New York officials are urging families to slow down before adopting or buying a pet this holiday season as scam reports surge statewide.
The New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection says pet adoption scams are most commonly reported in December and January, when demand for puppies and kittens spikes.
State officials say scammers often use fake online ads featuring popular breeds at unusually low prices. Victims send payment, but the pet never arrives, or they receive a sick or different animal than promised.
“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,” Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said. “Too often, these scams leave New Yorkers without the pet they were promised and with little recourse to recover their funds.”
New law expands protections
The warning comes as a new state law takes effect expanding protections against abusive pet leasing contracts.
Pet leasing, which allows sellers to repossess animals if buyers miss payments, has been illegal in New York since 2018. As of Nov. 21, the ban now applies to online pet sales as well.
State officials say the change closes a loophole that allowed illegal leasing practices to continue online.
What pet buyers should know
New York law allows residents to adopt or purchase pets only from registered shelters and rescues, licensed pet dealers, or small breeders who sell fewer than 25 animals per year. Retail pet stores cannot sell dogs, cats, or rabbits.
Officials recommend researching sellers, meeting breeders in person or by live video, and avoiding unusual payment methods like gift cards or mobile payment apps.
Consumers should also be cautious of reused photos and reviews, which often signal online scams.
How to report a scam
State officials encourage anyone who believes they’ve encountered a pet scam 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.
Help is also available through the state’s Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220.
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