Lost pet scams and how to avoid them

When your pet is missing, you want to believe every call and message. Unfortunately, scammers know that, and they watch lost pet posts, flyers and listings for people to target. Knowing the common tricks lets you follow up on real sightings quickly without losing money or putting yourself at risk.

Common lost pet scams

• The “shipping fee” or “transport fee”. The caller says they found your pet far away, sometimes in another state, and will send it back if you pay for transport. Pets rarely travel that far, and a real finder will meet you or take the pet to a local shelter.
• The “reward first” demand. Someone says they have your pet but wants the reward, or part of it, before you see the animal. Once you pay, they stop answering.
• Payment by gift card, wire transfer or payment app. Scammers prefer payments that are fast and hard to reverse. A request for gift cards is a red flag on its own.
• The verification code trick. Someone says they want to “make sure you’re real” and asks you to read back a code sent to your phone. That code is used to take over your accounts. Never share a verification code with anyone.
• Fake “pet recovery” services. Calls, texts or messages offering to find your pet for an upfront fee, often with urgent pressure. Check who you’re dealing with before you pay for any service, and pay only through the company’s own website or phone line.
• Fake microchip renewal notices. Messages saying your pet’s chip record will expire unless you pay. Contact your registry directly instead. Read how microchip registration works.
• Phishing links. Messages with a link that says “Is this your pet?” and leads to a login page. Don’t enter passwords or card details through a link sent by a stranger.

Warning signs

• The caller won’t send a current photo or do a short video call.
• They can’t describe a detail you left out of your listing.
• They ask for money before you see your pet.
• The story keeps changing, or they say the pet is far away.
• They pressure you to act right now and keep things secret.
• They call from a number that won’t accept calls back, or want to talk only by text.

How to protect yourself

• Hold back one identifying detail. Leave a marking, a scar, a tag color or a quirk out of your listing and your flyer. Ask anyone who says they have your pet to describe it.
• Ask for a current photo or a video call. Ask for a photo with something specific in it, such as today’s newspaper or a note with your pet’s name, or a short live video call.
• Never pay before you have your pet. No deposit, no shipping, no fees. If you offered a reward, pay it only when your pet is back with you.
• Don’t post your home address. A phone number is enough on a flyer or listing.
• Use the information you looked up yourself. If a message claims to be from a shelter, vet or registry, find their number yourself and call them back.
• Keep a record. Save messages, numbers and screenshots. They help if you need to report a scam.

Meeting someone who says they found your pet

• Meet in a busy public place in daylight, such as a store parking lot or a police station lobby, or ask them to bring the pet to a local shelter or vet.
• Bring a friend or family member, and tell someone else where you’re going.
• Bring proof that the pet is yours: photos, vet records or the microchip number, so a vet or shelter can scan the pet if needed.
• If anything feels wrong, leave and contact your local police.

If you found a pet

Scams work both ways. Some people answer found pet posts to get an animal that isn’t theirs. Ask the person to describe a detail you left out, ask for photos or vet records, and consider handing the pet over at a shelter or animal control office. Read what to do when you find a pet.

If you think you’ve been scammed

• Stop all contact and don’t send any more money.
• Contact your bank, card issuer or payment app right away to ask if the payment can be stopped or disputed. If you paid with a gift card, contact the company that issued the card.
• Report it to your local police and to your country’s or state’s consumer protection office.
• Change your passwords if you clicked a link or shared a code, and turn on two-step sign-in for your email and other accounts.
• Warn others. Let your local lost and found groups know about the number or account that contacted you.

Keep looking, safely

Don’t let scammers make you stop answering calls. Most people who contact you will really be trying to help. Keep your listing current, browse lost and found pets in your area every day, and follow the steps in the first 24 hours. If you want more people in the area to hear about your pet, see our alert packages. Questions? Call us at 1-877-875-7387 or use the chat on our site.

More tips

Questions people ask

What is the most common lost pet scam?

Someone says they have your pet, often far away, and asks for money first, such as a shipping fee, a deposit or part of the reward.

How do I know if a caller really has my pet?

Keep one detail out of your listing and ask them to describe it, and ask for a current photo or a short video call before you meet.

Should I ever pay before I get my pet back?

No. Don't pay a deposit, a fee or a reward until your pet is back with you.

Someone asked me for a code sent to my phone. Should I share it?

No. Never share a verification code. It can be used to take over your accounts.

What should I do if I've been scammed?

Stop contact, call your bank or payment provider right away, report it to local police and consumer protection, and change your passwords if you clicked a link.