Adopting From a Private Owner? Watch for These Red Flags

Scammers are out there. Here’s how to spot them.

A cautious adopter reviewing a pet listing on a laptop, with a phone nearby

If you’re considering applying for a pet listed by a private owner on FurPetVo, that’s great news. And while we want to expect the best, we also want to help you plan for the worst — scammers. Unfortunately, scammers will pose as people looking to rehome pets. We work hard behind the scenes to prevent that from happening, but there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself, too. Here are key warning signs to watch for.

1. Sounding Too Good to Be True

Pet adoption scammers often post listings for highly sought-after breeds or young, healthy pets to lure adopters into paying for a pet who doesn’t exist. They may pressure you to act quickly, dismiss your questions, or rush you through the process to seem urgent and legitimate. If the adoption seems too good to be true — like an unusually low fee, instant approval, or no screening at all — it probably is.

2. Asking for Personal or Financial Information

FurPetVo will only share your name, phone number, and email with the private owner. We’ll never ask you for additional personal details — and neither should they.

Here’s what to avoid:

  • Never fill out applications, forms, or payments on websites outside of furpetvo.com, except for the official “transfer of ownership” document provided directly by the private owner.
  • Never share financial information — including bank account numbers, credit card details, or login credentials.
  • Never disclose your full home address.
  • Never click links in unsolicited emails from private owners — they could lead to phishing sites or malware. Instead, use secure, third-party platforms like DocuSign or Adobe Acrobat Sign for digital documents.
Side-by-side comparison: a legitimate meet-and-greet at a park vs. a suspicious text conversation on a phone screen

3. Communicating in an “Off” Way

A legitimate private owner will contact you using the phone number and/or email you provided on your FurPetVo application. They should be willing — and eager — to speak by phone and arrange a safe, in-person meet-and-greet so you can get to know the pet before committing.

Watch for these red flags:

  • The owner refuses to talk on the phone or insists on communicating only via text or messaging apps.
  • Text messages feel generic, rushed, or contain odd grammar or inconsistencies.
  • You try calling the number back (from a blocked line, if preferred) and get no answer, a disconnected tone, or a response that feels vague or rehearsed.
  • They discourage or avoid meeting the pet in person before payment.

Always meet the pet face-to-face — and always choose a safe, public location. PetSmart, a local library parking lot, or a well-lit community center are excellent options. Never meet at your home or theirs.

4. Paying for the Adoption

FurPetVo will ask you to complete an application — but we will never ask for payment. If an adoption fee is listed, it goes directly to the current pet owner. However, you should never pay that fee upfront or skip essential safeguards.

Follow this trusted sequence:

  1. Meet the pet first: Schedule a meet-and-greet with both the pet and their caregiver — in person, in a public place.
  2. Meet for the exchange: The handoff meeting is when you’ll take possession of the pet and make your payment. This may happen during the same visit as the meet-and-greet or as a separate, scheduled event.
  3. Transfer ownership: Sign a formal “transfer of ownership” document — either printed or digitally signed — before any money changes hands.
  4. Agree on a payment method: Decide together on how payment will be made — and stick to it.
  5. Prefer in-person payments: Avoid sending money via CashApp, Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal unless you’re physically present with the pet and owner. Scammers often demand these methods *before* meeting — and once funds are sent, recovery is nearly impossible.
Two people exchanging a leash and paperwork at a sunny park bench, with a friendly dog sitting between them

Using these safe pet-adoption practices helps protect you from messy, stressful, or even dangerous situations. If anything feels off during your adoption journey with a private owner on FurPetVo, we’ve got your back — just reach out to our support team right away.

FurPetVo connects hopeful pet parents with shelters, rescues, and responsible rehomers — so more adoptable pets can find loving, lasting homes. Ready to begin your search? Start your pet adoption journey at furpetvo.com.

A joyful family walking their newly adopted dog along a tree-lined path, smiling and relaxed