Why You Should Never Buy a Puppy from Kijiji or Craigslist

Buying a puppy through an online classified advertisement calls for more verification—not less. A listing on Kijiji, Craigslist or another marketplace does not, by itself, establish the seller's identity, breeding practices or the puppy's health. Nor does the platform alone prove that every seller is dishonest. Evaluate the actual breeder, records and conditions before paying a deposit.

This guide focuses on checking the listing and seller before money changes hands. For the broader warning signs of irresponsible breeding, read Puppy Mills in Canada: 12 Red Flags. For a complete breeder interview, follow our reputable breeder checklist.

Why classified puppy advertisements need extra scrutiny

Photographs, testimonials and promises can be copied or misrepresented. A seller may advertise a puppy they do not possess, omit important records or pressure buyers to send a deposit before verifying the litter. Conversely, an advertisement's location or asking price alone cannot establish that a breeder is irresponsible. Buyers need a verifiable account of where the puppy was raised and by whom.

Seven checks before you send a puppy deposit

1. Identify the person and breeding program. Ask for the breeder's full name, location and a consistent way to contact them. Compare details across their public presence and written agreement.
2. Confirm the puppy and parent dogs exist. Request a live, interactive conversation or other reasonable verification, while respecting the breeder's household privacy and biosecurity protocols.
3. Review breed-relevant health testing. Obtain results for the breeding dogs, not only a claim that the puppy has seen a veterinarian. Ask which DNA, orthopedic, eye, cardiac or other assessments apply to the breed. See our health-testing guide.
4. Ask how the puppies are raised. Discuss the adult dogs' welfare, puppy care, early experiences, temperament observations and the planned transition home.
5. Read the written contract. Confirm the puppy's identity, deposit conditions, health and registration provisions where applicable, and lifelong breeder-assist or return agreement. See our contract checklist.
6. Verify registration claims. Ask which registry applies to the breed and what documents will be provided; registration alone is not an ethical-breeding endorsement. Read Canadian breeder registries explained.
7. Do not let urgency replace due diligence. Beware requests to pay immediately, changing stories, unverifiable documents, and sellers who refuse reasonable questions.

What a deposit should—and should not—mean

A deposit may be part of a legitimate breeder's process, but it should follow a clear written understanding of the terms. Ask whether the deposit is refundable, when a puppy is assigned, what happens if no suitable puppy is available and how payments will be recorded. Keep copies of conversations and receipts. A high price does not prove quality, while a low price does not by itself establish abuse or fraud.

If a seller claims there is an emergency shipping, insurance or release fee after payment, stop and independently verify the request before paying further. For consumer fraud prevention and reporting in Canada, consult the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

What to do when information cannot be verified

Do not proceed with a deposit until your questions are reasonably answered. If records conflict, ask for clarification directly from the issuing organization or relevant professional. If the seller avoids the identity, health-testing or contract questions, consider another breeder or a reputable rescue. Do not assume that registration, a veterinary receipt or an attractive website alone establishes responsible practices.

Choosing a puppy with confidence

Start with a lifestyle match and an ethical breeding program, not a photograph or promotional deadline. Paw Privileges offers a Canadian breeder directory and educational resources, but families should still review individual records, contracts and suitability. Our ethical breeding welfare guide explains why adult-dog care, thoughtful placement and lifelong support matter beyond paperwork.

After bringing your puppy home, Paw Rewards provides age-, breed-, activity- and lifestyle-personalized training, from eight-week foundations through advanced K9 Working and elite pathways. Paw Rewards is 100% free with no premium tier; an active free app account is required to earn or redeem eligible Treats. Use the First 48 Hours With a New Puppy guide for the transition home.

Frequently asked questions

Are all puppies advertised on Kijiji or Craigslist from puppy mills?

No. The platform does not establish whether a specific breeder is responsible. The purpose of these checks is to verify the seller, dogs, records and practices rather than make assumptions from an advertisement alone.

Does a veterinary check mean the breeding dogs were health tested?

No. An individual puppy examination and the breed-relevant screening of the parents serve different purposes.

Can I trust a breeder simply because they have registry papers?

No. Registry documents establish certain pedigree or registration information; they are not a substitute for evaluating welfare, health screening and lifelong support.

A quick way to keep your checks organised

Make a small record for each seller: advertised puppy, breeder's name, location, parent-dog identities, documents received, questions still unanswered and the payment terms offered. Save the original listing and messages so you can compare any later changes with what was first promised.

For example, if the name on a proposed payment does not match the person in the agreement, ask why before proceeding. There may be an explanation, but you should be able to connect the seller, puppy, paperwork and payment recipient clearly. A record also makes it easier to describe a concern accurately if you need advice or want to report suspected fraud.