What’s the Best Website to Buy Dogs?

Patrick MacFarland Patrick MacFarland · Updated September 9, 2024

Ensure Your Furry Friend's Comfort!

  • Fast and easy
  • Only pay when you book
A woman holding a white puppy in an airport.

There comes a time when you decide to expand the family with a new pet. Dogs are a great addition to families with children, providing companionship and teaching responsibility. However, it’s important to get the right breed for your lifestyle — sometimes the only way to get a specific breed is to use a website to buy dogs.

The good news is that there are many reputable pet classified websites in the United States. The bad news? Some have scammers that will do anything to get you to part with your money. Knowing what websites you can trust is the first step in buying a dog online — let’s take a look at the safest website to buy dogs online.

Can You Buy a Dog Online?

The simple answer is yes! There are a myriad of places you can buy a dog online. Of course, there is more than just a simple yes. There’s one important caveat when buying a dog online: proceed with caution. When you’re online, you can conveniently find dogs from breeders, shelters or rescue organizations, but it does come with risks.

So, what do you do next? If you’ve decided that you want to buy a dog online, you need to follow these simple rules:

  • Research Breeders and Sellers: Make sure the breeder you choose is reputable and ethical.
  • Ask for Health Certifications: Always make sure the dog is healthy by verifying that the dog has been properly health screened and vaccinated.
  • Visit or Request a Virtual Tour: The best way to ensure the dog is happy, healthy and thriving is to request to see the dog and its living conditions before you make a purchase.
  • Read Contracts Carefully: Always read the entire contract — understand the terms of sale, including health guarantees and return policies.
  • Be Aware of Scams: Avoid deals that seem too good to be true and be cautious with payment methods that aren’t reversible, disputable or traceable.

A black and white puppy being held by a woman, emphasizing the importance of health testing for breeding dogs.

Why Should You Buy a Dog on a Website?

There are many reasons why it’s better to buy a dog online, like perusing through a variety of listings from the comfort of your home. But there are more reasons, let’s take a look at them!

1. Convenience

The great part about buying a dog on a website is that you can browse various breeds and options from the comfort of your own home. This saves you a lot of time because if not you would be visiting multiple breeders or pet stores in person throughout the area you live in.

2. Access To Many Breeds

Pet classified science and online platforms will feature a variety of breeds, including rare or specific ones that may be hard to find in your local area.

3. Detailed Information

Many pet classified sites in websites provide extensive details about each dog they are selling. Much of the information may include free characteristics, health history, the dog’s temperament, and sometimes videos, as well. All of this information can help you make the ultimate, informed decision.

4. Adoption Options

Many websites are also dedicated to linking up potential pet owners with rescue dogs and animal shelters. Other websites have both breeders and shelters on their availability lists. If you decide to adopt a dog, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

5. Reviews and Testimonials

It’s always a good idea to look at the website’s reviews and testimonials. Reputable websites will include reviews and testimonials — both good and bad — from previous customers.

6. Health Guarantees

Websites will include professional breeders that sell dogs online with health guarantees or certifications. This means that the puppy or the adult dog is healthy and has been vaccinated, giving you no health issues when you buy or adopt them.

7. Transparency

Lastly, good websites or pet classified science will provide you with transparent information about everything — the breeder and the rescue organization or shelter. Much of the information that they can provide about the breeder includes their credentials, breeding practices, and facility conditions. This will help you avoid puppy mills or unethical breeders.

Keep in Mind When Buying a Dog Online

When doing your research or perusing through a website to buy dogs, it’s always smart to keep these three tips in mind.

  • Beware of Scams: The internet is a breeding ground for scams. Pet classified sites and websites where you can buy dogs are no different. You should always check to see that the website is legitimate by looking at verified reviews, secure payment options and clear contact information.
  • Ethical Considerations: When it comes to breeders, ethics are key. Check to see that the breeder follows ethical practices when it comes to all pets, including dogs. They should be well cared for at all times. Furthermore, avoid buying from puppy mills or other unethical breeding operations.
  • Personal Interaction: Always trying to meet the dog in person so that you can observe the environment they are in and make sure the dog is a good fit for your home and lifestyle. If you can’t see it in person, you can always do a video call. This is a decision that should always be made carefully.

A woman holding a black and white Royal Paws puppy in front of a car.

Are Some Pet-Buying Websites Better?

The simple answer is that yes, some pet-buying websites are better than others. But why are they better? Let’s answer those questions so you can get a better idea of what to look for in a great pet classified site or pet-buying website.

1. Reputation and Reviews

The best pet adoption websites have strong, trustworthy reputations. This reputation is well-earned through positive, detailed customer reviews. Look for websites where customers share detailed experiences about the buying process and the health of the pets.

2. Ethical Breeding Practices

Reputable pet websites only work with breeders that adhere to ethical standards. Those that don’t are more likely to include unethical breeders or puppy mills. Look for websites where the animals are well cared for, aren’t overbred and are raised in a healthy, clean environment.

3. Transparency

The best websites provide clear, detailed information — about the breeder, where they are located, breeding practices and their credentials. They will also disclose any health screenings, vaccinations and lineage information. Look for websites where all of the information is at hand for you to see.

4. Health Guarantees

Reputable websites offer health guarantees while doing their best to ensure the pet you purchase is healthy and free from genetic disorders. Moreover, this could include a period where you can return the pet if serious health issues arise.

5. Support and Resources

The best websites to buy dogs offer plenty of support. They have resources like information on pet care, training tips and even access to veterinary care advice. Look for websites that have these resources and stay away from those that just are just trying to sell you something.

6. Adoption Options

There are some websites that offer the option of adopting a pet through a shelter or rescue organization. This is wholesome and heart-warming because you are giving a chance to a pet in need. These sites are special and are ones you should look after.

7. Secure Transactions

A trustworthy and good website has secure payment systems, as well as clear policies regarding payments, refunds and returns. They also protect your personal data and financial information. Steer clear away from those websites that don’t have secure payment methods.

8. Customer Service

The best pet buying websites have the best customer service. If you see a pet classified site that has representatives available to take your questions or to provide you updates on your purchase, then this is your best bet.

Tips for Evaluating a Pet-Buying Website

When perusing through a pet-buying website, we recommend you follow these fantastic tips. They’ll help you weed out the good websites from the bad ones.

  • Research the Website: Read all their information and watch out how well they present the information. If the site looks well-established, it’s a good sign. Also, look for reviews from other customers, check for any complaints or issues.
  • Verify Breeder Information: The breeder information should be accurate and they should be reputable — with a history of ethical breeding practices.
  • Check for Health Guarantees: It’s a good sign when you come to the part where they offer health guarantees. The site or the breeder should have that stated clearly, along with policies on returns or refunds.
  • Look for Adoption Alternatives: Some websites promote adoption because they prioritize animal welfare.

The Best Website To Buy Dogs

When it comes to buying dogs, there are many pet classified sites out there that offer a variety of dogs for you to purchase. However, some of them can be scams and others can be completely safe. What are the websites where you can buy dogs safely and without worry? Let’s take a look below.

Logo of Pawrade featuring a blue outlined paw print with a heart shape inside it, followed by "Pawrade" in black and blue stylized text. Discover the best places to buy a puppy online with Pawrade—your ultimate 2024 guide to finding your perfect furry friend.

Pawrade

Pawrade was founded in 2020 in Charleston, SC. The pet classified site is dedicated to linking up dogs with pet owners. Their website allows you to choose from hundreds of profiles located all over the United States. Furthermore, they have a diverse and broad selection of dogs. You can even optimize your search with what you specifically need and want, according to the lifestyle you lead.

When it comes to drawbacks, they primarily sell puppies and not older pets. They also sometimes may have breeder information missing or unavailable.

PuppySpot logo featuring a stylized heart and paw print icon on the left, followed by the company name in bold, black text, makes it clear why they are among the Best Places to Buy a Puppy online.

Puppy Spot

Puppy Spot was founded almost 20 years ago. Since then, this pet classified site has connected breeders with many pet owners who want to buy puppies, which are always genetically tested and health screened.

You can choose from profiles located throughout the entire country. Moreover, the company is committed to animal welfare, which means that they do background checks on their breeders thoroughly. The process of purchasing a healthy puppy is also seamless.

When it comes to drawbacks, there may be at times a lack of follow-up after the dog purchase. Sometimes, there is also a lack of information when communicating with them.

CitizenShipper: Your Pet Transportation Solution for Online Dog Buying

There are many websites out there — probably hundreds — that offer you the opportunity to buy a dog online. Some of them are safe and reputable, but others are scammers and just want your money. There are a few websites that are the best. These online puppy marketplaces offer so many benefits that make your life easier when choosing a puppy.

They offer you:

  • Offer a library of educational resources.
  • Detailed information about everything you want to know about the potential dog (or even cat) you want to buy.
  • The chance to buy a dog from a breeder or even a shelter or a rescue organization.

If you buy a pet from an out-of-state breeder or shelter/rescue organization, you will need to find a way to get it home. You can take the DIY approach and drive out to the breeder, bringing the pup back yourself. That takes time and money that you may not have.

What’s the alternative? You can hire a professional pet transporter through CitizenShipper’s marketplace. Our drivers are dog lovers who will treat your pet with loving care throughout the trek. Many of them have years of experience moving dogs across the country. It’s the safest, most humane way to get a dog to its destination.

Co Authors :