New York State officials are warning consumers to be on alert for pet scams as the holiday season approaches, citing thousands of complaints nationwide from people who lost money or received sick, stolen, or misrepresented animals.
The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection says scammers often exploit families’ excitement about adding a new pet. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, many victims pay for a pet that never arrives or receive an animal different from the one advertised.
“As families look to welcome a new pet during the holiday season, scammers are taking advantage of that excitement to steal money and deceive consumers,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. He urged New Yorkers to verify sellers, understand their rights, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said the Department of Agriculture and Markets works with law enforcement to protect animal welfare statewide and encouraged consumers to research sellers to ensure pets are healthy and safely placed.
Officials say online pet advertisements remain a major source of fraud. Scams often begin with ads featuring popular breeds at low prices, with promises of delivery to an airport or doorstep. Once payment is sent, the seller disappears. Another unlawful practice involves pet leasing, in which consumers make monthly payments to a third-party leasing company and do not own the animal until the lease is paid in full. These arrangements can include steep fees and allow pets to be repossessed for missed payments.
Pet leasing has been illegal in New York since 2018. As of November 21, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul expanded the ban to include online sales. The law builds on existing reforms to the pet industry, including the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, which prohibits retail pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits.
Under New York law, consumers may adopt or purchase pets only from registered animal shelters or rescues, small breeders who sell fewer than 25 animals per year, or licensed pet dealers. Retail pet stores may not sell dogs, cats, or rabbits, though they may partner with nonprofit rescues to offer adoptions.
To avoid pet scams, officials recommend adopting from registered shelters or rescues, researching breeders and licensed dealers, and being skeptical of low prices for popular breeds. Consumers are also advised to insist on meeting sellers in person or via live video call, avoid unusual payment methods such as gift cards or mobile payment apps, and conduct reverse image searches on pet photos to detect stolen images.
Anyone who believes they have encountered a pet scam or fallen victim to one is encouraged to report it to the Federal Trade Commission, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, or the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
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