Help for new members
Getting started on PetListings.
PetListings is where people buying, adopting and rehoming animals find the people who have them. We don't take payments and we never handle the animal, so every deal is between you and the seller. This guide covers finding a pet, talking to a seller, and spotting the scams that turn up on every pet site, ours included.
Step 1
Finding a pet
Search by animal or breed, and use "Search by city or state" to see what's near you. Tap the heart on a listing to save it. Everything you've saved is in your Favorites.
Step 2
Talking to a seller
Message the seller from the listing. Your chats live in Messages.
Then ask for a phone or video call. A real seller is happy to talk, and you learn more in five minutes on a call than in a week of messages. Good things to ask:
How old is the animal, and can I see vet records?
Can I see the parents, or photos of them?
Why are you selling or rehoming?
Can I visit, or see the animal live on video?
Check the seller's profile for reviews from past buyers.
One thing to know: the verified badge means the seller confirmed their email address. That's all it means. We don't check ID, licences or premises.
Step 3
Before you pay anything
These are the signs that show up again and again in pet scams:
They won't get on the phone or a video call. Email or text only is the most common warning sign.
They want money before you've seen the animal, in person or live on video.
They ask for a wire transfer, gift cards or a reload card. Money sent that way works like cash. Once it's gone, you can't get it back.
New fees appear after you pay: shipping, a crate, a vet bill, insurance. Each one is "the last one".
The price is far below what the same breed sells for elsewhere.
The photos show up on other sites. Run a reverse image search on the listing photos before you send anything.
They're rushing you, with another buyer "about to pay" or a deposit needed today.
Step 4
Meeting and paying
- See the animal where it lives, or on a live video call, before you pay a deposit.
- Meet somewhere public, or at your vet's office. Bring someone with you.
- Agree the price, the deposit, and what happens if the animal turns out to be sick, in writing, before money moves. Return terms are up to each seller, so ask.
Step 5
If something feels wrong
Use Report listing on the listing or Report member on their profile. A moderator looks at every report. To stop someone contacting you, use Block on their profile or from the menu in the conversation.
If you've already lost money, call your bank or payment provider first, then report it:
- United States
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Canada
- the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, 1-888-495-8501
- England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- reportfraud.police.uk, or 0300 123 2040
- Scotland
- Police Scotland on 101
- Australia
- scamwatch.gov.au
- Anywhere else
- your local police