Looking for a Pet: Advice and Scam Alerts

Deciding that you're ready for a pet can be very exciting, sometimes so exciting that rush, lose our heads and our hearts take over.  All too often this approach ends in tears, pain, and heartache.  It's really important that you're well informed, you take your time, and that you're cautious.  Here’s how to make sound choices, connect with reputable breeders, and avoid online scams.

 

Choosing the Right Pet for Your Lifestyle

Most of us have experienced the special bond and love we can have with a pet.  When taking on a new pet we have to assess what we have to offer a pet for the next 10-15 years, and the particular needs of the new pet.  We must fully understand what we're going to be responsible for. Take time to consider what type of pet will suit your lifestyle, and think about how much time you have for a pet (including more time needed for young pets), how a pet will work with your family (eg: children), what you do on weekends, where you travel, and your finances. Some pets (and breeds) need alot more time and resources than others.  Think goldfish versus Rottweiler!

Check out our Choosing a Pet page for detailed advice and checklists tailored to all kinds of pets. It’s important that you know exactly what your pet’s needs are going to be, and that you're confident you can provide a loving, stable home.

 

Should You Adopt or Choose a Breeder?

Deciding between adopting a pet or going through a breeder depends on your preferences and circumstances. Both options can lead to finding a wonderful companion, but it’s important to understand the differences:

Adoption: Rescue pets are always desexed and often older which can have alot of advantages (see more good reasons to adopt a pet).   It is a compassionate choice that gives an animal in need a second chance at a loving home.  Connect with trusted rescue groups to find pets looking for their forever home. 


Breeder: Responsible breeders can provide pets with known backgrounds, including health history and temperament. This can be helpful if you’re looking for specific traits or breeds to match your lifestyle.  They are also dedicated to finding the best homes for their pets and providing ongoing support, which helps prevent pets ending up in rescues. This important and often-overlooked aspect highlights the significant role that responsible breeders play in the pet community.  You can find and connect with our verified breeders here.

 
Whatever you choose, the key is ensuring your pet comes from a safe and ethical source. 

 

How to Find Responsible Breeders in Australia

Ensuring that a breeder is responsible is critical to enuring that the pet you are taking on is happy and well balanced in the long term. Ethical breeders focus on the health and welfare of their animals, providing clean, safe, and caring spaces where pets are raised with love and proper socialisation.

At Perfect Pets, we work hard to verify breeders to ensure they follow a code of ethics and are fully registered with appropriate councils and organisations. To learn more about identifying trustworthy breeders and what to look for, visit our Finding a Reputable Breeder page.

 

Scam Alerts: Stay Safe When Searching Online

Unfortunately, scams are common when looking for pets online, but Perfect Pets Scam Alert Feature is here to help. You can:


Being cautious and informed is the best way to protect yourself. For more tips, visit our Breeder ID Theft and Fighting Online Pet Scams article.

 

Breeder Complaints & Concerns

 their veterinary practice (if possible), and the appropriate authorities in your area (eg. RSPCA, Local Council). While we can and do control the breeders and other members that are listed on Perfect Pets, a lot of pet lovers contact us for advice about their experience with breeders that they've contacted via other platforms. These links and contacts are for anyone that has had a negative or concerning interaction with a breeder, rescue, or other pet service provider. It is critical that the relevant authorities and agencies are contacted so that they can take action in their jurisdiction if necessary.  

  

What to Do If You’re Worried About a Breeder

If anything is worrying about the conditions animals are kept in, or you suspect a breeder is involved in puppy farming (or kitten farming) please speak up.  Without complaints, the authorities responsible for handling these issues are often unaware or unable to act. Here are steps you can take:

  • Report your concerns to Perfect Pets - contact us.
  • Notify local authorities, such as the RSPCA or your local council.
  • If possible, inform the breeder’s veterinary practice.

 

Please refer to our Reporting Animal Cruelty page for a list of agencies Australia-wide to report concerns about a breeder or any type of animal cruelty.