Canonical: https://trytrusty.com/puppy-breeder/before-you-pay/ # How to check a puppy breeder before you pay. Check the seller, the records and the deposit terms before you fall for the photo. [Find the breeder on Trusty →](https://trytrusty.com/check?use_case=puppy-breeder)[Get the deposit checklist](#checklist) By Trusty · Reviewed October 19, 2026 · U.S. guideStart with the [FTC’s pet-scam guidance](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/getting-pet-avoid-scams). [Match the seller](#identity)[Read the records](#records)[Check the deposit](#deposit)[Your checklist](#checklist) Start with the breeder’s exact name and location. Compare them with independent records, ask to see the puppy and its circumstances, and get the deposit agreement in writing. A photo, a registration certificate or a missing search result cannot settle the decision on its own. ## Make sure every trail leads to the same seller. Write down the business name, the person selling the puppy, the city and state, the website, and any claimed license number. Compare the names on the advertisement, agreement and proposed payment recipient. If they differ, ask for a documented explanation before sending money. Search the seller’s name with “review,” “complaint” and “scam.” Read the underlying accounts and dates: a matching name may belong to somebody else. The [FTC’s pet-scam guidance](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/getting-pet-avoid-scams) recommends researching the seller and watching how payment is requested. Ask: “What legal name and address will be on our agreement, and who will receive the payment?” ## A USDA record is a piece of the picture. The [USDA APHIS Animal Care Public Search Tool](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-care/awa-services/usda-animal-care-public-search-tool) provides federal Animal Welfare Act facility and inspection information. Search using the seller’s exact details. Match the facility and location before treating a report as relevant. - IdentityDoes the facility name, location and certificate number belong to this seller? - DatesWhen did the inspection occur? Keep the inspection date separate from the date you looked it up. - FindingsOpen the original report. Read the observations and any later records rather than relying on a count alone. - GapsKeep “not found,” “unavailable” and “no findings in the records reviewed” separate. Not every breeder needs a federal license. Federal exemptions can apply, including to certain direct, in-person sales and small breeders. See [APHIS licensing guidance](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/graybook.pdf); state and local requirements can differ. A missing federal record alone does not establish unlawful activity. ### What Trusty’s public agent tools can fetch For puppy breeders, the tools can return APHIS inspection counts, dates and critical/non-critical counts. Current license status and individual report-item detail are unavailable in that tool. Use the original USDA source for the broader record. These summaries do not certify a breeder or establish the health of a puppy. [See the public tool’s coverage and connection details](https://trytrusty.com/for-agents/) Ask: “Which license or exemption applies to your operation, and where can I verify it independently?” ## Know what the deposit actually buys. Ask to see the puppy and discuss a visit or live conversation about where it is being raised. Ask for veterinary records, any claimed parent health-testing documents and a way to verify their issuer. Photos and paperwork can be copied; an unanswered question stays unanswered. Before paying, get the amount, the puppy being reserved, the remaining balance, refund conditions, pickup or transport arrangements, and the seller’s responsibilities in writing. Ask how any later charge would be agreed. Keep the advertisement, messages, agreement and receipt together. Pressure to pay immediately or a demand for a payment method that is hard to recover deserves a pause. The FTC warns about sellers insisting on gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency or wire transfers. [Read the FTC’s warning and reporting options.](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/getting-pet-avoid-scams) Ask: “If the puppy, timing or collection plan changes, exactly when is my deposit refundable?” ## Before the deposit, have these in hand. Use this as a question list. Ticking a box records your progress; it is not a safety score. - [ ] The seller’s name, location and payment recipient match—or the difference is documented. - [ ] I have checked the applicable records and kept their dates and limits. - [ ] I have asked to see the puppy and discussed where it is being raised. - [ ] I have requested the claimed veterinary and health-testing documents and verification details. - [ ] The written agreement states the deposit, remaining balance, refund conditions and collection plan. - [ ] I understand the payment method and have kept copies of the agreement and messages. Your checklist stays on this page. No answers are sent. ## Have a name? Start there. Bring the breeder’s exact business name and city. Keep unresolved details on your question list. [Find the breeder on Trusty →](https://trytrusty.com/check?use_case=puppy-breeder) [About checking breeders with Trusty](https://trytrusty.com/puppy-breeder/) · [Read or save the text version](https://trytrusty.com/puppy-breeder/before-you-pay/index.md) ## Sources and scope This guide combines the primary sources below with Trusty’s own checklist and research method. It assesses no named breeder. Requirements depend on the operation and location; a public record is not a guarantee of safety or animal health. - [Federal Trade Commission: Getting a pet? Avoid scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/getting-pet-avoid-scams) - [USDA APHIS: Animal Care Public Search Tool](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-care/awa-services/usda-animal-care-public-search-tool) - [USDA APHIS: Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/graybook.pdf) Considering adoption? The FTC also suggests a local rescue or shelter. Verify its identity and terms independently.