Safety & Scams

We have been made aware of a few scams regarding pets that we’d like to share to help prevent further individuals from being taken advantage of. 

First, we were recently contacted by someone who was trying to purchase a puppy from a breeder. This individual found a breeder on Facebook, paid an initial fee, then paid for vet bills, then insurance, then an air conditioned crate for transportation, then was told she owed $2000 for licensing. When all was said and done, she was out $3,600 with no puppy. She has reported the incident to the authorities.

• We always advocate for pet adoption first and foremost and encourage everyone to look for their next best friend from their local rescue or shelter. In addition, if you’re looking for a specific breed, there are many breed specific rescues.
  • However, if you are determined to purchase from a breeder, in order to avoid buying from puppy mills, we always suggest that families:
    • Research the breeder and ask to view their three most recent state or USDA inspection reports (including dog counts).
    • Visit the property to make sure you approve of how the parent dogs are living.
    • Ask what genetic health tests the parent dogs have received to ensure that the puppies are healthy and won’t have genetic issues pop up later on in life.
    • Avoid pet stores and online brokering websites, especially when they don’t provide the breeder information to you ahead of time.
    • This is a GREAT website with lots more info on this topic: https://bailingoutbenji.com/finding-a-reputable-breeder/ including the helpful chart below (click for larger size):

Second, when you’re choosing to donate to any non-profit, it’s a good idea to do your research.

• You’ll first want to verify that the organization is a nonprofit, both with the IRS and the state in which they are located.
  • Verify a nonprofit with the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/search-for-tax-exempt-organizations
  • In the state of Virginia, you can verify a nonprofit’s status here: https://www.npo.tax.virginia.gov/VTOL_External_Entity/NPOLogin.xhtml
• Nonprofits should be transparent regarding their finances, policies, procedures, and ways to contact them.
  • Nonprofits should be reporting their 990’s and annual reports which give detailed reports regarding finances including expenses and income.
  • Nonprofits should have a valid and functioning website and ways to contact them via phone, email, mail, etc.
  • Nonprofits should have safe ways to donate to protect donor privacy and should never ask for donations to personal accounts.
• Check their status on charity rating sites like those listed below. These comprehensive ratings shine a light on the cost-effectiveness and overall health of a charity’s programs, including measures of stability, efficiency, and sustainability. The metrics inform donors of not just where their dollars are going but what their dollars are doing. 
  • Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org/
  • Guidestar / Candid: https://www.guidestar.org/

Lastly, no one is immune to scams.

• Petfinder recently contacted us to let us know that they had been the made aware of a scam that falsely used their name to phish. They let us know that:
  • Outsiders have been contacting shelters and rescues via email, text message, and even social media in an attempt to steal usernames and passwords to gain access to accounts. This type of fraudulent activity is commonly referred to as “phishing.”
• We too have been made aware that other organizations have been using our name when soliciting donations, stating falsely that they partner with us. We encourage donors to ask questions and request paperwork. If there is ever any doubt, contact an organization yourself to find out additional info.

We hope this helps so that you can be sure your donations are going to truly help those in need!