plan for the worst — scammers. 

Unfortunately, scammers will pose as people looking to rehome pets. We work hard behind the scenes to prevent that from happening, but there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself, too. Here are a few warning signs to look out for.

1. Sounding too good to be true

Pet adoption scammers often try to post highly sought-after pets to lure potential adopters into paying for a pet who doesn’t exist. They might pressure you to pay quickly or dismiss red flags to seem legitimate. So, if the adoption seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Asking for personal info

Adopt a Pet will only share your name, phone number, and email with the private owner. And we’ll never ask you for any other personal info. So let’s be clear about what not to do:

• Never fill out any application, forms, or payments on websites that aren’t Adopt a Pet, except the “transfer of ownership” form provided by the private owner.

• Never share any financial information.

• Never share personal details, such as your full home address.


• Never click on any links in an email from a private owner (they may be trying to install malware). Instead, opt for a safe, third-party platform, such as DocuSign or Adobe Acrobat Sign.

Related article

The Surprising Perks of Adopting a Pet Directly From Another Family

Pets being rehomed often come with helpful history that makes matching easier.

3. Communicating in an “off” way

The private owner should contact adopters through the phone numbers and/or emails provided on the application. If the pet adoption is legitimate, the caretaker should be more than willing to speak on the phone and set up a meet-and-greet, so you can get to know the pet before committing to adoption. Keep the following in mind.

• Is the private owner not willing to speak on the phone? This could be a scammer at work.

• If a text seems suspicious, you can try verifying the number through a quick online search or by calling it back from a blocked number. If no one picks up, the phone is disconnected, or the response feels off, that’s a red flag.

• Always meet the pet in real life before submitting payment.
When deciding on a place to meet the pet, always choose a safe, public place. PetSmart is a good choice. Never meet at your home or theirs.

4. Paying for the adoption

Adopt a Pet will ask you to fill out an application, but never ask you for payment. If an adoption fee is listed, it will go directly to the current pet owner. That said, you should never pay that fee to them up front or skip any of the following steps.

• Meet the pet first: Plan a meet-and-greet to meet the pet and their caregiver in person before paying the adoption fee.

• Meet for the exchange: The handoff meeting is when you’ll take possession of the pet and make your payment. (This may be held at the same time as the meet-and-greet or as two separate meetups.)

• Transfer ownership: Sign a “transfer of ownership” document (either printed out or signed digitally) before making a payment.

• Agree on a payment method: Make your payment to the private owner at the time of pet handoff, using the method you have both agreed upon ahead of time.

• Stick with in-person payments: Avoid making payments on apps like CashApp, Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal when you are not in person with the pet. Scammers will often insist you use these other methods before meeting. Once your money has been sent, there is no way to recover those funds.

Using these safe pet-adoption practices will protect you from messy or risky situations. If anything feels off during your adoption with a private owner we’ve got your back — just let us know.