The time comes in many people’s lives when they decide to buy a dog. The possibilities and avenues are endless and sometimes, you just get overwhelmed. Where to go to get that beloved pup? You can visit a local pet store or a local breeder, but they may not have the specific breed you’re looking for. So what do you do? Where can you turn? Well, that’s where a pet classified site like Puppies.com comes into play.
Pet classified sites are online pet marketplaces where you can browse through profiles of pets and buy one from a breeder located around the country or an adoption agency. We’re going to explore Puppies.com, examining its features, functionality, and everything it has to offer.
Our article will help you learn more about the site and decide if it’s the right place for you to buy an adorable new puppy.

Background and History
Puppies.com was created with the intention of providing brand new puppies to potential pet parents. This online pet marketplace was founded in 2003 and since then, they have matched puppies with pet owners. You can find puppies of all breeds all over the country.
The site also has a revolutionary tool called Breed Matchmaker, which links up the owner and their lifestyle with the perfect breed of dog for them. Becoming a name for having puppies, Puppies.com will only provide you with breeder information on puppies and not other dog ages.
They also have a charitable organization called Puppies.com Cares which sponsors shelters for dogs throughout the country.
Special Features
Puppies.com has special features that make it stand out from other pet listing websites. These features have to do with their breed matchmaker option, their list of frequently asked questions, and online store. Let’s take a look at them.
- They have a Breed Matchmaker feature where you can input information about you and your lifestyle and they will match you with a dog breed that aligns perfectly with you.
- They have an online store where you can buy puppy essentials — from toys, food, chews, blankets, and beds. It’s a one-stop shop for all your puppy needs.
- They have a Help Center that outlines everything you need to know about the process in buying a puppy, selling a puppy, the safeguards against scams and frauds, FAQs, testimonials and more.
- Under the Buying a Puppy tab — Puppies.com outlines all the information you need to know to buy a puppy through the online pet marketplace, reassuring the process for you at every step of the way.
- They have breed information of puppies they have, so you can learn about them.

Safeguards Against Scams
Puppies.com strives to have safeguards for all people involved in their pet listing website — from the ones that want to be pet parents to the breeders on the site. Let’s take a look at those safeguards below.
Although they may not actively have safeguards against scammers out there, Puppies.com does give you detailed information on what to watch out for.
- They tell you to always confirm the legitimacy of AKC registration of purebred puppies.
- Puppies.com lists out their community standards that everyone has to follow, including breeders and, of course, buyers.
- There is a page designed to give the buyer tips on how to protect themselves online from scammers and fraudsters posing as legitimate dog breeders.
- A page outlining how to watch out for scammers is also on the website, detailing how to identify and avoid fraudsters.
- Lastly, you have the ability to report scammers to Puppies.com directly so they can take appropriate action.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- TrustPilot has compiled a list of all their reviews — over 1,000 of them — and has given Puppies.com a total of 4 ½ stars.
- They have a Breed Matchmaker option that can link you up with a dog breed that best matches you and your lifestyle.
- Puppies.com strives for good communication and transparency, which is why their Help Center offers answers to all frequently asked questions, as well as goes through their processes in buying or selling a puppy.
- They offer a comprehensive list of how to watch out for scammers, although they strive to have reputable breeders on their website. They also give you the option to report scammers on their website.
Cons
- They only sell puppies.
- The BBB’s Puppies.com page has complaints lacking appropriate breeder information or the puppies’ health information.
- There have also been instances where they suspend accounts that report scammers.
Bottom Line
Puppies.com has a charitable organization that funds shelters throughout the country so that dogs at shelters can have a happy life while waiting for their forever home. They also strive for transparency and communication, which is why they outline all their processes and frequently asked questions on their page. All of these reasons and more is why Puppies.com is one of the best online pet marketplaces out there. And if you need any pet shipping from an out-of-state breeder, trust in CitizenShipper, which is the safest and most affordable way to transport a pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Puppies.com is an online pet marketplace that connects prospective dog owners with breeders across the United States. Users can browse puppy listings by breed, location, and price, then contact breeders directly through the site to arrange purchase details. Puppies.com only lists puppies. The platform is specifically designed to connect buyers with breeders offering young puppies, not adult dogs or rescue animals. The Breed Matchmaker tool asks questions about your lifestyle, living situation, activity level, and preferences. Based on your answers, it recommends dog breeds that may be a good fit for you, helping first-time or unsure buyers make informed decisions. While Puppies.com does not directly handle payments or transactions, it provides extensive educational resources to help buyers avoid scams. This includes tips on verifying AKC registrations, recognizing red flags, reviewing breeder standards, and reporting suspicious activity directly to the platform.1. What is Puppies.com and how does it work?
2. Does Puppies.com sell adult dogs or only puppies?
3. How does the Puppies.com Breed Matchmaker tool work?
4. What safeguards does Puppies.com have against scams?

